This article provides a detailed analysis of QA Engineer salary in Poland, categorized salaries by experience levels and major tech hubs. Additionally, it includes a comparative overview of QA salaries in other developed nations, showcasing Poland’s competitive edge and growing appeal within the global technology sector.
Introduction: QA Engineer Salary in Poland 2024
As the need for high-quality software grows, the demand for skilled QA Engineers in Poland continues to rise. Renowned for its strong tech community and a well-educated tech professionals, Poland has become a prime destination for companies seeking top-tier software QA talent at competitive rates. Whether you’re a hiring manager looking to understand salary benchmarks or a QA professional planning your career trajectory, understanding the current salary trends for QA Engineers in Poland is crucial for making informed decisions.
In this guide, we’ll explore the following topics:
- Average Salary Ranges by Experience: A thorough breakdown of QA Engineer salaries in Poland, segmented by experience levels. Discover how earnings differ from Junior and Mid-level QA roles to more advanced Senior and Lead (Principal/Staff) positions.
- Manual vs. Automation Quality Assurance Engineers Salary Analysis: A comparison of salary ranges for Manual QA Engineers and Automation QA Engineers by experience levels.
- Regional Salary Variations: Insights into how salaries for QA Engineers vary across Poland’s key tech cities — Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Gdańsk, and Poznań. Learn how local demand and cost of living impact compensation rates in these regions.
- International Comparison: A comparative look at QA Engineer salaries in Poland versus those in leading global tech markets, including the USA, Canada, Switzerland, Israel, Australia, the UK, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.
Whether you’re hiring or exploring opportunities to advance your career, this article offers a comprehensive understanding of QA Engineer salaries in Poland and a global context to help guide your decisions.
QA Engineer and Manual Tester Salary by Experience Level in Poland
QA Engineer salaries in Poland can vary widely depending on factors such as experience, location, and specialization. Junior QA Engineers typically start with entry-level salaries, while experienced Lead QA Engineers can command significantly higher compensation. In this section, we’ll delve into the expected salary ranges for QA professionals at various career stages in Poland.
Methodology
In Poland, multiple reports and market analyses provide valuable insights into QA Engineer salary trends. At Itentio IT Recruitment, our methodology involves a comprehensive examination of salary data from leading local tech job platforms, including JustJoinIT, NoFluffJobs, Pracuj.pl, BulldogJobs, the:protocol, inhire.io, and Solid.jobs. For this analysis, we reviewed 1,313 QA job listings with clearly defined salary ranges across the Polish market. 1222 job opportunities were for Automation QA Engineers or Automation with Manual engineering expertise, while only 91 job opportunities from the assessed were dedicated to Manual Testers.
To ensure accuracy, we cross-referenced this data with information from our recruitment partners, salary expectations gathered during candidate interviews, and the actual offers extended and accepted throughout recruitment processes. The salary figures discussed in this article represent gross amounts for permanent contracts (UoP) or net amounts for B2B contract. References to “max” salaries indicate average market maximums within brackets rather than absolute market peaks or outliers.
A. Junior QA Engineer Salary in Poland (0-2 Years of Experience)
Junior QA Engineers typically start their careers by gaining familiarity with QA engineering processes and tools. They play a crucial role in identifying foundational issues in applications and learning quality assurance methodologies. Representing about 10% of automation QA job market and 14% of Manual testers positions, Junior QA Engineers acquire the essential skills that set the stage for career growth in the field.
- Average QA Engineer Salary Range: 7,000 – 9,700 PLN/month
- Median QA Engineer Salary: 8,350 PLN/month
- Average Manual Tester Salary Range: 6,500 – 8,500 PLN/month
- Median Manual Tester Salary: 7,500 PLN/month
B. Mid (Regular) QA Engineer Salary in Poland (2-5 Years of Experience)
Mid-level (Regular) QA Engineers take on more advanced responsibilities, including designing comprehensive test plans, executing automated tests, and analyzing results to enhance application quality. They account for a significant 46% of the automation Quality Assurance engineers market, and 62% of manual testers positions, actively contributing to ensuring product reliability and supporting development teams by preventing potential issues.
