Technology Wisconsin (WI) Rank #30 of 50

QA Engineer Salary in Wisconsin

The median qa engineer salary in Wisconsin is $82,800 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $90,000.

Median Salary
$82,800
vs National
$-7,200
State Rank
#30 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

QA Engineer Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #30 out of 50 states for qa engineer compensation. QA Engineer salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $82,800 per year, qa engineers in Wisconsin earn $7,200 less than the national median of $90,000.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $82,800 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $90,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: qa engineers at the 10th percentile earn $50,600, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $130,640 — a $80,040 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Wisconsin for this role is Madison, 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 Wisconsin and beyond.

QA Engineer Salary in Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level qa engineer earns around $53,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,200 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,360
$-4,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$84,640
$-7,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,200
$-10,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $50,600
25th Percentile $66,240
Median (50th) $82,800
75th Percentile $108,560
90th Percentile $130,640

QA Engineer Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for qa engineers in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a QA Engineer in Wisconsin

Education

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

Key Skills

Test AutomationSeleniumJIRASQLAPI TestingAgile

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

Nationally, qa engineer employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Wisconsin'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 $41,400 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: QA Engineer Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a QA Engineer make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median qa engineer salary in Wisconsin is $82,800 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $90,000. Salaries range from $50,600 (10th percentile) to $130,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a QA Engineer make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $82,800, a qa engineer in Wisconsin earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for qa engineers? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #30 out of 50 states for qa engineer pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level qa engineers earn $53,360, while senior professionals earn $124,200.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for qa engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for qa engineers is Hawaii at $148,500. Wisconsin's median of $82,800 ranks #30 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Idaho ($84,600) and New Mexico ($83,700).
What is the entry-level qa engineer salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level qa engineer in Wisconsin earns approximately $53,360 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $84,640. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $124,200.
What city in Wisconsin pays qa engineers the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for qa engineers, with a median salary of $90,000. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.