TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior QA Engineer Salary in Seattle
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$160,028/yr
Typical range: $183,615 – $225,780
P75 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
QA Engineer salary by experience level in Seattle
QA Engineer Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $99,287 | $8,274 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $122,649 | $10,221 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $138,224 | $11,519 | +39% |
| SeniorThis page | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $160,028 | $13,336 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $216,096 | $18,008 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $270,996 | $22,583 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $284,721 | $23,727 | +187% |
Current Salary
$160,028
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $77/hr
Next Level Target
$216,096
Staff · 10
+$56Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
32/100
High Risk
+12% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior QA Engineer salary in Seattle, WA?
Senior QA Engineers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $160K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $160K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $77/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior to senior QA Engineer in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior QA Engineer in Seattle, WA earns $184K–$226K/yr.