TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead QA Engineer Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$192,612/yr
Typical range: $163,660 – $201,243
P90 · 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-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $123,202 | $10,267 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $142,637 | $11,886 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$192,612
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $93/hr
Next Level Target
$241,545
Principal · 14
+$49Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
32/100
High Risk
+12% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead QA Engineer salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead QA Engineers in Boston, MA earn approximately $193K 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 Boston, MA?
Based on $193K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $93/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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.