- Average QA Engineer Salary Range: 12,500 – 17,500 PLN/month
- Median QA Engineer Salary: 15,000 PLN/month
- Average Manual Tester Salary Range: 10,500 – 15,500 PLN/month
- Median Manual Tester Salary: 13,000 PLN/month
C. Senior QA Engineer Salary in Poland (5+ Years of Experience)
Senior QA Engineers are pivotal in managing complex testing strategies, optimizing testing frameworks, and mentoring junior team members. They ensure application scalability, reliability, and seamless performance across platforms. With a solid 42% of the job positions market share in automation, and only 22% in Manual testing, Senior QA Engineers are highly valued for their deep expertise and ability to resolve sophisticated challenges.
- Average QA Engineer Salary Range: 18,000 – 24,000 PLN/month
- Median QA Engineer Salary: 21,000 PLN/month
- Average Manual Tester Salary Range: 16,000 – 20,000 PLN/month
- Median Manual Tester Salary: 18,000 PLN/month
D. Lead QA Engineer Salary in Poland (5-7+ Years of Experience)
Lead (also could be called as Staff or Principal) QA Engineers oversee the entire quality assurance lifecycle, from strategizing testing approaches to guiding teams and aligning QA processes with organizational goals. Although they represent a smaller 2% of the job market, in both automation and manual QA fields, these roles command the highest salaries, reflecting their critical influence on project outcomes and the level of expertise required.
- Average QA Engineer Salary Range: 22,000 – 30,000 PLN/month
- Median QA Engineer Salary: 26,000 PLN/month
- Average Manual Tester Salary Range: 19,000 – 23,500 PLN/month
- Median Manual Tester Salary: 21,250 PLN/month
Summary: Quality Assurance Engineer and Manual Tester Salary in Poland by Experience Level
| Experience Level | QA Engineer Average Salary Range (PLN) | QA Engineer Median Salary (PLN) | Manual Tester Average Salary Range (PLN) | Manual Tester Median Salary (PLN) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior (0-2 years) | 7,000 – 9,700 | 8,350 | 6,500 – 8,500 | 7,500 |
| Mid/Regular (2-5 years) | 12,500 – 17,500 | 15,000 | 10,500 – 15,500 | 13,000 |
| Senior (5+ years) | 18,000 – 24,000 | 21,000 | 16,000 – 20,000 | 18,000 |
| Lead/Staff/Principal (5-7+ years) | 22,000 – 30,000 | 26,000 | 19,000 – 23,500 | 21,250 |
QA Engineer Salaries in Different Polish Cities (2024)
QA engineer salaries in Poland vary widely across different cities. For instance, locations like Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław offering higher compensation due to greater demand for skilled QA professionals and local cost-of-living factors. Below is a detailed breakdown of salary ranges for QA engineers across Poland’s major tech hubs.
A. Warsaw
As the capital and largest tech center in Poland, Warsaw offers the highest salaries for QA engineers. This is driven by strong demand for quality assurance expertise in its diverse tech ecosystem, paired with the city’s higher living costs.
- Junior Quality Assurance Engineer Salary: 7,500 – 10,000 PLN/month
- Mid/Regular Quality Assurance Engineer Salary: 14,000 – 18,000 PLN/month
- Senior Quality Assurance Engineer Salary: 19,000 – 24,500 PLN/month
- Lead Quality Assurance Engineer Salary: 22,000 – 30,000 PLN/month
B. Kraków
Kraków stands out as a key destination for global tech companies, providing competitive salary packages. These are slightly lower than in Warsaw but remain attractive. Local salaries are making Kraków a leading choice for QA engineers seeking career growth in an international environment.
- Junior Quality Assurance Engineer Salary: 7,400 – 9,900 PLN/month
- Mid/Regular Quality Assurance Engineer Salary: 13,700 – 17,800 PLN/month
- Senior Quality Assurance Engineer Salary: 17,500 – 23,500 PLN/month
- Lead Quality Assurance Engineer Salary: 21,000 – 28,000 PLN/month
C. Wrocław
Wrocław features a thriving tech scene with compensation levels comparable to Kraków. The city is home to both established companies and dynamic startups. Such tech scene is making it an excellent choice for QA engineers interested in working on diverse, cutting-edge projects.
