EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Quality Engineer Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$175,815/yr
Typical range: $155,952 – $187,157
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Quality Engineer salary by experience level in Boston
Quality Engineer Salary Progression in Boston
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 | $89,181 | $7,432 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $108,292 | $9,024 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $121,032 | $10,086 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $137,085 | $11,424 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $175,815 | $14,651 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $206,391 | $17,199 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $214,035 | $17,836 | +140% |
Current Salary
$175,815
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $85/hr
Next Level Target
$206,391
Principal · 14
+$31Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
33/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Quality Engineer salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Quality Engineers in Boston, MA earn approximately $176K 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 Boston, MA?
Based on $176K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $85/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Quality Engineer in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Quality Engineer in Boston, MA earns $156K–$187K/yr.