UX Designer vs QA Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
UX Designer
Design intuitive user experiences through research and prototyping.
QA Engineer
Design and execute test strategies to ensure software quality.
QA Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $300/year (0%) higher than a UX Designer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
UX Designer vs QA Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | UX Designer | QA Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $151,252 | $151,085 | UX +$167 |
| New York, NY | $122,423 | $126,759 | UX $4,336 |
| Seattle, WA | $150,553 | $150,155 | UX +$398 |
| Austin, TX | $117,269 | $114,009 | UX +$3,260 |
| Chicago, IL | $112,927 | $115,087 | UX $2,160 |
| Boston, MA | $131,883 | $133,460 | UX $1,577 |
| London, UK | £82,676 | £82,816 | UX $140 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$137,578 | CA$136,813 | UX +$765 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a UX Designer or QA Engineer earn more?+
A QA Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a UX Designer is $104,000/year, compared to $104,300/year for a QA Engineer — a difference of $300 (0%).
Which has better career growth — UX Designer or QA Engineer?+
UX Designer roles are growing at 20% YoY while QA Engineer demand is growing at 12% YoY. UX Designer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from UX Designer 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 — UX Designer or QA Engineer?+
UX Designer has a lower AI automation risk (38% vs 62%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.