TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead QA Engineer Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$216,096/yr
Typical range: $183,615 – $225,780
P90 · 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% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $160,028 | $13,336 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$216,096
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $104/hr
Next Level Target
$270,996
Principal · 14
+$55Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
32/100
High Risk
+12% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead QA Engineer salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead QA Engineers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $216K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $216K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $104/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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.