EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Quality Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$147,929/yr
Typical range: $127,208 – $190,610
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Quality Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Quality Engineer Salary Progression in San Francisco
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 | $109,001 | $9,083 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $132,358 | $11,030 | +21% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $147,929 | $12,327 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $167,549 | $13,962 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $214,887 | $17,907 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $252,258 | $21,022 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $261,601 | $21,800 | +140% |
Current Salary
$147,929
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $71/hr
Next Level Target
$167,549
Senior · 6
+$20Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
33/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Quality Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
3–5 Years Experience Quality Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $148K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Quality Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $148K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $71/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Quality Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Quality Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $191K–$229K/yr.