The average salary for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testerss in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $94,970. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $94,970 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $133,400.
- Outlook: This role remains a specialized component of the broader Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-14.0%below the national average.
$45.7
$1,826
$7,914
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 3 years, Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers salaries in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA have remained stable with a modest increase of 6.3%. 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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
The earning potential for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testerss in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 2.6x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $51,810, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $133,400.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $51,810 | $24.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $71,228 | $34.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $91,990 | $44.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $118,713 | $57.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $133,400 | $64.1 |
Detailed Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$94,970
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$94,970
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $94,970 to $94,970.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary | $98,770↑ 4% | 31 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary | $83,070↓ 13% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary | $78,320↓ 18% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $94,970. This typically ranges from $51,810 for entry-level positions to $133,400 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 14.0% lower than the national median of $110,420.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, 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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $94,970 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($98,770) and Southeast 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 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA