TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead QA Engineer Salary in New York
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$220,134/yr
Typical range: $187,046 – $229,999
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
QA Engineer salary by experience level in New York
QA Engineer Salary Progression in New York
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 | $101,143 | $8,429 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $124,941 | $10,412 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $140,806 | $11,734 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $163,018 | $13,585 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $220,134 | $18,345 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $276,060 | $23,005 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $290,041 | $24,170 | +187% |
Current Salary
$220,134
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $106/hr
Next Level Target
$276,060
Principal · 14
+$56Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
32/100
High Risk
+12% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead QA Engineer salary in New York, NY?
Staff / Lead QA Engineers in New York, NY earn approximately $220K 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 New York, NY?
Based on $220K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $106/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior QA Engineer in New York, NY?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior QA Engineer in New York, NY earns $187K–$230K/yr.