Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
The median pay for a software quality assurance analysts and testers in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $165,700/year ($79.66/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $82K at the entry level to $224K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 110.42), so that salary is closer to $150,063 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,483/month — about 35.6% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $166K get you in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
About software quality assurance analysts and testers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Entry-level software quality assurance analysts and testers (10th percentile) start around $82K. Mid-career wages sit at $166K.Top earners bring in $224K or more - a $141K spread from bottom to top.
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $128K | +25% | 9,220 |
| California | $127K | +24% | 31,530 |
| Virginia | $123K | +20% | 9,880 |
| Maryland | $122K | +19% | 6,340 |
| New Jersey | $112K | +9% | 6,930 |
| District of Columbia | $110K | +7% | 750 |
| New Hampshire | $110K | +7% | 610 |
| New York | $109K | +6% | 11,140 |
| Utah | $107K | +4% | 4,300 |
| Massachusetts | $106K | +3% | 7,650 |
| Delaware | $106K | +3% | 700 |
| New Mexico | $106K | +3% | 400 |
| Minnesota | $105K | +2% | 2,930 |
| Arizona | $104K | +1% | 3,680 |
| Alaska | $103K | +1% | N/A |
Track software quality assurance analysts and testers salary changes
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Frequently asked questions
How much do software quality assurance analysts and testers make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median is $165,700 a year - that works out to about $79.66 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $82,150, and experienced software quality assurance analysts and testers can clear $223,560. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $166K enough to live in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $9,372/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,483/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 37.2% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a software quality assurance analysts and testers salary go in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara has a Regional Price Parity of 110.42 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median software quality assurance analysts and testers salary is worth about $150,063 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do software quality assurance analysts and testers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.