QA Engineer vs Robotics 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.
Robotics Engineer
Design and program robotic systems for industrial, medical, and consumer use.
Robotics Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $25,962/year (25%) 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 Robotics Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | QA Engineer | Robotics Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $151,085 | $191,598 | QA $40,513 |
| New York, NY | $126,759 | $135,300 | QA $8,541 |
| Seattle, WA | $150,155 | $183,389 | QA $33,234 |
| Austin, TX | $114,009 | $144,607 | QA $30,598 |
| Chicago, IL | $115,087 | $141,411 | QA $26,324 |
| Boston, MA | $133,460 | $172,165 | QA $38,705 |
| London, UK | £82,816 | £98,900 | QA $16,084 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$136,813 | CA$169,077 | QA $32,264 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a QA Engineer or Robotics Engineer earn more?+
A Robotics Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a QA Engineer is $104,300/year, compared to $130,262/year for a Robotics Engineer — a difference of $25,962 (25%).
Which has better career growth — QA Engineer or Robotics Engineer?+
QA Engineer roles are growing at 12% YoY while Robotics Engineer demand is growing at 35% YoY. Robotics Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from QA Engineer to Robotics 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 Robotics Engineer?+
Robotics Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (25% vs 62%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.