Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area earn an impressive average annual salary of $120,110. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $110,420, reflecting the region's robust tech industry and high demand for skilled professionals. The concentration of technology companies and research institutions in this metropolitan area drives competitive compensation for specialized roles like QA.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $120,110 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $164,950.
- Outlook: The job market for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH appears robust, with a local workforce of 5,700 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.63 indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand within the region's thriving tech ecosystem.
Salary Overview
The average Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH earns+8.8%above the national average.
$57.8
$2,310
$10,009
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in the dynamic Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH tech hub have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This trend is typical in areas with a high concentration of innovation and a strong demand for specialized tech talent, as companies compete to attract and retain skilled QA professionals.
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary Distribution in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Salary progression for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while senior and lead roles command significantly higher compensation, often reaching into the top percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries underscores the value placed on expertise and proven track records in quality assurance.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $69,200 | $33.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $90,083 | $43.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $125,440 | $60.3 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $150,138 | $72.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $164,950 | $79.3 |
Detailed Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$120,110
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$120,110
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $120,110 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH experience strong purchasing power. The nominal salary effectively translates to a comfortable standard of living, as the local cost of essential goods and services is on par with the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
5,700
Total Jobs
2.107
Per 1K Jobs
1.63
Location Quotient
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH has 1.6x 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.
The Location Quotient of 1.63 for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH signifies a market with a notable concentration of these professionals relative to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market, where employers actively seek talent, and professionals have ample opportunities within a specialized and growing sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Worcester, MA Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary | $103,330↓ 14% | 37 mi |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary | $100,770↓ 16% | 38 mi |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary | $112,360↓ 6% | 50 mi |
| Barnstable Town, MA Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary | $114,090↓ 5% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers make in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
The median annual salary for a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is $120,110. This typically ranges from $69,200 for entry-level positions to $164,950 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is 8.8% higher than the national median of $110,420.
Is Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH a lucrative place for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative location.The average salary of $120,110 significantly exceeds the national average, and the Cost of Living Index is at the national average, indicating strong earning potential and purchasing power.
Is Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH a good place to live for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
The Cost of Living Index in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
Some top paying nearby cities include Worcester, MA ($103,330) and Providence-Warwick, RI-MA.
How does the Boston QA salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is $120,110, which is $9,690 higher than the national average of $110,420.
What is the concentration of QA professionals in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
The Location Quotient of 1.63 indicates that QA professionals are 63% more concentrated in this region than the national average, suggesting a strong presence and demand for these roles.
How does the Cost of Living in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it is the same as the national average. Therefore, the higher salary of $120,110 offers excellent purchasing power for residents.
What is the total number of QA professionals in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area?
There are approximately 5,700 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers employed in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH 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 5,700 employees in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area with a job density of 2.107 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 Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH