Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $104,900. This figure is slightly below the national average of $110,420, suggesting a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within this vibrant tech hub. The cost of living in Chicago is precisely at the national average, making this salary competitive within its context.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $104,900 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $138,630.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 5,410 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area demonstrates a substantial presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 0.93 indicates that the concentration of these professionals is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and robust job market that is neither oversaturated nor significantly lacking in talent. The rate of 1.208 jobs per 1,000 workers further reinforces the consistent demand for these critical roles within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earns-5.0%below the national average.
$50.4
$2,017
$8,742
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 Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic expansion, increasing demand for sophisticated software, and the continuous need for rigorous quality control likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation, reflecting a dynamic and evolving job market.
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary Distribution in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Salary progression for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can significantly increase their earning potential. The percentile gaps between junior, mid-level, and senior roles highlight clear career progression pathways and the increasing value placed on expertise and leadership within the quality assurance domain.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $64,010 | $30.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $78,675 | $37.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $102,360 | $49.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $131,125 | $63 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $138,630 | $66.6 |
Detailed Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$104,900
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$104,900
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $104,900 in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing for professionals relocating to or residing in the area. The absence of a cost-of-living premium or discount simplifies financial planning for individuals and families.
Job Market Context
5,410
Total Jobs
1.208
Per 1K Jobs
0.93
Location Quotient
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN has 0.93x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.93 for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN signifies a job market that closely mirrors the national distribution of this profession. This suggests a healthy balance between the supply of qualified professionals and the demand from employers, indicating a competitive yet accessible market. While not a hotspot of extreme concentration, the steady presence of these roles ensures ample opportunities for skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary | $86,610↓ 17% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Hiring Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median annual salary for a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $104,900. This typically ranges from $64,010 for entry-level positions to $138,630 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 5.0% lower than the national median of $110,420.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a lucrative place for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to the cost of living.The average salary of $104,900 is competitive, especially given the local Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average of 100.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a good place to live for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
The Cost of Living Index in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI ($86,610) and others.
How does the Chicago QA Analyst salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $104,900, which is slightly lower than the national average of $110,420.
What is the concentration of QA Analysts in Chicago compared to the rest of the US?
The Location Quotient of 0.93 indicates that the concentration of Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is very close to the national average, suggesting a balanced job market.
Does the cost of living in Chicago affect the value of the QA Analyst salary?
No, the Cost of Living Index in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the $104,900 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many QA Analysts are employed in the Chicago area?
There are approximately 5,410 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers employed in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 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 5,410 employees in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area with a job density of 1.208 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 Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN