IT Support Specialist vs QA Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
IT Support Specialist
Provide technical support for hardware, software, and networks.
QA Engineer
Design and execute test strategies to ensure software quality.
QA Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $42,440/year (69%) higher than a IT Support Specialist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
IT Support Specialist vs QA Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | IT Support Specialist | QA Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $92,808 | $151,085 | IT $58,277 |
| New York, NY | $72,917 | $126,759 | IT $53,842 |
| Seattle, WA | $86,967 | $150,155 | IT $63,188 |
| Austin, TX | $69,244 | $114,009 | IT $44,765 |
| Chicago, IL | $64,877 | $115,087 | IT $50,210 |
| Boston, MA | $79,215 | $133,460 | IT $54,245 |
| London, UK | £47,998 | £82,816 | IT $34,818 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$84,196 | CA$136,813 | IT $52,617 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a IT Support Specialist or QA Engineer earn more?+
A QA Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a IT Support Specialist is $61,860/year, compared to $104,300/year for a QA Engineer — a difference of $42,440 (69%).
Which has better career growth — IT Support Specialist or QA Engineer?+
IT Support Specialist roles are growing at 5% YoY while QA Engineer demand is growing at 12% YoY. QA Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from IT Support Specialist 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 — IT Support Specialist or QA Engineer?+
QA Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (62% vs 71%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.