Technology New York (NY) Rank #4 of 50

QA Engineer Salary in New York

The median qa engineer salary in New York is $118,800 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $90,000.

Median Salary
$118,800
vs National
+$28,800
State Rank
#4 of 50
Cost of Living
122%

QA Engineer Salary Overview in New York (2026)

New York ranks #4 out of 50 states for qa engineer compensation. This places New York in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for qa engineers seeking high pay. At $118,800 per year, qa engineers in New York earn $28,800 more than the national median of $90,000.

It's worth noting that New York's cost of living is 122% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $118,800 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $97,377.

The salary spread in New York is significant: qa engineers at the 10th percentile earn $72,600, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $187,440 — a $114,840 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New York for this role is New York City, where the median reaches $177,300.

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 York and beyond.

QA Engineer Salary in New York by Experience

In New York, an entry-level qa engineer earns around $76,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $178,200 per year. The cost of living index in New York is 122% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$76,560
+$18,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$121,440
+$29,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$178,200
+$43,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New York

Percentile NY Salary
10th Percentile $72,600
25th Percentile $95,040
Median (50th) $118,800
75th Percentile $155,760
90th Percentile $187,440

QA Engineer Salary by City in New York

The largest employment areas for qa engineers in New York include New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, and Yonkers. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a QA Engineer in New York

Education

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

Key Skills

Test AutomationSeleniumJIRASQLAPI TestingAgile

Job Outlook in New York

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: QA Engineer Salary in New York

How much does a QA Engineer make in New York? ▼
The median qa engineer salary in New York is $118,800 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $90,000. Salaries range from $72,600 (10th percentile) to $187,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a QA Engineer make per hour in New York? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $118,800, a qa engineer in New York earns approximately $57 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New York a good state for qa engineers? ▼
New York ranks #4 out of 50 states for qa engineer pay. The cost of living index is 122% of the national average. Entry-level qa engineers earn $76,560, while senior professionals earn $178,200.
How does New York compare to other states for qa engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for qa engineers is Hawaii at $148,500. New York's median of $118,800 ranks #4 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($137,700) and Massachusetts ($130,500).
What is the entry-level qa engineer salary in New York? ▼
An entry-level qa engineer in New York earns approximately $76,560 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $121,440. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $178,200.
What city in New York pays qa engineers the most? ▼
New York City is the highest paying city in New York for qa engineers, with a median salary of $177,300. Other cities include Buffalo and Rochester.