Technology Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

QA Engineer Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median qa engineer salary in Arlington, VA is $126,000 per year, which is 40.0% above the national median and 25.0% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$126,000
vs State Avg
+$25,200
vs National
+$36,000
Cost of Living
132%

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

Arlington offers a median qa engineer salary of $126,000, which is $25,200 above the Virginia state average of $100,800. Compared to the national median of $90,000, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $126,000 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $95,455. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for qa engineers in Arlington spans from $77,000 at the 10th percentile to $198,800 at the 90th percentile — a $121,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $81,200, while senior qa engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $189,000. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

QA Engineer Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level qa engineer earns around $81,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $189,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$81,200
+$23,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$128,800
+$36,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$189,000
+$54,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $77,000
25th Percentile $100,800
Median (50th) $126,000
75th Percentile $165,200
90th Percentile $198,800

QA Engineer Salary in Other Virginia Cities

How to Become a QA Engineer in Arlington

Education

Most qa engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Arlington and the surrounding Virginia 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 Arlington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find QA Engineer Jobs in Arlington

Browse open qa engineer positions in Arlington, VA:

Frequently Asked Questions: QA Engineer Salary in Arlington

How much does a QA Engineer make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median qa engineer salary in Arlington, Virginia is $126,000 per year, which is 40.0% above the national median of $90,000. Salaries range from $77,000 (10th percentile) to $198,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a QA Engineer make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $126,000, a qa engineer in Arlington earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for qa engineer pay? ▼
Arlington's median qa engineer salary of $126,000 is 25.0% above the Virginia state average of $100,800. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a qa engineer salary of $126,000 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a qa engineer in Arlington? ▼
Most qa engineer positions in Arlington 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.