In Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers earn an average annual salary of $103,170. This figure is slightly below the national average of $110,420, suggesting a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and industry demand within the greater Houston metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $103,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $148,740.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,710 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers, Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands demonstrates a significant presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 0.65 indicates that while the concentration is slightly lower than the national average, the absolute number of professionals suggests a stable and active job market for QA roles within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX earns-6.6%below the national average.
$49.6
$1,984
$8,598
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 Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing demand for sophisticated software, the evolving complexity of testing methodologies, and the need for skilled professionals to ensure product quality.
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary Distribution in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
Salary progression for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while senior roles, characterized by advanced technical skills and leadership responsibilities, command higher salaries. The widening gap between entry-level and senior compensation reflects significant career advancement opportunities and the increasing value placed on seasoned QA professionals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $61,310 | $29.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $77,378 | $37.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $99,800 | $48 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $128,963 | $62 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $148,740 | $71.5 |
Detailed Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$103,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$103,170
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $103,170 in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, 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 comparable to the national standard, making it a neutral environment for relocation from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
2,710
Total Jobs
0.836
Per 1K Jobs
0.65
Location Quotient
Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX has 0.65x 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 0.65 for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, suggests that the profession is less concentrated here compared to the national average. This implies that while the market is not oversaturated, there may be fewer specialized opportunities or a slightly lower demand relative to the overall workforce compared to national hubs, though the total workforce size indicates a healthy presence.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary | $94,840↓ 8% | 77 mi |
| College Station-Bryan, TX Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary | $85,380↓ 17% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
Hiring Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers make in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
The median annual salary for a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is $103,170. This typically ranges from $61,310 for entry-level positions to $148,740 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 6.6% lower than the national median of $110,420.
Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a lucrative place for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
Moderately. While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, offering comparable purchasing power.The average salary of $103,170 is competitive, especially considering the Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average of 100. This indicates that the nominal salary offers standard purchasing power within the region.
Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a good place to live for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
The Cost of Living Index in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($94,840) and College Station-Bryan, TX.
How does the Houston QA salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, is $103,170, which is approximately 6.6% lower than the national average of $110,420.
What is the cost of living in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX for QA professionals?
The Cost of Living Index for Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, is 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical US city.
How many Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers are there in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
The total local workforce for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, metropolitan area is approximately 2,710 individuals.
Is the job market for QA Analysts strong in Houston?
The market shows a stable presence with 2,710 professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.65 suggests it's less concentrated than the national average, indicating a moderate but not exceptionally high demand relative to other professions in the area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,710 employees in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area with a job density of 0.836 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 Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX