QA Engineer Salary in San Francisco, CA
QA Engineer salaries in San Francisco range from $79,750 to $239,250 in 2026. The mid-level median is $142,825, which is 45% above the national average.
Junior (0-2 yrs)
$79,750 – $113,100
Median: $96,425 · per year
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)
$118,900 – $166,750
Median: $142,825 · per year
Senior (6+ yrs)
$174,000 – $239,250
Median: $206,625 · per year
Salary Calculator
Estimate your earning potential based on role, location, and experience.
5 years
Entry level20+ years
Estimated QA Engineer Salary in San Francisco, CA
Estimated†$146,450–$203,000/year
Median: $174,725 per year (adjusted for San Francisco cost of living)
Junior
$96,425
0-2 yrs
Mid-Level
$142,825
3-5 yrs
Senior
$206,625
6+ yrs
Cost of Living in San Francisco
Cost of Living Levelvery high
Population870K
Top IndustriesSoftware & SaaS, Fintech, Artificial Intelligence
vs National Average+45%
Top Employers in San Francisco
SalesforceUberAirbnbStripeWells Fargo
How San Francisco Compares
| City | Mid-Level Median | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $142,825 | very high |
| New York, NY | $142,825 | very high |
| Los Angeles, CA | $142,825 | very high |
| Chicago, IL | $118,200 | high |
| Houston, TX | $98,500 | moderate |
| Phoenix, AZ | $98,500 | moderate |