In the bustling Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metropolitan area, Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers earn an average annual salary of $109,210. This figure is remarkably close to the national average of $110,420, indicating a strong and competitive market. The high demand for skilled QA professionals in this major economic hub, coupled with the city's vibrant tech scene, helps to sustain these robust compensation levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $109,210 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $163,870.
- Outlook: The job market for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, appears stable and robust. With a total local workforce of 7,560 professionals in this role, the area demonstrates a significant concentration of talent. The Location Quotient of 0.94 suggests that the presence of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a healthy demand that aligns with the overall employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA earns-1.1%below the national average.
$52.5
$2,100
$9,101
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the average salary for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, has experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is typical for in-demand tech roles, driven by increasing complexity in software development, the need for rigorous testing, and the general upward pressure on wages in a competitive job market.
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary Distribution in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Salary progression for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, is strongly tied to experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior analysts with extensive experience in automation, performance testing, or specific industry domains can earn significantly more. The widening gap between the lower and upper salary percentiles clearly signifies substantial career advancement opportunities and earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $48,450 | $23.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $81,908 | $39.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $106,400 | $51.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $136,513 | $65.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $163,870 | $78.8 |
Detailed Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$109,210
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$109,210
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $109,210 in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, is directly comparable to the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Software Quality Assurance Analyst's salary in this region is essentially on par with the national median. While the nominal salary is high, the cost of living does not present a significant advantage or disadvantage when compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
7,560
Total Jobs
1.22
Per 1K Jobs
0.94
Location Quotient
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA has 0.94x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.94, the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, market for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers is nearly as concentrated as the national average. This suggests a well-established presence of these roles, with demand closely mirroring the overall U.S. employment landscape for this profession. While not exceptionally higher than the national average, this quotient indicates a competitive and active job market with ample opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary | $106,070↓ 3% | 49 mi |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary | $118,310↑ 8% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers make in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
The median annual salary for a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is $109,210. This typically ranges from $48,450 for entry-level positions to $163,870 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 1.1% lower than the national median of $110,420.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a lucrative place for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
Yes, it is a competitive place for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers.The average salary of $109,210 is very close to the national average, and the cost of living is also at the national average, indicating strong earning potential relative to expenses.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a good place to live for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
The Cost of Living Index in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($106,070) and Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA.
How does the Los Angeles QA job market compare to the national average?
The job market in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, is very similar to the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.94 and an average salary just slightly below the national median, indicating a balanced demand and supply of QA professionals.
What is the average salary for a Software Quality Assurance Analyst in Los Angeles?
The average annual salary for a Software Quality Assurance Analyst and Tester in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area is $109,210.
Is the cost of living high in Los Angeles for QA professionals?
The cost of living in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, is exactly at the national average (index of 100), meaning that the $109,210 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national median.
How many Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers work in Los Angeles?
There are approximately 7,560 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers employed in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 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 7,560 employees in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area with a job density of 1.22 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 Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA