Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Employment and Wages in 2022

In 2022, the Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers occupation accounted for over 196 thousand jobs in the United States, reflecting an increase of 3.3% from 2021. The annual mean wage in 2022 was $105,750, and the median wage was $99,620. Compared to the national average for all occupations, the wages for this occupation were higher by 70.8%.

Industry Sub-Groups

Among industry sectors, Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services held the largest number of jobs for the Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers occupation, employing over 83 thousand people in 2022. The annual mean wage in this sector was $102,510, with a median wage of $97,650. There was a decrease in wage variance to the national average compared to 2021, with the variance shifting from 1.2% to -3.1%, indicating industry sector wages lagged national wage trends.

Information accounted for a substantial employment share for this occupation, with 38 thousand people employed in 2022. The annual mean wage for this sub-group was $122,450, and the median wage was $105,810. In terms of wage variance to the national average, there was an increase compared to 2021, with the variance shifting from 1.7% to 15.8%.

The Finance and Insurance sector also had considerable industry employment, with approximately 20 thousand people employed in 2022. The annual mean wage in this sub-group was $98,560 and the median wage was $97,350. The wage variance to the national average experienced a decrease compared to 2021, with the variance shifting from -5.2% to -6.8%.

Highest Location Concentration

When we examine the top locations in terms of proportional employment within the Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers occupation, we find that San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA had the highest concentration of jobs (6.2 times the national occupational employment share). The location had an annual mean wage in 2022, at $184,150, and a median wage of $154,940. The location variance to the national average was 74.1%. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA had the next highest concentration of jobs (3.8 times the national occupational employment share) and an annual mean wage of $114,370 and a median wage of $112,690. The industry variance to the national average was 8.2%. Boulder, CO had 3.1 times the national occupational employment share and an annual mean wage of $106,930 and a median wage of $104,700. The industry variance to the national average was 1.1%.

Summary

In 2022, the Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers occupation exhibited steady growth, with over 196 thousand jobs in the United States, marking a notable increase of 3.3% from the previous year. Professionals in this field enjoyed robust wages, with an annual mean wage of $105,750 and a median wage of $99,620, surpassing the national average for all occupations by 70.8%. Among industry sectors, Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emerged as the primary employer, with over 83 thousand individuals working in this domain. However, there was a slight decrease in wage variance to the national average compared to the previous year, indicating a marginal lag in industry sector wages relative to national trends. The Information sector also played a significant role, boasting a substantial employment share and offering notably higher wages, with an increase in wage variance compared to 2021. Meanwhile, the Finance and Insurance sector, although employing fewer individuals, exhibited a decrease in wage variance relative to the national average. Analyzing location concentration, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, led in job concentration, offering substantially higher wages compared to the national average. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, and Boulder, CO, followed closely, each showcasing significant employment shares with moderate wage differentials relative to the national average.

For more detailed insights, visit our Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Dashboard or consider purchasing Aimiax’s 2022 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Report.