QA Engineer Salary in Chicago, IL
QA Engineer salaries in Chicago range from $66,000 to $198,000 in 2026. The mid-level median is $118,200, which is 20% above the national average.
Junior (0-2 yrs)
$66,000 – $93,600
Median: $79,800 · per year
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)
$98,400 – $138,000
Median: $118,200 · per year
Senior (6+ yrs)
$144,000 – $198,000
Median: $171,000 · per year
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5 years
Entry level20+ years
Estimated QA Engineer Salary in Chicago, IL
Estimated†$121,200–$168,000/year
Median: $144,600 per year (adjusted for Chicago cost of living)
Junior
$79,800
0-2 yrs
Mid-Level
$118,200
3-5 yrs
Senior
$171,000
6+ yrs
Cost of Living in Chicago
Cost of Living Levelhigh
Population2.7M
Top IndustriesFinance & Trading, Technology, Manufacturing
vs National Average+20%
Top Employers in Chicago
BoeingUnited AirlinesAbbott LaboratoriesSalesforceMcDonald's Corporation
How Chicago Compares
| City | Mid-Level Median | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | $118,200 | high |
| New York, NY | $142,825 | very high |
| Los Angeles, CA | $142,825 | very high |
| Houston, TX | $98,500 | moderate |
| Phoenix, AZ | $98,500 | moderate |
| Philadelphia, PA | $118,200 | high |