Technology Tennessee (TN) Rank #34 of 50

QA Engineer Salary in Tennessee

The median qa engineer salary in Tennessee is $80,100 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $90,000.

Median Salary
$80,100
vs National
$-9,900
State Rank
#34 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

QA Engineer Salary Overview in Tennessee (2026)

Tennessee ranks #34 out of 50 states for qa engineer compensation. QA Engineer salaries in Tennessee are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $80,100 per year, qa engineers in Tennessee earn $9,900 less than the national median of $90,000.

A key advantage of working in Tennessee is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $80,100 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $90,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Tennessee is significant: qa engineers at the 10th percentile earn $48,950, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $126,380 — a $77,430 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Tennessee for this role is Nashville, where the median reaches $90,000.

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 Tennessee and beyond.

QA Engineer Salary in Tennessee by Experience

In Tennessee, an entry-level qa engineer earns around $51,620, while experienced professionals earn up to $120,150 per year. The cost of living index in Tennessee is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,620
$-6,380 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,880
$-10,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$120,150
$-14,850 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Tennessee

Percentile TN Salary
10th Percentile $48,950
25th Percentile $64,080
Median (50th) $80,100
75th Percentile $105,020
90th Percentile $126,380

QA Engineer Salary by City in Tennessee

The largest employment areas for qa engineers in Tennessee include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a QA Engineer in Tennessee

Education

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

Key Skills

Test AutomationSeleniumJIRASQLAPI TestingAgile

Job Outlook in Tennessee

Nationally, qa engineer employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Tennessee'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 $40,050 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: QA Engineer Salary in Tennessee

How much does a QA Engineer make in Tennessee? ▼
The median qa engineer salary in Tennessee is $80,100 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $90,000. Salaries range from $48,950 (10th percentile) to $126,380 (90th percentile).
How much does a QA Engineer make per hour in Tennessee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,100, a qa engineer in Tennessee earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Tennessee a good state for qa engineers? ▼
Tennessee ranks #34 out of 50 states for qa engineer pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level qa engineers earn $51,620, while senior professionals earn $120,150.
How does Tennessee compare to other states for qa engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for qa engineers is Hawaii at $148,500. Tennessee's median of $80,100 ranks #34 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Michigan ($81,000) and Ohio ($81,000).
What is the entry-level qa engineer salary in Tennessee? ▼
An entry-level qa engineer in Tennessee earns approximately $51,620 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $81,880. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $120,150.
What city in Tennessee pays qa engineers the most? ▼
Nashville is the highest paying city in Tennessee for qa engineers, with a median salary of $90,000. Other cities include Memphis and Knoxville.