📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release
Software Quality Assurance Analysts Salary in the United States (2026)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data · Updated 2026 · Medium Demand
Average
$111,490
per year
Median
$104,300
per year
Hourly
$53.6
per hour
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$66,718
25th Percentile — Junior$87,832
50th Percentile — Median$104,300
75th Percentile — Senior$135,339
90th Percentile — Top Earners$153,649
💡 The top 10% of Software Quality Assurance Analystss earn $153,649 or more per year. Entry-level professionals can expect to start around $66,718, with significant growth over the first 5 years.
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$85.3k
2021
$90.0k
2022
$94.9k
2023
$100.2k
2024
$105.7k
2025
$111.5k
2026
📈 Software Quality Assurance Analysts salaries have grown 5.5% year-over-year. Since 2020, the average salary has increased by approximately $26,185.
Salary by State
Geographic salary comparison
| State | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $172,810 | +55.0% | Medium |
| District of Columbia | $169,465 | +52.0% | Medium |
| California | $158,316 | +42.0% | Medium |
| New York | $153,856 | +38.0% | Medium |
| Alaska | $147,167 | +32.0% | Medium |
| Massachusetts | $144,937 | +30.0% | Medium |
| New Jersey | $142,707 | +28.0% | Medium |
| Washington | $139,362 | +25.0% | Medium |
| Connecticut | $136,018 | +22.0% | Medium |
| Maryland | $128,213 | +15.0% | Medium |
| Rhode Island | $128,213 | +15.0% | Medium |
| New Hampshire | $127,099 | +14.0% | Medium |
| Oregon | $124,869 | +12.0% | Medium |
| Colorado | $122,639 | +10.0% | Medium |
| Virginia | $122,639 | +10.0% | Medium |
| Vermont | $120,409 | +8.0% | Medium |
| Delaware | $117,064 | +5.0% | Medium |
| Illinois | $117,064 | +5.0% | Medium |
| Maine | $113,720 | +2.0% | Medium |
| Nevada | $113,720 | +2.0% | Medium |
| Minnesota | $111,490 | +0.0% | Medium |
| Utah | $111,490 | +0.0% | Medium |
| Arizona | $110,375 | -1.0% | Medium |
| Pennsylvania | $110,375 | -1.0% | Medium |
| Florida | $109,260 | -2.0% | Medium |
| Montana | $105,916 | -5.0% | Medium |
| Texas | $105,916 | -5.0% | Medium |
| Georgia | $103,686 | -7.0% | Medium |
| Idaho | $103,686 | -7.0% | Medium |
| Wyoming | $103,686 | -7.0% | Medium |
| North Dakota | $102,571 | -8.0% | Medium |
| Wisconsin | $102,571 | -8.0% | Medium |
| North Carolina | $101,456 | -9.0% | Medium |
| Michigan | $100,341 | -10.0% | Medium |
| Louisiana | $98,111 | -12.0% | Medium |
| Nebraska | $98,111 | -12.0% | Medium |
| New Mexico | $98,111 | -12.0% | Medium |
| Ohio | $98,111 | -12.0% | Medium |
| South Carolina | $98,111 | -12.0% | Medium |
| Tennessee | $98,111 | -12.0% | Medium |
| Alabama | $96,996 | -13.0% | Medium |
| Missouri | $96,996 | -13.0% | Medium |
| South Dakota | $96,996 | -13.0% | Medium |
| Iowa | $95,881 | -14.0% | Medium |
| Indiana | $94,766 | -15.0% | Medium |
| Kansas | $94,766 | -15.0% | Medium |
| Oklahoma | $93,652 | -16.0% | Medium |
| Arkansas | $92,537 | -17.0% | Medium |
| Kentucky | $92,537 | -17.0% | Medium |
| Mississippi | $89,192 | -20.0% | Medium |
| West Virginia | $86,962 | -22.0% | Medium |
What Factors Affect Software Quality Assurance Analysts Salary?
Key factors affecting compensation
A Software Quality Assurance Analysts's salary is influenced by several key factors including geographic location, years of experience, employer type, and educational background. States with higher costs of living — such as California, New York, and Washington — typically offer 20–40% higher salaries than the national average to compensate for living expenses.
Experience plays a major role in compensation. Entry-level Software Quality Assurance Analystss typically earn $66,718–$87,832 per year, while senior professionals with 10+ years of experience can command $135,339–$153,649 annually. Specialization and advanced certifications can further boost earning potential.
Employer size also matters. Large corporations and government agencies tend to offer more competitive packages including benefits, retirement plans, and bonuses. The Software Quality Assurance Analysts role currently has medium demand in the job market with a 5.5% growth rate, making it one of the most growing careers in the Technology sector.
🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
-
What is the average salary for a Software Quality Assurance Analysts?The average salary for a Software Quality Assurance Analysts in the United States is $111,490 per year, with a median of $104,300.
-
What is the starting salary for a Software Quality Assurance Analysts?Entry-level Software Quality Assurance Analystss typically earn between $66,718 and $87,832 per year depending on location and employer.
-
What state pays Software Quality Assurance Analystss the most?California, New York, and Washington typically pay Software Quality Assurance Analystss the highest salaries due to high cost of living and strong job markets.
-
How much does a Software Quality Assurance Analysts make per hour?Based on the average annual salary of $111,490, a Software Quality Assurance Analysts earns approximately $53.6 per hour (based on 2,080 working hours/year).
-
Is Software Quality Assurance Analysts a good career in 2026?Yes — the Software Quality Assurance Analysts role has medium demand with 5.5% year-over-year salary growth, indicating a strong and growing career path.
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