TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience QA Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$113,864/yr
Typical range: $95,646 – $151,256
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
QA Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
QA Engineer Salary Progression in Chicago
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 | $81,790 | $6,816 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $101,034 | $8,420 | +24% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $113,864 | $9,489 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $131,826 | $10,986 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $178,013 | $14,834 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $223,238 | $18,603 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $234,544 | $19,545 | +187% |
Current Salary
$113,864
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $55/hr
Next Level Target
$131,826
Senior · 6
+$18Kpotential 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 Chicago, IL?
3–5 Years Experience QA Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $114K 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 Chicago, IL?
Based on $114K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $55/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior QA Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior QA Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $151K–$186K/yr.