TechnologyUpdated Q1 2026

QA Engineer Salary
in Athens, GA

Design and execute test plans to ensure software quality and reliability. Median salary in Athens: $87K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$87K
per year
Take-home: $56K

Salary range in Athens

Entry level (25th)$64,000
Median (50th)$87,000
Senior (75th)$115,000
Top earner (90th)$145,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Athens, Georgia.

Key facts for Athens

Median salary
$87K
annual
Take-home pay
$56K
after fed/state tax
COL index
92
100 = US avg
State income tax
5.75%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,200
per month
YoY growth
+3%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Athens QA Engineer to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $87K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Athens

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
QA Engineer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$73K$79K$86K$92K$98K201920212023202520272029
2026
$89K
projected
2027
$91K
projected
2028
$94K
projected
2029
$96K
projected
2030
$98K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$87,000+$0
2028 projected$87,000+$0
2029 projected$87,000+$0
2030 projected$87,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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QA Engineer Salary in Athens, Georgia: Complete Guide (2026)

The median QA Engineer salary in Athens, GA is $87,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Athens–GA metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for QA Engineer in Athens

Entry-level QA Engineers in Athens with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $64,000 and $87,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $87,000 to $115,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $115,000 to $145,000 or more.

Cost of living in Athens for QA Engineers

Athens has a cost of living index of 92 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 8% further in Athens than the national average. Georgia has a 5.75% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for QA Engineer

Bachelor's in CS or related. This role is 68% remote-eligible nationally, which can significantly expand the job market for Athens-based professionals.

QA Engineer salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Athens (current)$87K92
Atlanta$105K99
Columbus$78K82
Augusta$78K82
Savannah$84K92
Macon$76K80