QA Engineer vs IT Auditor: 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.
IT Auditor
Assess IT systems and controls to identify risks and ensure regulatory compliance.
IT Auditor earns more on average — the national median is $24,880/year (24%) 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 IT Auditor — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | QA Engineer | IT Auditor | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $151,085 | $191,207 | QA $40,122 |
| New York, NY | $126,759 | $159,465 | QA $32,706 |
| Seattle, WA | $150,155 | $186,599 | QA $36,444 |
| Austin, TX | $114,009 | $140,102 | QA $26,093 |
| Chicago, IL | $115,087 | $140,966 | QA $25,879 |
| Boston, MA | $133,460 | $173,381 | QA $39,921 |
| London, UK | £82,816 | £99,246 | QA $16,430 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$136,813 | CA$172,237 | QA $35,424 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a QA Engineer or IT Auditor earn more?+
A IT Auditor earns more on average. The national median salary for a QA Engineer is $104,300/year, compared to $129,180/year for a IT Auditor — a difference of $24,880 (24%).
Which has better career growth — QA Engineer or IT Auditor?+
QA Engineer roles are growing at 12% YoY while IT Auditor demand is growing at 14% YoY. IT Auditor has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from QA Engineer to IT Auditor?+
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 IT Auditor?+
IT Auditor has a lower AI automation risk (52% vs 62%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.