QA Engineer vs AR/VR Developer: 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.
AR/VR Developer
Build augmented and virtual reality experiences for gaming, enterprise, and training.
AR/VR 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.
QA Engineer vs AR/VR Developer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | QA Engineer | AR/VR Developer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $151,085 | $194,489 | QA $43,404 |
| New York, NY | $126,759 | $166,830 | QA $40,071 |
| Seattle, WA | $150,155 | $188,885 | QA $38,730 |
| Austin, TX | $114,009 | $153,759 | QA $39,750 |
| Chicago, IL | $115,087 | $144,495 | QA $29,408 |
| Boston, MA | $133,460 | $172,806 | QA $39,346 |
| London, UK | £82,816 | £103,650 | QA $20,834 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$136,813 | CA$175,134 | QA $38,321 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a QA Engineer or AR/VR Developer earn more?+
A AR/VR Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a QA Engineer is $104,300/year, compared to $135,980/year for a AR/VR Developer — a difference of $31,680 (30%).
Which has better career growth — QA Engineer or AR/VR Developer?+
QA Engineer roles are growing at 12% YoY while AR/VR Developer demand is growing at 38% YoY. AR/VR Developer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from QA Engineer to AR/VR Developer?+
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 AR/VR Developer?+
AR/VR Developer has a lower AI automation risk (28% vs 62%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.