Technology New Jersey (NJ) Rank #7 of 50

QA Engineer Salary in New Jersey

The median qa engineer salary in New Jersey is $108,900 per year, which is 21.0% above the national median of $90,000.

Median Salary
$108,900
vs National
+$18,900
State Rank
#7 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

QA Engineer Salary Overview in New Jersey (2026)

New Jersey ranks #7 out of 50 states for qa engineer compensation. This places New Jersey in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for qa engineers seeking high pay. At $108,900 per year, qa engineers in New Jersey earn $18,900 more than the national median of $90,000.

It's worth noting that New Jersey's cost of living is 115% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $108,900 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $94,696.

The salary spread in New Jersey is significant: qa engineers at the 10th percentile earn $66,550, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $171,820 — a $105,270 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New Jersey for this role is Jersey City, where the median reaches $120,600.

Nationally, qa engineer employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in New Jersey and beyond.

QA Engineer Salary in New Jersey by Experience

In New Jersey, an entry-level qa engineer earns around $70,180, while experienced professionals earn up to $163,350 per year. The cost of living index in New Jersey is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,180
+$12,180 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$111,320
+$19,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$163,350
+$28,350 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New Jersey

Percentile NJ Salary
10th Percentile $66,550
25th Percentile $87,120
Median (50th) $108,900
75th Percentile $142,780
90th Percentile $171,820

QA Engineer Salary by City in New Jersey

The largest employment areas for qa engineers in New Jersey include Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Elizabeth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a QA Engineer in New Jersey

Education

Most qa engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. New Jersey has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Test AutomationSeleniumJIRASQLAPI TestingAgile

Job Outlook in New Jersey

Nationally, qa engineer employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). New Jersey's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Data shows QA Engineers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $54,450 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: QA Engineer Salary in New Jersey

How much does a QA Engineer make in New Jersey? ▼
The median qa engineer salary in New Jersey is $108,900 per year, which is 21.0% above the national median of $90,000. Salaries range from $66,550 (10th percentile) to $171,820 (90th percentile).
How much does a QA Engineer make per hour in New Jersey? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $108,900, a qa engineer in New Jersey earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Jersey a good state for qa engineers? ▼
New Jersey ranks #7 out of 50 states for qa engineer pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level qa engineers earn $70,180, while senior professionals earn $163,350.
How does New Jersey compare to other states for qa engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for qa engineers is Hawaii at $148,500. New Jersey's median of $108,900 ranks #7 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Washington ($114,300) and Alaska ($108,900).
What is the entry-level qa engineer salary in New Jersey? ▼
An entry-level qa engineer in New Jersey earns approximately $70,180 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $111,320. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $163,350.
What city in New Jersey pays qa engineers the most? ▼
Jersey City is the highest paying city in New Jersey for qa engineers, with a median salary of $120,600. Other cities include Newark and Paterson.