Quantum Computing Salary Guide 2026
Comprehensive salary data for every quantum computing role. Compare compensation by position, location, experience level, and company. Based on analysis of 500+ quantum job postings and industry surveys.
Last updated: February 19, 2026
Quantum Computing Salaries by Role
Average annual compensation for quantum computing positions in the United States.
| Role | Range | YoY Growth |
|---|---|---|
| VP / Director of Quantum | $200K - $350K | +12% |
| Principal Quantum Engineer | $180K - $300K | +15% |
| Senior Quantum Software Engineer | $150K - $230K | +18% |
| Quantum Hardware Physicist | $145K - $260K | +10% |
| Quantum Algorithm Researcher | $140K - $220K | +20% |
| Quantum ML Scientist | $135K - $250K | +22% |
| Quantum Cryptography Engineer | $130K - $210K | +25% |
| Quantum Solutions Architect | $135K - $210K | +14% |
| Quantum Error Correction Engineer | $130K - $200K | +16% |
| Quantum Software Engineer (Mid) | $110K - $175K | +20% |
| Junior Quantum Developer | $85K - $140K | +18% |
| Quantum Product Manager | $130K - $200K | +12% |
| Quantum Technical Writer | $80K - $130K | +10% |
| Quantum Computing Intern | $45/hr - $75/hr | +8% |
Quantum Salaries by Location
How quantum computing compensation varies across major global tech hubs.
San Francisco / Bay Area
New York City
Seattle / Pacific NW
Boston / Cambridge
Washington DC Area
Austin, TX
Boulder / Colorado
London, UK
Toronto, Canada
Munich / Germany
Amsterdam / Netherlands
Tokyo, Japan
Remote (US-based)
Quantum Salaries by Experience Level
Expected compensation ranges based on years of experience in the quantum computing field.
Intern / Co-op
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
Mid Level (2-5 yrs)
Senior (5-8 yrs)
Staff / Principal (8-12 yrs)
Director / VP (12+ yrs)
Top Paying Quantum Companies
Companies offering the highest total compensation for quantum computing roles.
Google Quantum AI
Perks: RSUs, 20% time, top-tier benefits
Microsoft Azure Quantum
Perks: RSUs, sabbatical, education budget
Amazon Braket
Perks: RSUs, signing bonus, relocation
IBM Quantum
Perks: Stock options, remote work, sabbatical
Goldman Sachs (Quantum)
Perks: Bonus, healthcare, 401k match
JPMorgan (Quantum)
Perks: Bonus, healthcare, education
PsiQuantum
Perks: Equity, startup culture, mission-driven
IonQ
Perks: Public company equity, flexible PTO
Quantinuum
Perks: Equity, global teams, innovation focus
Rigetti Computing
Perks: Equity, small team impact, agile
Salary Negotiation Tips
Know your market value
Use this salary guide and data from Levels.fyi, Glassdoor, and Blind to benchmark your offer against current quantum computing compensation data.
Factor in total compensation
Quantum roles at public companies (Google, Microsoft, IBM, IonQ) often include significant RSU packages. At startups, equity can represent 20-40% of total comp.
Leverage specialized skills
Expertise in specific quantum frameworks (Qiskit, Cirq, PennyLane), hardware platforms, or niche areas like quantum error correction commands a premium.
Consider location flexibility
Remote quantum roles often pay 90-100% of on-site Bay Area salaries. If you can work remotely from a lower cost-of-living area, your purchasing power increases significantly.
Don't forget the benefits
Top quantum companies offer exceptional benefits: conference budgets, research time, education stipends, flexible PTO, and publication bonuses that add $15K-$30K+ in value.
Salary Guide FAQ
What is the average salary for a quantum computing job?
The average quantum computing salary in 2026 is approximately $165,000/year in the US. Entry-level roles start at $85,000-$130,000, while senior positions range from $155,000-$300,000+. VP and Director-level roles can exceed $350,000.
Which quantum computing roles pay the most?
The highest-paying roles are VP/Director of Quantum ($200K-$350K+), Principal Quantum Engineers ($180K-$300K), Quantum ML Scientists ($135K-$250K), and Quantum Hardware Physicists ($145K-$260K). Big Tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon tend to offer the highest compensation.
How do quantum computing salaries compare to classical software engineering?
Quantum computing salaries typically command a 15-30% premium over equivalent classical software engineering roles due to the specialized skills required and the limited talent pool. This gap is even wider for quantum hardware roles.
Do quantum computing salaries differ by location?
Yes, significantly. The San Francisco Bay Area offers the highest salaries (15% above national average), followed by NYC (+10%), Seattle (+8%), and Boston (+5%). European salaries are generally 15-25% lower in absolute terms but may offer better work-life balance.
Is a PhD required for high-paying quantum computing jobs?
Not always. While PhDs command the highest research salaries, software engineering and DevOps roles with strong quantum computing knowledge can pay $150K+ without a PhD. Industry experience and specific framework expertise (Qiskit, Cirq, PennyLane) are increasingly valued.
Find Your Quantum Job
Now that you know what quantum roles pay, browse open positions and find your next opportunity.