Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers vs. Software Developers: Who Earns More?
Software Developerss out-earn Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testerss by $32K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testerss land at $104,300 and Software Developerss at $135,980. The education gap is real: software quality assurance analysts and tester programs typically require bachelor's degree, while software developer programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testerss is California ($128,740); for Software Developerss it's California ($174,410).
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 Testerss or Software Developerss?
Software Developerss earn more nationally. The median is $104,300 for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testerss versus $135,980 for Software Developerss, a difference of $32K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers or Software Developers?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
Which requires more education, Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers or Software Developers?
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers typically requires bachelor's degree. Software Developers requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testerss get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testerss 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. Software Developers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testerss earn $128,740 vs. $174,410 for Software Developerss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.