Average Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary in Ames, IA
The average salary for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testerss in Ames, IA is $98,770. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Ames, IA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $98,770 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $127,660.
- Outlook: The current demand for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 60 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Ames, IA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Ames, IA earns-10.6%below the national average.
$47.5
$1,899
$8,231
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 3 years, Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers salaries in Ames, IA have shown healthy growth of 15.4%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary Distribution in Ames, IA
The earning potential for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testerss in Ames, IA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $57,930, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $127,660.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $57,930 | $27.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $74,078 | $35.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $90,220 | $43.4 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $123,463 | $59.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $127,660 | $61.4 |
Detailed Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$98,770
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$98,770
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Ames, IA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $98,770 to $98,770.
Job Market Context
60
Total Jobs
0.991
Per 1K Jobs
0.76
Location Quotient
Ames, IA has 0.76x the national average concentration of Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
60 people work as Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Ames, IA.
Only 0.991 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Comparing salaries near Ames, IA
Hiring Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers make in Ames, IA?
The median annual salary for a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Ames, IA is $98,770. This typically ranges from $57,930 for entry-level positions to $127,660 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Ames, IA is 10.6% lower than the national median of $110,420.
Is Ames, IA a good place for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testerss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers salary in Ames, IA is $98,770 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Ames, IA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Ames, IA a good place to live for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
The Cost of Living Index in Ames, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Ames, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area ($83,070) and Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 60 employees in the Ames, IA area with a job density of 0.991 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Ames, IA