QA Engineer vs Web 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.
Web Developer
Build and maintain websites and web applications.
QA Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $300/year (0%) higher than a Web Developer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
QA Engineer vs Web Developer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | QA Engineer | Web Developer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $151,085 | $147,801 | QA +$3,284 |
| New York, NY | $126,759 | $122,892 | QA +$3,867 |
| Seattle, WA | $150,155 | $148,827 | QA +$1,328 |
| Austin, TX | $114,009 | $113,006 | QA +$1,003 |
| Chicago, IL | $115,087 | $113,802 | QA +$1,285 |
| Boston, MA | $133,460 | $134,947 | QA $1,487 |
| London, UK | £82,816 | £80,939 | QA +$1,877 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$136,813 | CA$138,013 | QA $1,200 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a QA Engineer or Web Developer earn more?+
A QA Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a QA Engineer is $104,300/year, compared to $104,000/year for a Web Developer — a difference of $300 (0%).
Which has better career growth — QA Engineer or Web Developer?+
QA Engineer roles are growing at 12% YoY while Web Developer demand is growing at 16% YoY. Web Developer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from QA Engineer to Web 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 Web Developer?+
Web Developer has a lower AI automation risk (52% vs 62%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.