TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead QA Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$166,094/yr
Typical range: $141,129 – $173,538
P90 · 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 | $76,314 | $6,360 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $94,270 | $7,856 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $106,241 | $8,853 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $123,000 | $10,250 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $166,094 | $13,841 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $208,291 | $17,358 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $218,841 | $18,237 | +187% |
Current Salary
$166,094
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $80/hr
Next Level Target
$208,291
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 Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead QA Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $166K 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 Chicago, IL?
Based on $166K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $80/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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 $141K–$174K/yr.