QA Engineer Salary in Chicago, IL
How much does a qa engineer make in Chicago? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Chicago's cost of living.
Salary Breakdown by Experience Level
See how qa engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Chicago.
| Period | Entry Level | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $60,339 | $102,360 | $137,917 |
| Monthly | $5,028 | $8,530 | $11,493 |
| Biweekly | $2,321 | $3,937 | $5,305 |
| Weekly | $1,160 | $1,968 | $2,652 |
| Hourly | $29 | $49 | $66 |
Chicago vs National Average
How Chicago's qa engineer salaries compare to national figures.
Cost of Living in Chicago
About QA Engineer
Overview
Test software applications and systems to ensure quality and functionality.
Education
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field
Key Skills
Growth Rate
Expected job growth: +19% over the next decade
Compare Cities: QA Engineer Salary
See QA Engineer salaries in other top cities.
Financial Tools to Explore
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QA Engineer Salary in Chicago, IL — Complete Guide
Median Salary Overview
The median salary for a qa engineer in Chicago, IL is $102,360 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 112. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Chicago's unique economic conditions.
Salary Range and Experience Levels
Entry-level qa engineer professionals in Chicago can expect to earn around $60,339 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level qa engineers earning approximately $137,917 per year. This represents a 129% increase from entry to senior level.
Cost of Living Adjustment
Chicago's cost of living index of 112 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Chicago are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $96,620, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.
Housing and Affordability
A significant portion of a qa engineer's salary in Chicago typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,700 per month, housing represents about 19.9% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.
Career Growth and Opportunities
QA Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 19% over the next decade. In Chicago, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.