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QA Engineer Salary in Helena, MT

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

Median Salary
$81,431
per year in Helena
Entry Level
$48,002
Starting salary
Senior Level
$109,718
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
98
2% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$48,002$81,431$109,718
Monthly$4,000$6,786$9,143
Biweekly$1,846$3,132$4,220
Weekly$923$1,566$2,110
Hourly$23$39$53

Helena vs National Average

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

Helena Salary
$81,431
COL Index: 98
National Average
$96,620
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$15,189
Lower in Helena

Cost of Living in Helena

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,050
per month
Median Income
$54,620
per year
Population
33,124
residents
Rent % of Income
23.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 98 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Helena 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
+49%
Los Angeles, CA
$106,400
+31%
Chicago, IL
$102,360
+26%
Houston, TX
$99,800
+23%
Phoenix, AZ
$103,890
+28%

Financial Tools to Explore

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QA Engineer Salary in Helena, MT — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a qa engineer in Helena, MT is $81,431 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 98. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Helena's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level qa engineer professionals in Helena can expect to earn around $48,002 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level qa engineers earning approximately $109,718 per year. This represents a 129% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Helena's cost of living index of 98 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Helena 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 Helena typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,050 per month, housing represents about 15.5% 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 Helena, 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.