Data Scientist vs QA Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Data Scientist
Analyse large datasets and build predictive models to drive decisions.
QA Engineer
Design and execute test strategies to ensure software quality.
Data Scientist earns more on average — the national median is $15,930/year (15%) higher than a QA Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Scientist vs QA Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Scientist | QA Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $176,777 | $151,085 | Data +$25,692 |
| New York, NY | $135,980 | $126,759 | Data +$9,221 |
| Seattle, WA | $173,186 | $150,155 | Data +$23,031 |
| Austin, TX | $130,733 | $114,009 | Data +$16,724 |
| Chicago, IL | $132,415 | $115,087 | Data +$17,328 |
| Boston, MA | $156,115 | $133,460 | Data +$22,655 |
| London, UK | £78,216 | £82,816 | Data $4,600 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,265 | CA$136,813 | Data $2,548 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Scientist or QA Engineer earn more?+
A Data Scientist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Scientist is $120,230/year, compared to $104,300/year for a QA Engineer — a difference of $15,930 (15%).
Which has better career growth — Data Scientist or QA Engineer?+
Data Scientist roles are growing at 36% YoY while QA Engineer demand is growing at 12% YoY. Data Scientist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Data Scientist 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 — Data Scientist or QA Engineer?+
Data Scientist has a lower AI automation risk (40% vs 62%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.