QA Engineer vs Data Analyst: 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.
Data Analyst
Transform raw data into actionable business insights through analysis and reporting.
QA Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $15,360/year (17%) higher than a Data Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
QA Engineer vs Data Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | QA Engineer | Data Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $151,085 | $129,659 | QA +$21,426 |
| New York, NY | $126,759 | $108,724 | QA +$18,035 |
| Seattle, WA | $150,155 | $102,930 | QA +$47,225 |
| Austin, TX | $114,009 | $101,065 | QA +$12,944 |
| Chicago, IL | $115,087 | $92,625 | QA +$22,462 |
| Boston, MA | $133,460 | $113,607 | QA +$19,853 |
| London, UK | £82,816 | £71,596 | QA +$11,220 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$136,813 | CA$116,846 | QA +$19,967 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a QA Engineer or Data Analyst earn more?+
A QA Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a QA Engineer is $104,300/year, compared to $88,940/year for a Data Analyst — a difference of $15,360 (17%).
Which has better career growth — QA Engineer or Data Analyst?+
QA Engineer roles are growing at 12% YoY while Data Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. Data Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from QA Engineer to Data Analyst?+
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 Data Analyst?+
Data Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (50% vs 62%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.