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Average Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $116,310. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $110,420, indicating a strong demand and potentially higher cost of doing business or living within this dynamic Colorado hub. The local economic landscape and specialized industry needs likely contribute to this elevated compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $116,310 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $168,450.
  • Outlook: The Denver-Aurora-Centennial area boasts a robust job market for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 3,800 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.81 signifies a concentration of these roles nearly double the national average, suggesting strong industry presence and ongoing demand for skilled QA professionals in the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$116,310

The average Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO earns+5.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$55.9

Weekly

$2,237

Monthly

$9,693

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary Distribution in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO

Salary progression for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can expect significantly higher compensation. The widening gap between the 25th and 75th percentile salaries clearly illustrates the career advancement and earning potential available as one moves from junior to senior or lead QA roles.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$69,230$33.3
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$87,233$41.9
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$118,090$56.8
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$145,388$69.9
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$168,450$81

Detailed Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$116,310

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$116,310

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $116,310 in Denver-Aurora-Centennial aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the increased earnings are offset by the local cost of living.

Job Market Context

3,800

Total Jobs

2.345

Per 1K Jobs

1.81

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO has 1.8x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 1.81, Denver-Aurora-Centennial presents a job market where Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers are significantly more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a robust and specialized demand for these professionals, suggesting a competitive environment for employers seeking talent but offering ample opportunities for skilled individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Comparing salaries near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO

Hiring Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?

The median annual salary for a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $116,310. This typically ranges from $69,230 for entry-level positions to $168,450 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 5.3% higher than the national median of $110,420.

Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a lucrative place for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?

Yes, Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is a lucrative location for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers.The average salary of $116,310 is notably higher than the national average, and the strong concentration of these roles (LQ 1.81) indicates significant demand within the local market.

Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a good place to live for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?

The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?

Some top paying nearby cities include Boulder, CO ($127,260) and Greeley, CO.

How does the Denver-Aurora-Centennial QA salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial is $116,310, which is $5,890 higher than the national average of $110,420.

What is the concentration of QA professionals in Denver-Aurora-Centennial?

The Location Quotient (LQ) for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial is 1.81, meaning the area has nearly double the concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.

How does the Cost of Living in Denver-Aurora-Centennial affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Denver-Aurora-Centennial is at the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary of $116,310 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average salary.

What does the workforce size suggest about the QA job market in Denver-Aurora-Centennial?

A local workforce of 3,800 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers indicates a substantial and established presence of this profession, suggesting a healthy and active job market with numerous employment opportunities.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,800 employees in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area with a job density of 2.345 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.