TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead QA Engineer Salary in Dallas
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$153,628/yr
Typical range: $130,537 – $160,513
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
QA Engineer salary by experience level in Dallas
QA Engineer Salary Progression in Dallas
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 | $70,586 | $5,882 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $87,195 | $7,266 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $98,267 | $8,189 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $113,768 | $9,481 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $153,628 | $12,802 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $192,658 | $16,055 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $202,416 | $16,868 | +187% |
Current Salary
$153,628
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $74/hr
Next Level Target
$192,658
Principal · 14
+$39Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
32/100
High Risk
+12% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead QA Engineer salary in Dallas, TX?
Staff / Lead QA Engineers in Dallas, TX earn approximately $154K 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 Dallas, TX?
Based on $154K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $74/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior QA Engineer in Dallas, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior QA Engineer in Dallas, TX earns $131K–$161K/yr.