Engineering Compensation Profile
QA & Test Automation Engineer Salary by City & Relocation Guide
Writes automated test suites, end-to-end testing scripts, and ensures high software release quality. Explore how QA & Test Automation Engineer salaries compare across major U.S. and global metros after adjusting for local cost of living and state taxes.
10th Percentile
$62,000
Entry level
25th Percentile
$78,000
Early career
National Median
$102,000
Benchmark avg
75th Percentile
$128,000
Senior level
90th Percentile
$156,000
Lead / Staff
Top Highest Paying Cities
1
San Jose / Silicon Valley, California
COL Index: 190
$147,900
median/yr
2
San Francisco, California
COL Index: 185
$144,840
median/yr
3
New York City, New York
COL Index: 195
$140,760
median/yr
4
Boston, Massachusetts
COL Index: 158
$130,560
median/yr
5
Washington, District of Columbia
COL Index: 154
$128,520
median/yr
Best Purchasing Power (Geographic Arbitrage)
1
Indianapolis, Indiana
0% or Low State Tax
$108,511
adjusted purchasing power
2
Kansas City, Missouri
0% or Low State Tax
$108,442
adjusted purchasing power
3
Columbus, Ohio
0% or Low State Tax
$108,375
adjusted purchasing power
4
San Antonio, Texas
0% or Low State Tax
$106,163
adjusted purchasing power
5
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
0% or Low State Tax
$106,163
adjusted purchasing power
Compare QA & Test Automation Engineer Across City Pairs
Select any pair below to view full break-even formulas, tax rates, and cost-of-living breakdowns.
San FranciscovsSan Jose (Silicon Valley)
San FranciscovsSeattle
San Jose (Silicon Valley)vsSan Francisco
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Los AngelesvsSan Francisco
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San DiegovsSan Francisco
San DiegovsSan Jose (Silicon Valley)
PortlandvsSan Francisco
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SacramentovsSan Francisco
SacramentovsSan Jose (Silicon Valley)
AustinvsSan Francisco
AustinvsSan Jose (Silicon Valley)
Dallas-Fort WorthvsSan Francisco
Dallas-Fort WorthvsSan Jose (Silicon Valley)
HoustonvsSan Francisco
HoustonvsSan Jose (Silicon Valley)
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