Technology Rhode Island (RI) Rank #14 of 50

QA Engineer Salary in Rhode Island

The median qa engineer salary in Rhode Island is $95,400 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $90,000.

Median Salary
$95,400
vs National
+$5,400
State Rank
#14 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

QA Engineer Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #14 out of 50 states for qa engineer compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for qa engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $95,400 per year, qa engineers in Rhode Island earn $5,400 more than the national median of $90,000.

Rhode Island's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning qa engineer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: qa engineers at the 10th percentile earn $58,300, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $150,520 — a $92,220 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Rhode Island for this role is Providence, where the median reaches $98,100.

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 Rhode Island and beyond.

QA Engineer Salary in Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level qa engineer earns around $61,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $143,100 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,480
+$3,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$97,520
+$5,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$143,100
+$8,100 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

Percentile RI Salary
10th Percentile $58,300
25th Percentile $76,320
Median (50th) $95,400
75th Percentile $125,080
90th Percentile $150,520

QA Engineer Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for qa engineers in Rhode Island include Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a QA Engineer in Rhode Island

Education

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

Key Skills

Test AutomationSeleniumJIRASQLAPI TestingAgile

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: QA Engineer Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a QA Engineer make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median qa engineer salary in Rhode Island is $95,400 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $90,000. Salaries range from $58,300 (10th percentile) to $150,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a QA Engineer make per hour in Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $95,400, a qa engineer in Rhode Island earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for qa engineers? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #14 out of 50 states for qa engineer pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level qa engineers earn $61,480, while senior professionals earn $143,100.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for qa engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for qa engineers is Hawaii at $148,500. Rhode Island's median of $95,400 ranks #14 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Virginia ($100,800) and New Hampshire ($96,300).
What is the entry-level qa engineer salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level qa engineer in Rhode Island earns approximately $61,480 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $97,520. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $143,100.
What city in Rhode Island pays qa engineers the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for qa engineers, with a median salary of $98,100. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.