QA Engineer Salary in San Francisco (2026)
Quick Answer
How much does qa engineer in San Francisco make?
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In 2026, QA Engineers in San Francisco earn competitive salaries, with compensation varying based on experience and company. The city's high cost of living is a significant factor influencing these salary ranges.
Key Facts
- QA Engineer salaries in San Francisco range from $100,000 to $230,000. ([builtin.com](https://builtin.com/salaries/us/san-francisco-ca/qa-engineer?utm_source=openai))
- The median salary for QA Engineers is approximately $128,000. ([builtin.com](https://builtin.com/salaries/us/san-francisco-ca/qa-engineer?utm_source=openai))
- San Francisco's cost of living index is 188.5, significantly above the national average. ([lonestar.edu](https://www.lonestar.edu/economicdevelopment/documents/08B%20W002%20Data--C2ER%20Cost%20of%20Living%20Index%20Comparisons.pdf?utm_source=openai))
- Top employers include Apple, Cisco, and LendingClub.
- Key skills like Test Automation and programming languages such as Java and Python can enhance earning potential.
Salary by Experience Level
Junior QA Engineer: Approximately $85,049 per year. (indeed.com)
Mid-Level QA Engineer: Around $103,851 per year. (payscale.com)
Senior QA Engineer: Approximately $137,724 per year. (indeed.com)
Lead QA Engineer: Salaries can reach up to $185,000 annually. (indeed.com)
How San Francisco Compares
San Francisco's cost of living index is 188.5, significantly higher than the national average of 100. (lonestar.edu) This elevated cost is primarily due to housing expenses, which are 351.8% above the national average. (lonestar.edu) Consequently, while QA Engineer salaries in San Francisco are higher than in many other cities, the increased living costs can offset these earnings.
Skills That Command Premium
Test Automation: Proficiency in automation tools like Selenium can significantly enhance earning potential.
Programming Languages: Knowledge of languages such as Java and Python is highly valued.
Agile Methodologies: Experience with Agile frameworks can lead to higher salaries.
Work Culture & Benefits
Top companies in San Francisco offer comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, stock options, and flexible work arrangements. The tech industry's emphasis on innovation and collaboration contributes to a dynamic work environment.
Top Hiring Companies
Career Advice
To maximize your earning potential as a QA Engineer in San Francisco, focus on developing expertise in test automation tools and programming languages. Additionally, consider negotiating for comprehensive benefits to offset the high cost of living.
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QA Engineer Insights — San Francisco
QA Engineer salaries in San Francisco range from $100,000 to $230,000, a 102% spread that reflects significant variation based on experience level, specialization, and company size. The median of $128,000 sits below the midpoint, suggesting more positions cluster toward the entry-to-mid-level end of the range.
San Francisco's cost of living index of 100/100 makes it one of the more expensive locations for tech professionals. While the $128,000 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 San Francisco is anchored by employers like Apple, Cisco, and LendingClub, 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 San Francisco centers around expertise in Test Automation, Selenium, Java, plus 2 other core competencies. Candidates with strong proficiency across these areas tend to command offers closer to the $230,000 ceiling, and have natural transition paths into roles like Software Test Engineer or QA Analyst.
Related Roles in San Francisco
Explore salary information for similar positions and compare compensation across different roles.
| Role | Location | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Engineer | San Francisco | $111,803 - $312,614 | $186,953 |
| Data Scientist | San Francisco | $108,000 - $198,100 | $147,000 |
| Software Engineer | San Francisco | $116,240 - $251,737 | $171,061 |
| Data Engineer | San Francisco | $107,180 - $300,000 | $171,054 |
| Full Stack Developer | San Francisco | $122,405 - $206,683 | $158,000 |
QA Engineer Salaries by City
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a QA Engineer in San Francisco?
The average salary for a QA Engineer in San Francisco is approximately $139,986 per year. ([builtin.com](https://builtin.com/salaries/us/san-francisco-ca/qa-engineer?utm_source=openai))
How does the cost of living in San Francisco affect QA Engineer salaries?
While QA Engineer salaries in San Francisco are higher than the national average, the city's cost of living index of 188.5 means that a significant portion of income may go towards housing and other expenses. ([lonestar.edu](https://www.lonestar.edu/economicdevelopment/documents/08B%20W002%20Data--C2ER%20Cost%20of%20Living%20Index%20Comparisons.pdf?utm_source=openai))
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Data Source & Methodology
Salary data for qa engineer in San Francisco is compiled from multiple verified sources including:
- Public salary reports from major tech employers (FAANG, Fortune 500, and high-growth startups)
- Government labor statistics and occupational wage surveys
- Aggregated self-reported compensation data from verified professionals
- Job posting analysis from major tech job boards and company career pages
All figures represent base salary in USD and are normalized to annual equivalents. Ranges reflect the 25th to 75th percentile of reported compensation, while median values represent the 50th percentile. Data is updated quarterly to reflect current market conditions.
Last updated: April 2026 | Sample size: Varies by role and location (minimum 30 data points required for publication)