QA engineer salary in 2024

The role of quality assurance (QA) engineers is imperative. These professionals ensure seamless operation of software applications, and as technology advances, their demand increases, particularly for remote positions.

Remote work offers flexibility and can significantly influence earnings. However, concerns about QA engineer salaries in 2024 might confuse some professionals. We will explain everything about the salary, focusing on remote opportunities and shedding light on the factors that impact earning potential.

Becoming a remote QA engineer can be a good career path for professionals interested in the industry. However, before these professionals move forward with their recruitment, knowing what remote QA engineer jobs pay makes a difference.

The question “How much does a QA engineer make?” doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. According to recent data from ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a remote QA engineer in 2024 is approximately $96K/year. However, this figure is an approximation because the actual earnings can vary based on several factors.

For instance, when comparing QA engineer salaries with software developers’ salaries, negotiation skills matter, and effective negotiation can significantly impact earning potential. Familiarizing oneself with software engineer salary negotiation strategies can therefore be a game-changer in QA engineering compensation.

The QA average salary depends on various factors, such as the years of experience of the software engineer. For example, an entry-level professional might not make this amount at the start of their career. Most commonly, companies tend to mention a rough range of the salary in the job descriptions.

QA engineer salary by seniority

Distinct phases often mark the path of a QA engineer’s career, each influencing salary changes. Here’s a quick look at these different stages and respective salaries for QA engineers:

• Entry-level QA engineers

In the early stages, entry-level QA engineers typically start below the average salary. Their roles encompass learning the fundamentals of quality assurance, familiarizing themselves with testing frameworks, and gaining practical experience. At this phase, their focus is on honing their skills and building a solid foundation. These professionals earn an average of $82,943 per year.

• Mid-level QA engineers

As QA engineers transition from junior to mid-level roles, typically after around 2-5 years of experience, salary growth becomes more pronounced. The salary average is around $84,000 per year.

Mid-level QA engineers contribute more comprehensively to their teams. They provide increased proficiency in various testing methodologies and automation tools, along with a deeper understanding of the software development lifecycle.

• Senior QA engineers

The senior phase, achieved after approximately 5-10 years in the field, represents a pivotal point in a QA engineer’s career. This experience translates to a substantial leap in salary, often exceeding the $100,000 mark due to their demonstrated expertise and contributions. Senior QA engineers earn an average of $101,693 per year.

• QA leads and managers

Beyond the senior level, some QA engineers progress into specialized roles such as QA leads, managers, or even QA architects. These roles entail a holistic understanding of quality assurance principles and a strategic perspective on software development.

While the salary growth trajectory might not be as steep as in earlier phases, it reflects their increasing responsibilities and leadership roles. As QA leads, professionals may earn an average of $126,700 per year. This figure increases to $129,309 per year for QA engineering managers.

QA engineers guard software quality, ensuring apps run smoothly and users stay happy. However, when it comes to their paychecks, a lot comes into play. Let’s uncover the things that decide how much a QA engineer earns.

1. The industry

Where a QA engineer works matters a lot for their salary ranges. Different industries value QA work differently. Places like finance and healthcare, where tiny errors can become huge problems, pay more for QA skills.

2. Tech choices

QA engineers dive into different tech areas, from websites to apps and smart gadgets. Being an expert in a specific tech area can boost your paycheck. Companies will pay more if you know all about testing apps or devices because they need your skills.

3. Skills that shine

Imagine if you could make things work faster and smarter. QA engineers who are great at using special tools and methods to test software automatically are incredibly valuable. These skills can get you extra money because companies want your speedy help.

4. Interview and negotiation skills

Another key factor in the QA engineer’s salary is their negotiation skills. Thus, professionals need to learn how to negotiate salary after a job offer.

Even if a professional is in a senior position, they need the right resources. For example, getting the best of senior QA engineer interview questions and creating an attention-grabbing manual tester resume could be great assets to gain an edge in the job market.

5. Company size

Working for a big and famous company might mean a better paycheck, as big companies want top-notch QA engineers and are willing to pay more. However, startups might offer different perks, like company shares, which can compensate for a lower salary.

6. Moving up the career ladder

QA engineers have a career journey, and each step matters. When you’re just starting, you might earn less, but your salary can jump as you learn and grow (usually in 2-5 years). With 5-10 years under your belt, you can earn a lot as a senior QA engineer because you’ve got plenty of valuable experience.

7. Certificates and learning

Imagine showing a certificate proving you’re good at your QA job. Companies love that. Keeping up with new things in your field, like attending classes or tech conferences, can likewise make you more valuable and earn you more money.

Becoming a QA engineer is more than testing software; it’s about understanding how these factors combine to decide what you earn. It’s like a puzzle where the pieces are your skills, the industry, the tech you work with, and the place you work.

Our job platform empowers you to excel remotely. Focus on your skills, engage in diverse projects, and demonstrate your value to unlock rewarding salary potential. Join EPAM Anywhere to amplify your QA career journey.