TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience QA Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$130,594/yr
Typical range: $109,699 – $173,479
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
QA Engineer salary by experience level in Washington DC
QA Engineer Salary Progression in Washington DC
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 | $93,807 | $7,817 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $115,879 | $9,657 | +24% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $130,594 | $10,883 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $151,194 | $12,600 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $204,167 | $17,014 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $256,037 | $21,336 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $269,004 | $22,417 | +187% |
Current Salary
$130,594
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $63/hr
Next Level Target
$151,194
Senior · 6
+$21Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
32/100
High Risk
+12% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience QA Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?
3–5 Years Experience QA Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $131K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience QA Engineer make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $131K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $63/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior QA Engineer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior QA Engineer in Washington DC, DC earns $173K–$213K/yr.