QA Engineer vs Analytics Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
QA Engineer
Design and execute test strategies to ensure software quality.
Analytics Engineer
Build and maintain the data models and pipelines that power business intelligence.
Analytics Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $15,785/year (15%) higher than a QA Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
QA Engineer vs Analytics Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | QA Engineer | Analytics Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $151,085 | $171,525 | QA $20,440 |
| New York, NY | $126,759 | $147,203 | QA $20,444 |
| Seattle, WA | $150,155 | $173,765 | QA $23,610 |
| Austin, TX | $114,009 | $131,230 | QA $17,221 |
| Chicago, IL | $115,087 | $125,515 | QA $10,428 |
| Boston, MA | $133,460 | $158,382 | QA $24,922 |
| London, UK | £82,816 | £93,991 | QA $11,175 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$136,813 | CA$163,067 | QA $26,254 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a QA Engineer or Analytics Engineer earn more?+
A Analytics Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a QA Engineer is $104,300/year, compared to $120,085/year for a Analytics Engineer — a difference of $15,785 (15%).
Which has better career growth — QA Engineer or Analytics Engineer?+
QA Engineer roles are growing at 12% YoY while Analytics Engineer demand is growing at 38% YoY. Analytics Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from QA Engineer to Analytics 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 — QA Engineer or Analytics Engineer?+
Analytics Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 62%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.