Average Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area earn an average annual salary of $108,610. This figure is slightly below the national average of $110,420, but the local economic landscape and industry concentration play a significant role in this compensation. The region's robust tech sector and demand for skilled QA professionals contribute to competitive pay.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $108,610 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $156,450.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 890 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers, and a Location Quotient of 2, the Durham-Chapel Hill area demonstrates a strong concentration of these roles, indicating a healthy and robust job market. This elevated quotient suggests that the demand for QA professionals in this region significantly outpaces the national average, pointing to a favorable outlook for job seekers and career growth.
Salary Overview
The average Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-1.6%below the national average.
$52.2
$2,089
$9,051
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 Durham-Chapel Hill have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. The increasing reliance on sophisticated software across all industries, coupled with the evolving complexity of testing methodologies, typically drives upward pressure on compensation for skilled professionals in this field.
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Salary progression for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Durham-Chapel Hill is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior analysts with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the top percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries clearly signifies substantial career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $60,280 | $29 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $81,458 | $39.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $102,660 | $49.4 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $135,763 | $65.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $156,450 | $75.2 |
Detailed Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$108,610
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$108,610
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $108,610 in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a QA Analyst's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
890
Total Jobs
2.594
Per 1K Jobs
2
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 2.0x 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 2 for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Durham-Chapel Hill signifies that this profession is twice as concentrated in this area compared to the national average. This high concentration suggests a competitive yet abundant job market, where employers actively seek specialized talent, and professionals have ample opportunities to find roles that match their skills and career aspirations.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $108,610. This typically ranges from $60,280 for entry-level positions to $156,450 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 1.6% lower than the national median of $110,420.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers.The area offers a strong concentration of QA roles with a Location Quotient of 2 and a salary that matches the national average cost of living, providing excellent earning potential.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($112,420) and Burlington, NC.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, is $108,610, which is slightly below the national average of $110,420.
What is the cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, is at the national average, with a Cost of Living Index of 100.
How concentrated are QA jobs in this area?
The concentration of Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers is high, with a Location Quotient of 2, indicating double the national average presence.
What is the total number of QA professionals in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
There are approximately 890 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers employed in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 890 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 2.594 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- All Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Management Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Browse All Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC