QA Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 compensation data for QA Engineer positions in San Francisco, CA. Ranges from $78,000 (entry-level) to $223,000 (senior). Median: $135,000.
Median (Mid)
$135,000
$64.9/hr
vs National
+2%
US: $132,000
COL Index
180
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$223,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $78,000 | $95,000 | $115,000 | $45.67/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $111,000 | $135,000 | $162,000 | $64.9/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $155,000 | $186,000 | $223,000 | $89.42/hr |
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A mid-level qa engineer earning $135,000 in San Francisco has the same buying power as $75,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 180).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About QA Engineer Salaries in San Francisco
Design test plans, build test automation, and own quality across web, mobile, and API surfaces. This page covers qa engineer compensation specifically in San Francisco, CA.
The median qa engineer salary in San Francisco, CA is $135,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 2% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 180 (national average = 100), San Francisco offers a high cost of living that partially offsets the salary premium.
Entry-level qa engineers in San Francisco can expect to earn between $78,000 and $115,000 (about $45.67/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $223,000 ($223K annually, or about $107.21/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like San Francisco.
Frequently Asked Questions: QA Engineer Salary in San Francisco
What is the average QA Engineer salary in San Francisco?+
The average QA Engineer salary in San Francisco is $135,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $95,000 and senior-level pay reaches $186,000.
How much does an entry-level qa engineer make in San Francisco?+
Entry-level qa engineers in San Francisco earn between $78,000 and $115,000, with a median of $95,000 per year (about $45.67/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a QA Engineer in San Francisco?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a QA Engineer in San Francisco earns roughly $45.67/hour at entry-level, $64.9/hour at mid-level, and $89.42/hour at senior-level.
Is the QA Engineer salary in San Francisco higher than the US average?+
Yes — QA Engineer salaries in San Francisco are about 2% higher than the US national median of $132,000.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
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