Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers vs. Computer User Support Specialists: Who Earns More?
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers out-earn Computer User Support Specialists by $42K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers land at $104,300 and Computer User Support Specialists at $61,860. The education gap is real: software quality assurance analysts and tester programs typically require bachelor's degree, while computer user support specialist programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers is California ($128,740); for Computer User Support Specialists it's District of Columbia ($80,950).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers or Computer User Support Specialists?
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers earn more nationally. The median is $104,300 for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers versus $61,860 for Computer User Support Specialists, a difference of $42K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers or Computer User Support Specialists?
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers has the better 10-year outlook at 10% projected growth, compared to -3.7% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers or Computer User Support Specialists?
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers typically requires bachelor's degree. Computer User Support Specialists requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers at $128,740/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers vs. Computer User Support Specialists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers earn $128,740 vs. $79,570 for Computer User Support Specialists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.