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QA Engineer Salary in San Jose, CA

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

Median Salary
$165,700
per year in San Jose
Entry Level
$97,676
Starting salary
Senior Level
$223,259
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
182
82% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$97,676$165,700$223,259
Monthly$8,140$13,808$18,605
Biweekly$3,757$6,373$8,587
Weekly$1,878$3,187$4,293
Hourly$47$80$107

San Jose vs National Average

How San Jose's qa engineer salaries compare to national figures.

San Jose Salary
$165,700
COL Index: 182
National Average
$96,620
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$69,080
Higher in San Jose

Cost of Living in San Jose

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,800
per month
Median Income
$95,634
per year
Population
1,021,795
residents
Rent % of Income
35.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 182 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in San Jose 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
-27%
Los Angeles, CA
$106,400
-36%
Chicago, IL
$102,360
-38%
Houston, TX
$99,800
-40%
Phoenix, AZ
$103,890
-37%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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QA Engineer Salary in San Jose, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a qa engineer in San Jose, CA is $165,700 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 182. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering San Jose's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level qa engineer professionals in San Jose can expect to earn around $97,676 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level qa engineers earning approximately $223,259 per year. This represents a 129% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

San Jose's cost of living index of 182 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in San Jose 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 San Jose typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,800 per month, housing represents about 20.3% 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 San Jose, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. 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.