Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX area earn an average annual salary of $106,840. This figure is slightly below the national average of $110,420, but the local market dynamics and cost of living play a significant role in understanding this compensation. The robust tech industry presence in Austin often influences salary benchmarks, even if it doesn't always surpass the national median.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $106,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $153,750.
- Outlook: The Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metropolitan area boasts a substantial workforce of 3,110 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers. With a Location Quotient of 1.91, this indicates a concentration of these roles nearly double the national average, suggesting strong demand and a thriving job market for QA professionals in the region. The presence of 2.47 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the active recruitment and opportunities available.
Salary Overview
The average Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX earns-3.2%below the national average.
$51.4
$2,055
$8,903
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact period isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a positive salary growth trend for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in a dynamic tech hub like Austin over the past four years. Factors such as increasing demand for software quality, evolving testing methodologies, and general inflation typically drive upward salary adjustments in the tech sector, reflecting a competitive and evolving compensation landscape.
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary Distribution in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX
Salary progression for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights the substantial career advancement and earning potential within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $62,800 | $30.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $80,130 | $38.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $102,990 | $49.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $133,550 | $64.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $153,750 | $73.9 |
Detailed Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$106,840
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$106,840
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $106,840 in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a QA professional's salary in this area is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without the premium often associated with high-cost-of-living cities.
Job Market Context
3,110
Total Jobs
2.47
Per 1K Jobs
1.91
Location Quotient
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX has 1.9x the national concentration of Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.91 for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX, signifies a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This indicates a robust and specialized job market where demand for QA expertise is notably strong, making it a favorable environment for both job seekers and employers looking to tap into a concentrated talent pool.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Comparing salaries near Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers make in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX?
The median annual salary for a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX is $106,840. This typically ranges from $62,800 for entry-level positions to $153,750 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX is 3.2% lower than the national median of $110,420.
Is Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX a lucrative place for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the strong concentration of jobs and a cost of living at the national average make it a financially stable and opportunity-rich location for QA professionals.
Is Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX a good place to live for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
The Cost of Living Index in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area ($93,700) and Hill Country Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Austin QA salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX is $106,840, which is slightly lower than the national average of $110,420.
What is the job market like for QA professionals in Austin?
The job market is robust, with a Location Quotient of 1.91 indicating a concentration of QA roles nearly double the national average, suggesting high demand.
Does the cost of living affect the Austin QA salary?
No, the cost of living in Austin is at the national average (index 100), meaning the $106,840 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national median.
What is the total number of QA professionals in the Austin area?
There are approximately 3,110 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers employed in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,110 employees in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX area with a job density of 2.47 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 Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX