Quality (QA)Lead2026
Lead QA Engineer salary
Lead QA Engineer 2026 salary grid by seniority level, in France, the US and the UK. Data from thousands of offers and self-reported pay slips.
Senior France median
69 000 €
gross / year
Senior France daily rate
585 €
pre-tax / day
Salaries in France (€ gross / year)
| Level | Min | Median | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | 33 000 € | 39 000 € | 46 000 € |
| Mid | 45 000 € | 52 000 € | 60 000 € |
| Senior | 58 000 € | 69 000 € | 80 000 € |
| Lead | 72 000 € | 86 000 € | 100 000 € |
Freelance daily rate (€ pre-tax / day)
| Level | Min | Median | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | 280 € | 330 € | 390 € |
| Mid | 380 € | 440 € | 510 € |
| Senior | 490 € | 585 € | 680 € |
| Lead | 610 € | 730 € | 850 € |
International comparison
🇺🇸 United States
| Level | Min | Median | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | $70,000 | $85,000 | $100,000 |
| Mid | $100,000 | $120,000 | $145,000 |
| Senior | $140,000 | $165,000 | $200,000 |
| Lead | $180,000 | $220,000 | $280,000 |
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Level | Min | Median | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | £35,000 | £43,000 | £50,000 |
| Mid | £50,000 | £60,000 | £72,000 |
| Senior | £70,000 | £85,000 | £105,000 |
| Lead | £95,000 | £115,000 | £145,000 |
Tips to negotiate your salary
- Know the market median: that's your anchor. The high end (max) is negotiable with a strong case.
- Negotiate the full package: base salary, bonus, equity (BSPCE/RSU), PTO, remote work, healthcare, training, equipment.
- Use your BATNA (best alternative): if you have another offer, mention it — without bluffing.
- Anticipate 'name your price' with a range: state median→max, never min→median.
- Ask for a review in 6 or 12 months if the company can't hit your target immediately.
Sources: LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, Welcome to the Jungle, Indeed.
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