QA Engineer vs Penetration Tester: 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.
Penetration Tester
Conduct authorised attacks on systems to find and report vulnerabilities.
Penetration Tester 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 Penetration Tester — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | QA Engineer | Penetration Tester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $151,085 | $193,496 | QA $42,411 |
| New York, NY | $126,759 | $140,470 | QA $13,711 |
| Seattle, WA | $150,155 | $188,841 | QA $38,686 |
| Austin, TX | $114,009 | $145,769 | QA $31,760 |
| Chicago, IL | $115,087 | $135,251 | QA $20,164 |
| Boston, MA | $133,460 | $171,501 | QA $38,041 |
| London, UK | £82,816 | £102,480 | QA $19,664 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$136,813 | CA$166,911 | QA $30,098 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a QA Engineer or Penetration Tester earn more?+
A Penetration Tester earns more on average. The national median salary for a QA Engineer is $104,300/year, compared to $129,180/year for a Penetration Tester — a difference of $24,880 (24%).
Which has better career growth — QA Engineer or Penetration Tester?+
QA Engineer roles are growing at 12% YoY while Penetration Tester demand is growing at 30% YoY. Penetration Tester has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from QA Engineer to Penetration Tester?+
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 Penetration Tester?+
Penetration Tester has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 62%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.