Backend Developer vs QA Engineer salary
In United States, a backend developer earns about 35% more than a qa engineer — $148,000 vs $110,000 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
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Technology
Backend Developer$148,000/yr
- Monthly
- $12,300
- Hourly
- $71
- Range
- $94,700–$213,100
- 10-yr outlook
- +16%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Backend Developer | QA Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $94,700 | $74,400 |
| 25th | $121,400 | $92,200 |
| Median | $148,000 | $110,000 |
| 75th | $180,600 | $131,800 |
| Senior (90th) | $213,100 | $153,600 |
National United States figures in USD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
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Frequently asked questions
- Does a backend developer or qa engineer earn more in United States?
- A backend developer earns more, at about $148,000 per year vs $110,000 for a qa engineer — roughly 35% ($38,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in United States?
- A backend developer typically earns $94,700–$213,100, while a qa engineer earns $74,400–$153,600 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in United States?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a backend developer averages about $12,300 and a qa engineer about $9,200.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in United States, a backend developer earns about $94,700 while a qa engineer earns about $74,400 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in United States, a backend developer earns about $213,100 while a qa engineer earns about $153,600 per year.
- Are backend developer and qa engineer similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Technology category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.