- Junior Quality Assurance Engineer Salary: 7,300 – 9,900 PLN/month
- Mid/Regular Quality Assurance Engineer Salary: 12,800 – 17,300 PLN/month
- Senior Quality Assurance Engineer Salary: 17,000 – 22,500 PLN/month
- Lead Quality Assurance Engineer Salary: 20,700 – 28,000 PLN/month
D. Gdańsk
Gdańsk is emerging as a growing tech hub, offering salaries that are generally somewhat lower than in Warsaw or Kraków but still competitive. As its technology sector expands, Gdańsk presents promising opportunities for QA professionals looking to contribute to innovative projects.
- Junior Quality Assurance Engineer Salary: 6,300 – 9,300 PLN/month
- Mid/Regular Quality Assurance Engineer Salary: 12,900 – 17,100 PLN/month
- Senior Quality Assurance Engineer Salary: 17,000 – 23,000 PLN/month
- Lead Quality Assurance Engineer Salary: 20,700 – 28,000 PLN/month
E. Poznań
Poznań is recognized for its developing tech industry, supported by an increasing number of remote roles. Salaries for QA engineers in Poznań are competitive, reflecting the rising demand for quality assurance expertise and positioning the city as a growing tech destination.
- Junior Quality Assurance Engineer Salary: 6,900 – 9,300 PLN/month
- Mid/Regular Quality Assurance Engineer Salary: 12,000 – 16,300 PLN/month
- Senior Quality Assurance Engineer Salary: 16,500 – 22,000 PLN/month
- Lead Quality Assurance Engineer Salary: 20,300 – 27,000 PLN/month
Summary: QA Engineer Salary in Poland by City
| City | Junior (PLN) | Mid/Regular (PLN) | Senior (PLN) | Lead/Staff/Principal (PLN) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warsaw | 7,500 – 10,000 | 14,000 – 18,000 | 19,000 – 24,500 | 22,000 – 30,000 |
| Kraków | 7,400 – 9,900 | 13,700 – 17,800 | 17,500 – 23,500 | 21,000 – 28,000 |
| Wrocław | 7,300 – 9,900 | 12,800 – 17,300 | 17,000 – 22,500 | 20,700 – 28,000 |
| Gdańsk | 6,300 – 9,300 | 12,900 – 17,100 | 17,000 – 23,000 | 20,700 – 28,000 |
| Poznań | 6,900 – 9,300 | 12,000 – 16,300 | 16,500 – 22,000 | 20,300 – 27,000 |
Senior QA Engineer Salaries: Poland vs. Other Developed Countries
Senior QA engineers in Poland benefit from competitive local salaries, though these often trail behind those offered in leading international markets. Below, we explore how QA engineer salaries in Poland compare to those in other prominent tech-driven nations.
A. Senior QA Engineer salary in the USA vs Poland
The United States offers the highest salaries for Senior QA engineers, driven by robust demand and a thriving technology sector. Companies place a premium on ensuring quality, making experienced QA professionals highly sought after.
- Poland (Senior): 18,000 – 24,000 PLN/month (~4,300 – 5,800 USD/month)
- USA (Senior): 9,000 – 13,750 USD/month (Source: Glassdoor, Talent.com)
B. Senior QA Engineer salary salary in Canada vs Poland
In Canada, the technology sector continues to grow rapidly, maintaining elevated salary levels for Senior QA engineers. Although these figures fall below those in the U.S., they still substantially outpace the salaries offered in Poland.
- Poland (Senior): 18,000 – 24,000 PLN/month (~4,300 – 5,800 USD/month)
- Canada (Senior): 6,250 – 11,700 USD/month (Source: Glassdoor, Talent.com)
C. Senior QA Engineer salary salary in Switzerland vs Poland
Switzerland boasts the most generous compensation for Senior QA engineers in Europe. However, these enticing figures are balanced by the country’s exceptionally high living costs, which can diminish net earnings.
