EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Quality Engineer Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$141,774/yr
Typical range: $125,757 – $150,920
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Quality Engineer salary by experience level in Austin
Quality Engineer Salary Progression in Austin
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 | $71,915 | $5,993 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $87,325 | $7,277 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $97,598 | $8,133 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $110,543 | $9,212 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $141,774 | $11,815 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $166,431 | $13,869 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $172,595 | $14,383 | +140% |
Current Salary
$141,774
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $68/hr
Next Level Target
$166,431
Principal · 14
+$25Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
33/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Quality Engineer salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Quality Engineers in Austin, TX earn approximately $142K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Quality Engineer make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $142K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $68/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Quality Engineer in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Quality Engineer in Austin, TX earns $126K–$151K/yr.