TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience QA Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$132,792/yr
Typical range: $111,545 – $176,399
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
QA Engineer salary by experience level in Los Angeles
QA Engineer Salary Progression in Los Angeles
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 | $95,386 | $7,949 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $117,829 | $9,819 | +24% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $132,792 | $11,066 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $153,739 | $12,812 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $207,604 | $17,300 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $260,347 | $21,696 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $273,532 | $22,794 | +187% |
Current Salary
$132,792
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $64/hr
Next Level Target
$153,739
Senior · 6
+$21Kpotential 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 Los Angeles, CA?
3–5 Years Experience QA Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $133K 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 Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $133K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $64/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior QA Engineer in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior QA Engineer in Los Angeles, CA earns $176K–$217K/yr.