- Poland (Senior): 18,000 – 24,000 PLN/month (~4,300 – 5,800 USD/month)
- Switzerland (Senior): 8,500 – 11,700 USD/month (Source: Swissdevjobs, Glassdoor)
D. Senior QA Engineer salary salary in Israel vs Poland
Israel, particularly in innovation hubs like Tel Aviv and Haifa, offers exceptionally high salaries for Senior QA engineers. These compensation levels significantly exceed those in Poland, reflecting the nation’s focus on technological advancement and rigorous quality assurance standards.
- Poland (Senior): 18,000 – 24,000 PLN/month (~4,300 – 5,800 USD/month)
- Israel (Senior): 5,100 – 7,600 USD/month (Source: Glassdoor)
E. Senior QA Engineer salary salary in Australia vs Poland
The tech sector in Australia, especially in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, provides attractive salaries for Senior QA engineers. These packages are well above those commonly seen in Poland, contributing to Australia’s appeal for experienced QA professionals.
- Poland (Senior): 18,000 – 24,000 PLN/month (~4,300 – 5,800 USD/month)
- Australia (Senior): 10,000 – 13,000 USD/month (Source: Talent.com, Glassdoor)
F. Senior QA Engineer salary salary in The United Kingdom vs Poland
The United Kingdom, particularly London, offers strong remuneration for Senior QA engineers. While these salaries may seem modest when compared to those in the U.S. or Switzerland, they remain competitive within Europe and surpass typical Polish rates.
- Poland (Senior): 18,000 – 24,000 PLN/month (~4,300 – 5,800 USD/month)
- The UK (Senior): 5,200 – 9,900 USD/month (Source: Glassdoor, ITjobwatch)
G. Senior QA Engineer salary salary in Germany vs Poland
Germany, with major tech hubs in Berlin and Munich, delivers appealing compensation for Senior QA engineers. However, these figures tend to fall below the more lucrative packages found in the U.S., Canada, or Switzerland, even as they remain significantly higher than Polish salaries.
- Poland (Senior): 18,000 – 24,000 PLN/month (~4,300 – 5,800 USD/month)
- Germany (Senior): 4,350 – 7,900 USD/month (Source: Germantechjobs, Glassdoor)
H. Senior QA Engineer salary salary in The Netherlands vs Poland
The Netherlands, especially in Amsterdam, offers generous compensation for Senior QA engineers, particularly within multinational corporations. These salaries frequently exceed those in Poland, contributing to the Netherlands’ reputation as a prime destination for tech professionals.
- Poland (Senior): 18,000 – 24,000 PLN/month (~4,300 – 5,800 USD/month)
- The Netherlands (Senior): 5,400 – 7,300 USD/month (Source: Glassdoor, Techpays)
I. Senior QA Engineer salary salary in Norway vs Poland
In Norway, Senior QA engineers can earn competitive salaries alongside enjoying a high quality of life. Cities like Oslo stand out for offering attractive compensation, though the high cost of living must be considered when evaluating overall financial benefits.
- Poland (Senior): 18,000 – 24,000 PLN/month (~4,300 – 5,800 USD/month)
- Norway (Senior): 5,600 – 7,800 USD/month (Source: ERI, Plane)
J. Senior QA Engineer salary salary in Sweden vs Poland
Sweden provides solid salary packages for Senior QA engineers, which, while higher than in Poland, generally fall short of the lucrative salaries offered in Switzerland, the U.S., and Australia.
- Poland (Senior): 18,000 – 24,000 PLN/month (~4,300 – 5,800 USD/month)
- Sweden (Senior): 3,900 – 5,900 USD/month (Source: Glassdoor, Payscale)
Summary: Senior Quality Assurance Engineer Salaries in Poland vs. Other Countries
| Country | Average Senior Salary (USD/month) |
|---|---|
| USA | 9,000 – 13,750 USD |
| Canada | 6,250 – 11,700 USD |
| Switzerland | 8,500 – 11,700 USD |
| Israel | 5,100 – 7,600 USD |
| Australia | 10,000 – 13,000 USD |
| The UK | 5,200 – 9,900 USD |
| Germany | 4,350 – 7,900 USD |
| The Netherlands | 5,400 – 7,300 USD |
| Norway | 5,600 – 7,800 USD |
| Sweden | 3,900 – 5,900 USD |
| Poland | 4,300 – 5,800 USD |
Although salaries for Senior QA engineers in Poland are often lower than those in wealthier nations like the U.S., Canada, Switzerland, and Australia, the country’s relatively low cost of living makes it an appealing option. Furthermore, the rise of remote work enables many Polish QA engineers to access higher international salaries while enjoying a comfortable lifestyle in their home country.
