Technology Houston, TX Pop. 2,304,580

QA Engineer Salary in Houston, Texas

The median qa engineer salary in Houston, TX is $91,800 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 4.1% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$91,800
vs State Avg
+$3,600
vs National
+$1,800
Cost of Living
96%

QA Engineer Pay in Houston: What to Expect (2026)

Houston offers a median qa engineer salary of $91,800, which is $3,600 above the Texas state average of $88,200. Compared to the national median of $90,000, Houston pays above average for this role.

Houston's cost of living is 96% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for qa engineers in Houston spans from $56,100 at the 10th percentile to $144,840 at the 90th percentile — a $88,740 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,160, while senior qa engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $137,700. As a major metro area with a population of 2,304,580, Houston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

QA Engineer Salary in Houston by Experience

In Houston, an entry-level qa engineer earns around $59,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $137,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,160
+$1,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$93,840
+$1,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$137,700
+$2,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Houston, TX

Percentile Houston
10th Percentile $56,100
25th Percentile $73,440
Median (50th) $91,800
75th Percentile $120,360
90th Percentile $144,840

QA Engineer Salary in Other Texas Cities

How to Become a QA Engineer in Houston

Education

Most qa engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Houston and the surrounding Texas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Test AutomationSeleniumJIRASQLAPI TestingAgile

Job Outlook

Nationally, qa engineer employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Houston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find QA Engineer Jobs in Houston

Browse open qa engineer positions in Houston, TX:

Frequently Asked Questions: QA Engineer Salary in Houston

How much does a QA Engineer make in Houston, TX? ▼
The median qa engineer salary in Houston, Texas is $91,800 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $90,000. Salaries range from $56,100 (10th percentile) to $144,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a QA Engineer make per hour in Houston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $91,800, a qa engineer in Houston earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Houston compare to the Texas state average for qa engineer pay? ▼
Houston's median qa engineer salary of $91,800 is 4.1% above the Texas state average of $88,200. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Houston, TX? ▼
Houston has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a qa engineer salary of $91,800 in Houston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a qa engineer in Houston? ▼
Most qa engineer positions in Houston require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Test Automation, Selenium, JIRA, SQL. The job market is projected to grow 15% nationally over the next decade.