Android Developer vs QA Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Android Developer
Build native applications for Android devices.
QA Engineer
Design and execute test strategies to ensure software quality.
Android Developer earns more on average — the national median is $31,680/year (30%) higher than a QA Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Android Developer vs QA Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Android Developer | QA Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $199,895 | $151,085 | Android +$48,810 |
| New York, NY | $162,536 | $126,759 | Android +$35,777 |
| Seattle, WA | $196,429 | $150,155 | Android +$46,274 |
| Austin, TX | $149,692 | $114,009 | Android +$35,683 |
| Chicago, IL | $146,963 | $115,087 | Android +$31,876 |
| Boston, MA | $172,594 | $133,460 | Android +$39,134 |
| London, UK | £106,023 | £82,816 | Android +$23,207 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$183,297 | CA$136,813 | Android +$46,484 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Android Developer or QA Engineer earn more?+
A Android Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Android Developer is $135,980/year, compared to $104,300/year for a QA Engineer — a difference of $31,680 (30%).
Which has better career growth — Android Developer or QA Engineer?+
Android Developer roles are growing at 18% YoY while QA Engineer demand is growing at 12% YoY. Android Developer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Android Developer to QA Engineer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Android Developer or QA Engineer?+
Android Developer has a lower AI automation risk (42% vs 62%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.