Practical Advice for QA Engineers Seeking Competitive Salaries in Poland
To expland your earning potential as a QA engineer in Poland, consider the following strategies:
- Select the Right Employment Type: Evaluate the pros and cons of traditional employment contract (UoP – Umowa o Pracę) versus a B2B contract (self-employment) arrangement. While B2B contracts often offer higher pay, they require you to manage your own taxes, benefits, and administrative responsibilities. On the other hand, UoP contracts provide greater job stability and benefits such as healthcare and paid time off, making them ideal for those seeking long-term security.
- Specialize in Key QA Methodologies and Tools: Develop expertise in crucial QA areas such as automation testing, performance testing, security or penetration testing. Proficiency in tools like Selenium, Cypress, TestNG, JUnit, or Playwright is highly valued. Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP), and programming languages like Python, Java or JavaScript for automation can further distinguish you as a skilled QA professional.
- Build a Strong Portfolio: Create a professional portfolio showcasing your contributions to QA projects, including test scripts, frameworks, and reports. Use platforms like GitHub to share your automation scripts or project contributions. Highlighting measurable achievements, such as defect detection rates or process improvements, can make a strong impression during interviews and salary discussions.
- Expand Your Professional Network: Engage with QA-focused communities, attend meetups, and participate in webinars, conferences, and online forums. Networking with other QA professionals can help you stay informed about industry trends, learn from experienced practitioners, and discover new job opportunities.
- Consider Remote Work Opportunities: Many international companies are hiring remote QA engineers, often offering compensation that exceeds local market rates. By pursuing remote positions, you can benefit from global salary standards while maintaining a lower cost of living in Poland.
- Stay Updated with Industry Trends: QA is an ever-evolving field, so staying ahead of trends is vital. Invest in certifications such as ISTQB, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, or certifications in tools like Selenium or Postman. Familiarity with AI-driven testing tools and agile methodologies can further enhance your employability.
- Explore Manual and Automation Career Paths: If you are currently in manual QA, consider transitioning to automation testing roles, which often command higher salaries. Gaining hands-on experience in scripting and developing automation frameworks can significantly boost your earning potential.
By adopting these strategies, QA engineers in Poland can enhance their skills, expand their opportunities, and secure higher salaries both locally and in the international job market.
Conclusion
As of late 2024, the demand for skilled QA engineers in Poland continues to thrive across various sectors. Salaries vary considerably depending on factors like experience, location, and expertise in areas such as automation testing, performance testing, security testing, and familiarity with tools like Selenium, Cypress, and cloud-based testing platforms.
Poland’s key technology hubs offer competitive compensation packages. While these salaries are generally lower than those in the USA, Canada, or Australia, they align well with the country’s affordable cost of living. To maximize earning potential, QA engineers should focus on building expertise in high-demand tools and methodologies, transitioning to automation testing roles, and continually updating their skill sets. Developing a robust portfolio, expanding professional networks, and exploring remote opportunities with global firms can further enhance career prospects and earning potential.
With a thriving tech ecosystem, Poland remains an attractive location for QA professionals, especially as remote work expands access to higher-paying international opportunities.
At Itentio IT Recruitment, we specialize in connecting top-tier manual and automation QA talent with leading companies across Poland and Europe. Whether you’re a QA engineer seeking exciting opportunities or a business looking for exceptional QA professionals, get in touch with us today to achieve your recruitment goals!
If you found this article insightful, explore our other expert guides on salary trends for various in-demand technologies and roles in the tech industry:
