TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience QA Engineer Salary in Boston
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$123,202/yr
Typical range: $103,490 – $163,660
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
QA Engineer salary by experience level in Boston
QA Engineer Salary Progression in Boston
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 | $88,497 | $7,375 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $109,320 | $9,110 | +24% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $123,202 | $10,267 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $142,637 | $11,886 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $192,612 | $16,051 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $241,545 | $20,129 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $253,779 | $21,148 | +187% |
Current Salary
$123,202
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $59/hr
Next Level Target
$142,637
Senior · 6
+$19Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
32/100
High Risk
+12% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience QA Engineer salary in Boston, MA?
3–5 Years Experience QA Engineers in Boston, MA earn approximately $123K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience QA Engineer make per hour in Boston, MA?
Based on $123K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $59/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior QA Engineer in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior QA Engineer in Boston, MA earns $164K–$201K/yr.