Salary report · US · 2026
Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) Salary
The average supplier quality engineer (sqe) salary is $89,236 per year in the United States in 2026. Base pay runs from $70,000 at the 10th percentile to $116,000 at the 90th, with a median of $89,000. Bonuses add $1,000–$12,000, putting total pay between roughly $69,000 and $120,000.
Definition & distribution
What is the average supplier quality engineer (sqe) salary?
The average base salary for a Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is $89,236 per year. This figure represents a typical compensation for professionals in this role as of 2026.
The 10th percentile earns $70,000, while the 90th percentile makes $116,000, indicating a significant spread in earnings. This range suggests that experience, skills, and specific job responsibilities can greatly influence salary outcomes.
Known limitations. The analysis is based on a sample size of 717 profiles, which may not capture all variations in the market. Additionally, regional differences and industry-specific factors could affect these figures.
Pay components
How is supplier quality engineer (sqe) total pay structured?
Compensation for this role may include base salary and bonuses.
| Component | Low | High | Reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base salary | $70,000 | $116,000 | Dense around the $89k median |
| Annual bonus | $1,000 | $12,000 | Up to ~10% of top-end base |
| Total pay | $69,000 | $120,000 | Base plus reported bonus |
Pay by experience
How does experience change a supplier quality engineer (sqe) salary?
As Supplier Quality Engineers gain experience, their salaries typically increase. This growth can be attributed to enhanced skills and responsibilities over time.
- 01
Entry-Level
Entry-level Supplier Quality Engineers can expect to earn around $69,000 per year.
- 02
Mid-Level
Mid-level professionals in this role may see salaries around $89,000 per year.
- 03
Senior-Level
Senior Supplier Quality Engineers can command salaries upwards of $116,000 per year.
Skills
Which skills affect a supplier quality engineer (sqe) salary?
Proficiency in certain skills can significantly impact earning potential.
- 01
Supplier Management — the premium tier
Expertise in managing supplier relationships can lead to higher salaries.
- 02
Quality Assurance / Quality Control — the premium tier
Strong skills in quality assurance practices are often rewarded with increased pay.
- 03
Problem Solving — the promotion tier
Exceptional problem-solving skills can facilitate advancement to higher roles and salaries.
Geography
Where do supplier quality engineer (sqe)s earn the most?
Salaries can vary significantly by location.
| Metro | Market character | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis, MN | Manufacturing hub | Cost of living is moderate, with competitive salaries. |
| Detroit, MI | Automotive industry | Salaries may be higher due to demand in the automotive sector. |
| San Jose, CA | Tech center | High cost of living, but salaries are generally elevated. |
| Chicago, IL | Diverse industries | A strong job market with varied salary ranges. |
| Seattle, WA | Tech and manufacturing | Competitive salaries, but also a high cost of living. |
Check your pay
Where does your salary fall?
Check your salary percentile to see how you compare.
Raising your pay
How can supplier quality engineer (sqe)s increase their salary?
There are several ways to potentially increase your salary.
- 01
Pursue advanced certifications
Obtaining relevant certifications can enhance your qualifications and salary potential.
- 02
Gain specialized experience
Working on high-impact projects can lead to recognition and pay raises.
- 03
Negotiate your salary
Effective negotiation skills can result in a higher starting salary or raise.
FAQ
Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) salary: FAQ
The highest pay can reach up to $120,000 per year.
The lowest pay starts at $69,000 per year.
You can increase your pay by pursuing advanced certifications, gaining specialized experience, and negotiating your salary.
Yes, bonuses can range from $1,000 to $12,000 per year.
The data is based on 717 profiles, providing a reasonable overview, but individual circumstances may vary.
Negotiating is a conversation. Applying is paperwork.
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