EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Quality Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$183,181/yr
Typical range: $162,486 – $194,999
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Quality Engineer salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Quality Engineer Salary Progression in Los Angeles
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 | $92,918 | $7,743 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $112,829 | $9,402 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $126,103 | $10,509 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $142,828 | $11,902 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $183,181 | $15,265 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $215,039 | $17,920 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $223,003 | $18,584 | +140% |
Current Salary
$183,181
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $88/hr
Next Level Target
$215,039
Principal · 14
+$32Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
33/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Quality Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Quality Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $183K 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 Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $183K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $88/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Quality Engineer in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Quality Engineer in Los Angeles, CA earns $162K–$195K/yr.