California ranks 2nd of 49 states and D.C. for software quality assurance analysts and testers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($128,270) by $1,260 — a 1% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $63,460 to $197,400 — a $133,940 spread, 26% wider than the national $106,270 range.
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers are more concentrated in California than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.35 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.35× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $63,460 | $30.51 |
| 25th percentile | $86,490 | $41.58 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $127,010 | $61.06 |
| 75th percentile | $164,520 | $79.10 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $197,400 | $94.90 |
| Mean (average) | $130,250 | $62.62 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $127,010 | n/a |
| Washington | $128,270 | +1% |
| Virginia | $123,270 | -3% |
| Maryland | $122,310 | -4% |
| Colorado | $114,600 | -10% |
| New Jersey | $111,790 | -12% |
| District of Columbia | $110,130 | -13% |
| New Hampshire | $110,020 | -13% |
| New York | $108,800 | -14% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers | $127,380 | 4,520 |
| Mechanical Engineers | $126,370 | 27,090 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $127,660 | 55,460 |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $125,670 | 3,670 |
| Personal Financial Advisors | $128,650 | 34,070 |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $125,310 | 4,800 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers salary in California?
The mean software quality assurance analysts and testers salary in California is $130,250 per year. The median (middle) salary is $127,010 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in California?
Entry-level software quality assurance analysts and testerss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $63,460 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $86,490 per year.
What is the highest Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $197,400 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $164,520 per year.
How does the California Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers salary compare to the national average?
The median software quality assurance analysts and testers salary in California is $127,010, which is +24% above national average of $102,610.