Manual QA testers run test cases by hand, log bugs, and make sure software does what it's supposed to. These jobs need someone detail-oriented but don't usually require coding skills. You're looking at around $50,000 a year to start, or about $24 an hour. It's a decent way into tech if you don't have a computer science degree. You move up by learning different testing methods and getting experience with various types of software.
QA automation engineers write test scripts using tools like Selenium and languages like Python or Java. Companies pay 35% more than manual testing because these folks save them money in the long run. Entry-level automation jobs usually start between $70,000-$80,000 depending on where you are. The skill gap is legit—picking up Python or Java before you start applying can add $20,000 to your starting offer compared to sticking with manual testing only.
Where you work matters just as much as what you know. New Hampshire tops the list at $85,000 average for junior QA jobs, with Washington and California right behind at $78,000-$81,000. Midwest states usually offer $45,000-$55,000 for the exact same work. Remote gigs average $89,000 and let you tap into higher-paying markets while living somewhere cheaper. Even inside the same state, cities pay differently—San Francisco hits $98,000 while smaller California cities sit around $60,000-$70,000.
You don't need a four-year degree to break into QA testing. Most people who make it start with a bootcamp or teach themselves over 3-6 months. Get good at one automation tool—Selenium with Python is what most companies want. Grab the ISTQB Foundation certification to separate yourself from the pack; it costs about $250 and bumps your salary up 13% on average.
Put together a portfolio with 3-5 actual projects testing different kinds of apps. Use free tools, jump into open-source projects, or test stuff your friends are building. Document everything—write out test cases, log bugs the right way, and create some basic automation scripts. This shows you can actually do the work instead of just talking about it.
Apply to 50-100 jobs and expect to hear back from 2-5% of them when you're starting out. Startups and mid-size companies hire entry-level testers more often than big corporations do. Your first job might pay $48,000-$55,000, but after a year with some automation under your belt, you'll qualify for $65,000-$75,000 positions. Going from college student to employed tester usually takes 4-8 months if you stay focused.
TripleTens' calculator grabs live data straight from official government sources instead of self-reported numbers that tend to swing high or low. You're seeing actual median salaries, not inflated averages from companies trying to look good. State and city breakdowns tell you exactly where your skills pay the most.
Stop guessing what you should earn. Our calculator shows real compensation data for QA testers across every state and experience level. See your earning potential in 30 seconds.