TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior QA Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$161,473/yr
Typical range: $185,273 – $227,818
P75 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 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% |
| SeniorThis page | 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
$161,473
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $78/hr
Next Level Target
$218,047
Staff · 10
+$57Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
32/100
High Risk
+12% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior QA Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Senior QA Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $161K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a senior QA Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $161K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $78/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior to senior QA Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior QA Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $185K–$228K/yr.