Senior QA Tester Salary.
Across 81 U.S. cities.
$90,000
national median salary
$70,000 to $117,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$127,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$94,000
Boulder, CO
Lowest Paying
$67,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026. Baseline derived from BLS SOC 15-1253. Full methodology.
The average Senior QA Tester salary in the United States is $90,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $70,000 at the 25th percentile to $117,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $127,000, while Boulder offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments.
Senior QA Tester salary by city
Skills that increase Senior QA Tester pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Senior QA Testers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $12,600 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$12,600 per year
≈ +$11,700 per year
≈ +$10,800 per year
≈ +$9,900 per year
≈ +$9,900 per year
≈ +$9,000 per year
≈ +$9,000 per year
≈ +$8,100 per year
Total compensation breakdown
Salary by company size
Remote salary adjustment
Remote Senior QA Testers typically earn $81,000 (10% less than on-site). This reflects location-adjusted pay policies at companies using geographic salary bands. Some companies pay flat national rates regardless of location.
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