TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead QA Engineer Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$164,982/yr
Typical range: $140,183 – $172,375
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
QA Engineer salary by experience level in Austin
QA Engineer Salary Progression in Austin
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $75,802 | $6,317 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $93,638 | $7,803 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $105,529 | $8,794 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $122,176 | $10,181 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $164,982 | $13,749 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $206,896 | $17,241 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $217,374 | $18,115 | +187% |
Current Salary
$164,982
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $79/hr
Next Level Target
$206,896
Principal · 14
+$42Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
32/100
High Risk
+12% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead QA Engineer salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead QA Engineers in Austin, TX earn approximately $165K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead QA Engineer make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $165K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $79/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior QA Engineer in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior QA Engineer in Austin, TX earns $140K–$172K/yr.