📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Software Quality Assurance Analysts Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$158,316
per year
Median
$148,106
per year
Hourly
$76.11
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$94,740
25th Percentile — Junior$124,722
50th Percentile — Median$148,106
75th Percentile — Senior$192,181
90th Percentile — Top Earners$218,182
💡 Top-earning Software Quality Assurance Analystss in California make up to $218,182 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$121.1k
2021
$127.8k
2022
$134.8k
2023
$142.2k
2024
$150.1k
2025
$158.3k
2026
📈 Software Quality Assurance Analysts salaries in California have followed the national trend with 5.5% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Software Quality Assurance Analysts Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $245,390 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $234,308 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $272,304 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $292,885 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $170,981 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $193,146 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $229,558 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $170,981 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $224,809 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $221,642 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $202,644 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $186,813 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $245,390 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $186,813 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $177,314 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $193,146 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $182,063 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $234,308 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $253,306 +60.0% Medium
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Software Quality Assurance Analysts Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Software Quality Assurance Analystss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $158,316 per year, California's Software Quality Assurance Analysts salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $94,740–$124,722, while experienced Software Quality Assurance Analystss can command $192,181–$218,182.

Looking ahead, the Software Quality Assurance Analysts profession in California is projected to grow at 5.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Software Quality Assurance Analysts salary in California is $158,316 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $111,490.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Software Quality Assurance Analystss the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Software Quality Assurance Analysts employment.
  • At $158,316/year, California Software Quality Assurance Analysts salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $111,490/year.