TechnologyGovernment / OECD · 96/10010+ years
Staff / Lead QA Engineer Salary in Sydney
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$166,765/yr
Typical range: $141,699 – $174,238
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
QA Engineer salary by experience level in Sydney
QA Engineer Salary Progression in Sydney
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 | $76,622 | $6,385 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $94,650 | $7,888 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $106,669 | $8,889 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $123,496 | $10,291 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $166,765 | $13,897 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $209,132 | $17,428 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $219,724 | $18,310 | +187% |
Current Salary
$166,765
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $80/hr
Next Level Target
$209,132
Principal · 14
+$42Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
32/100
High Risk
+12% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead QA Engineer salary in Sydney, Australia?
Staff / Lead QA Engineers in Sydney, Australia earn approximately $167K 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 Sydney, Australia?
Based on $167K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $80/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior QA Engineer in Sydney, Australia?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior QA Engineer in Sydney, Australia earns $142K–$174K/yr.