QA Engineer Salary in New York (2026)
In 2026, QA Engineers in New York can expect salaries ranging from $71,730 to $171,319, with a median of $110,855. These figures reflect the high demand and cost of living in the city.
Key Facts
- Median QA Engineer salary in New York is $110,855.
- Top earners can make up to $171,319 annually.
- Cost of living index in New York is 100.
- Lead QA Engineers earn between $140,000 and $175,000.
- Proficiency in automation tools and programming languages increases salary potential.
Salary by Experience Level
- Junior QA Engineer: Approximately $67,466 per year.
- Mid-Level QA Engineer: Around $110,855 per year.
- Senior QA Engineer: About $132,702 per year.
- Lead QA Engineer: Between $140,000 and $175,000 per year.
How New York Compares
New York's average QA Engineer salary of $110,855 is higher than many other U.S. cities. For instance, in Los Angeles, the average is $69,000, and in Chicago, it's $60,000. This disparity is largely due to New York's higher cost of living and demand for tech talent.
Skills That Command Premium
Proficiency in automation tools like Selenium, programming languages such as Java, and familiarity with Agile methodologies can significantly boost a QA Engineer's earning potential in New York.
Work Culture & Benefits
Top companies in New York offer competitive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development. The city's diverse tech ecosystem provides ample networking and career advancement opportunities.
Top Hiring Companies
Career Advice
To maximize earning potential, QA Engineers should focus on developing automation skills and staying updated with industry trends. Networking within New York's tech community can also open doors to higher-paying opportunities.
QA Engineer Insights — New York
QA Engineer salaries in New York range from $71,730 to $171,319, a 90% spread that reflects significant variation based on experience level, specialization, and company size. The median of $110,855 sits below the midpoint, suggesting more positions cluster toward the entry-to-mid-level end of the range.
New York's cost of living index of 100/100 makes it one of the more expensive locations for tech professionals. While the $110,855 median is competitive, housing and daily expenses consume a larger share of income compared to lower-cost cities.
The hiring landscape for qa engineer in New York is anchored by employers like Intercontinental Exchange, RegenLab USA, and Vestwell, along with 2 other notable employers. Larger employers in this market typically offer compensation at the upper end of the range, often supplemented with equity, signing bonuses, and comprehensive benefits.
Demand for qa engineer in New York centers around expertise in Automation Testing, Manual Testing, Selenium, plus 2 other core competencies. Candidates with strong proficiency across these areas tend to command offers closer to the $171,319 ceiling, and have natural transition paths into roles like Software Test Engineer or QA Analyst.
Related Roles in New York
Explore salary information for similar positions and compare compensation across different roles.
| Role | Location | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| UX Designer | New York | $106,103 - $144,154 | $121,244 |
| Cloud Architect | New York | $115,169 - $223,539 | $160,452 |
| Product Manager | New York | $104,000 - $214,000 | $134,628 |
| Android Developer | New York | $96,560 - $278,501 | $163,988 |
| ML Engineer | New York | $140,000 - $267,000 | $189,063 |
| Software Engineer |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a QA Engineer in New York?
The average salary for a QA Engineer in New York is $110,855 per year.
Which companies are hiring QA Engineers in New York?
Companies like Intercontinental Exchange, RegenLab USA, and Vestwell are actively hiring QA Engineers in New York.
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