Software Engineer vs QA Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Software Engineer
Design, develop and maintain software systems and applications.
QA Engineer
Design and execute test strategies to ensure software quality.
Software Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $31,680/year (30%) higher than a QA Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Software Engineer vs QA Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Software Engineer | QA Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,950 | $151,085 | Software +$43,865 |
| New York, NY | $166,830 | $126,759 | Software +$40,071 |
| Seattle, WA | $189,468 | $150,155 | Software +$39,313 |
| Austin, TX | $148,834 | $114,009 | Software +$34,825 |
| Chicago, IL | $149,966 | $115,087 | Software +$34,879 |
| Boston, MA | $176,542 | $133,460 | Software +$43,082 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £82,816 | Software $8,874 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$136,813 | Software $10,661 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Software Engineer or QA Engineer earn more?+
A Software Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Software Engineer is $135,980/year, compared to $104,300/year for a QA Engineer — a difference of $31,680 (30%).
Which has better career growth — Software Engineer or QA Engineer?+
Software Engineer roles are growing at 25% YoY while QA Engineer demand is growing at 12% YoY. Software Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Software Engineer to QA 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 — Software Engineer or QA Engineer?+
Software Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (48% vs 62%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.