Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
The median pay for a software quality assurance analysts and testers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $126,430/year ($60.79/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $78K at the entry level to $176K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $116,119 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,246/month — about 30.1% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $126K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About software quality assurance analysts and testers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level software quality assurance analysts and testers (10th percentile) start around $78K. Mid-career wages sit at $126K.Top earners bring in $176K or more - a $98K 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $126,430 a year - that works out to about $60.79 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $78,000, and experienced software quality assurance analysts and testers can clear $175,670. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $126K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,439/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 30.2% 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (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 $116,119 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.