TechnologyGovernment / OECD · 96/10010+ years
Staff / Lead QA Engineer Salary in London
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$151,293/yr
Typical range: $128,552 – $158,073
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
QA Engineer salary by experience level in London
QA Engineer Salary Progression in London
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 | $69,513 | $5,793 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $85,869 | $7,156 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $96,773 | $8,064 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $112,039 | $9,337 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $151,293 | $12,608 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $189,730 | $15,811 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $199,339 | $16,612 | +187% |
Current Salary
$151,293
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $73/hr
Next Level Target
$189,730
Principal · 14
+$38Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
32/100
High Risk
+12% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead QA Engineer salary in London, UK?
Staff / Lead QA Engineers in London, UK earn approximately $151K 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 London, UK?
Based on $151K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $73/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior QA Engineer in London, UK?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior QA Engineer in London, UK earns $129K–$158K/yr.