TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level QA Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$100,184/yr
Typical range: $95,277 – $117,156
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
QA Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
QA Engineer Salary Progression in San Francisco
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $100,184 | $8,349 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $123,756 | $10,313 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $139,471 | $11,623 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $161,473 | $13,456 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $218,047 | $18,171 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $273,443 | $22,787 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $287,292 | $23,941 | +187% |
Current Salary
$100,184
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $48/hr
Next Level Target
$123,756
Junior · 2
+$24Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
32/100
High Risk
+12% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level QA Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Entry Level QA Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $100K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level QA Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $100K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $48/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior QA Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior QA Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $185K–$228K/yr.