QA Engineer Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average QA Engineer salary lies between USD 80,000 and USD 150,000 globally. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Dec. 22, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for QA Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with QA Engineer job listings are Testing, Python and Engineering. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Testing | 140 jobs Python | 131 jobs Engineering | 110 jobs Machine Learning | 78 jobs Agile | 72 jobs Computer Science | 65 jobs SQL | 58 jobs APIs | 56 jobs Java | 45 jobs Jira | 44 jobs CI/CD | 39 jobs AWS | 36 jobs Pipelines | 36 jobs Selenium | 34 jobs Architecture | 32 jobs Security | 30 jobs Scrum | 28 jobs ETL | 27 jobs JavaScript | 26 jobs Research | 26 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for QA Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with QA Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care and Flex hours. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 108 jobs Health care | 68 jobs Flex hours | 56 jobs Equity / stock options | 48 jobs Competitive pay | 32 jobs Startup environment | 27 jobs Insurance | 27 jobs Medical leave | 26 jobs Flex vacation | 24 jobs Salary bonus | 23 jobs Parental leave | 17 jobs Relocation support | 14 jobs Team events | 11 jobs Home office stipend | 10 jobs Wellness | 9 jobs Gear | 9 jobs Transparency | 8 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 8 jobs 401(k) matching | 7 jobs Flexible spending account | 5 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a QA Engineer in AI/ML/Data Science typically comprises a base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The composition can vary significantly based on region, industry, and company size:

• Region: In tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York, the base salary might be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals. In contrast, regions with a lower cost of living might offer a smaller base salary but could compensate with other benefits.
• Industry: Industries such as finance or healthcare, which heavily rely on data, might offer higher bonuses or stock options to attract top talent.
• Company Size: Larger companies often provide more comprehensive benefits packages, including stock options and performance bonuses, while startups might offer equity as a significant part of the compensation package to offset a lower base salary.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from this position, consider the following steps:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your skills in AI/ML and data science. Specializing in a niche area can make you more valuable.
• Advanced Education: Pursuing a master's degree or Ph.D. in a related field can open up higher-paying opportunities.
• Leadership Roles: Transitioning into a managerial or lead role can significantly increase your earning potential.
• Networking: Building a strong professional network can lead to opportunities in higher-paying companies or roles.
• Certifications: Obtaining relevant certifications can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, potentially leading to salary increases.

Educational Requirements

Most positions for a QA Engineer in AI/ML/Data Science require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a related field. However, a master's degree or higher is often preferred, especially for roles that involve complex data analysis or machine learning model development.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your profile:

• Certified Data Scientist (CDS)
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
• TensorFlow Developer Certificate
• ISTQB Certified Tester for those with a QA background

These certifications can validate your skills and knowledge, making you a more attractive candidate for higher-paying roles.

Required Experience

Typically, a QA Engineer in AI/ML/Data Science is expected to have:

• 3-5 years of experience in software quality assurance or a related field.
• Experience with data analysis, machine learning models, and relevant tools and technologies.
• Familiarity with programming languages such as Python, R, or Java.
• Experience in working with data visualization tools and frameworks.

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