EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Quality Engineer Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$182,886/yr
Typical range: $162,224 – $194,684
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Quality Engineer salary by experience level in Seattle
Quality Engineer Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $92,768 | $7,731 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $112,647 | $9,387 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $125,900 | $10,492 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $142,598 | $11,883 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $182,886 | $15,241 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $214,692 | $17,891 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $222,644 | $18,554 | +140% |
Current Salary
$182,886
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $88/hr
Next Level Target
$214,692
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 Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Quality Engineers in Seattle, WA 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 Seattle, WA?
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 Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Quality Engineer in Seattle, WA earns $162K–$195K/yr.