Program Manager vs QA Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Program Manager
Coordinate multiple related projects to achieve strategic objectives.
QA Engineer
Design and execute test strategies to ensure software quality.
QA Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $1,980/year (2%) higher than a Program Manager. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Program Manager vs QA Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Program Manager | QA Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $151,275 | $151,085 | Program +$190 |
| New York, NY | $124,570 | $126,759 | Program $2,189 |
| Seattle, WA | $144,148 | $150,155 | Program $6,007 |
| Austin, TX | $113,017 | $114,009 | Program $992 |
| Chicago, IL | $111,506 | $115,087 | Program $3,581 |
| Boston, MA | $136,287 | $133,460 | Program +$2,827 |
| London, UK | £81,547 | £82,816 | Program $1,269 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$139,548 | CA$136,813 | Program +$2,735 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Program Manager or QA Engineer earn more?+
A QA Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Program Manager is $102,320/year, compared to $104,300/year for a QA Engineer — a difference of $1,980 (2%).
Which has better career growth — Program Manager or QA Engineer?+
Program Manager roles are growing at 15% YoY while QA Engineer demand is growing at 12% YoY. Program Manager has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Program Manager 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 — Program Manager or QA Engineer?+
Program Manager has a lower AI automation risk (36% vs 62%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.