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QA Engineer Salary in Chico, CA

How much does a qa engineer make in Chico? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Chico's cost of living.

Median Salary
$142,225
per year in Chico
Entry Level
$83,838
Starting salary
Senior Level
$191,629
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
115
15% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how qa engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Chico.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$83,838$142,225$191,629
Monthly$6,987$11,852$15,969
Biweekly$3,225$5,470$7,370
Weekly$1,612$2,735$3,685
Hourly$40$68$92

Chico vs National Average

How Chico's qa engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Chico Salary
$142,225
COL Index: 115
National Average
$96,620
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$45,605
Higher in Chico

Cost of Living in Chico

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,700
per month
Median Income
$51,234
per year
Population
92,155
residents
Rent % of Income
39.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 115 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Chico have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

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

Test AutomationSeleniumManual TestingBug Tracking

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +19% over the next decade

Compare Cities: QA Engineer Salary

See QA Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$121,520
-15%
Los Angeles, CA
$106,400
-25%
Chicago, IL
$102,360
-28%
Houston, TX
$99,800
-30%
Phoenix, AZ
$103,890
-27%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a qa engineer salary in Chico.

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Cost of Living Calculator

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QA Engineer Salary in Chico, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a qa engineer in Chico, CA is $142,225 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 115. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Chico's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level qa engineer professionals in Chico can expect to earn around $83,838 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level qa engineers earning approximately $191,629 per year. This represents a 129% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Chico's cost of living index of 115 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Chico 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 Chico typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,700 per month, housing represents about 14.3% 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 Chico, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.