Average Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary in Madison, WI
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Madison, WI, earn an average annual salary of $86,100. This figure is notably below the national average of $110,420, suggesting that local market dynamics, industry concentration, and potentially the specific types of companies operating in the area influence compensation. While the nominal salary is lower, understanding the local economic context is crucial for a complete picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $86,100 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $113,320.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,190 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers, Madison, WI, demonstrates a significant presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 2.27 indicates a concentration of these roles nearly 2.3 times higher than the national average, signaling robust local demand and a specialized job market that may offer more opportunities than initially suggested by the salary comparison alone.
Salary Overview
The average Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Madison, WI earns-22.0%below the national average.
$41.4
$1,656
$7,175
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Madison, WI, is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that the field of Software Quality Assurance has experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth likely translates to a steady or increasing demand for skilled QA professionals in Madison, potentially leading to salary adjustments and improved career prospects within the region.
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary Distribution in Madison, WI
Salary progression for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Madison, WI, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior roles and lead positions command salaries in the higher percentiles. The increasing salary gaps between experience levels signify clear career progression pathways and the growing value of specialized skills and leadership within the QA domain.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $63,740 | $30.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $64,575 | $31 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $83,060 | $39.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $107,625 | $51.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $113,320 | $54.5 |
Detailed Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$86,100
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$86,100
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $86,100 in Madison, WI, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a QA professional's salary in Madison is equivalent to that of someone earning the national average salary in a location with average living costs. Therefore, despite the lower nominal salary compared to the national average, the cost of living does not diminish the real value of the income in Madison.
Job Market Context
1,190
Total Jobs
2.945
Per 1K Jobs
2.27
Location Quotient
Madison, WI has 2.3x 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.
Madison, WI, exhibits a strong concentration of Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 2.27. This significantly above-average concentration suggests a mature and specialized job market where these professionals are in high demand relative to the national landscape. Companies in Madison may actively seek out local talent, potentially creating a competitive environment for employers and offering good opportunities for skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Janesville-Beloit, WI Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary | $81,520↓ 5% | 33 mi |
| Rockford, IL Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary | $96,120↑ 12% | 59 mi |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary | $90,400↑ 5% | 72 mi |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary | $88,140↑ 2% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Madison, WI
Hiring Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers make in Madison, WI?
The median annual salary for a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Madison, WI is $86,100. This typically ranges from $63,740 for entry-level positions to $113,320 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Madison, WI is 22.0% lower than the national median of $110,420.
Is Madison, WI a lucrative place for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
Yes, with a caveat regarding nominal salary.While the average salary of $86,100 is below the national average, the strong concentration of QA roles (LQ 2.27) and a cost of living matching the national average indicate a stable and potentially rewarding market for these professionals.
Is Madison, WI a good place to live for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
The Cost of Living Index in Madison, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Madison, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Janesville-Beloit, WI ($81,520) and Rockford, IL.
How does Madison's QA job market compare to the national average?
Madison, WI, has a job market for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers that is more than twice as concentrated as the national average, with a Location Quotient of 2.27, indicating a higher prevalence of these roles locally.
What is the impact of the Cost of Living Index on salaries in Madison?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Madison's living expenses are on par with the national average. This means the $86,100 salary offers equivalent purchasing power to a national average salary in an average-cost area.
How many Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers work in Madison?
There are approximately 1,190 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers employed in Madison, WI, contributing to a localized workforce that is significantly concentrated in this profession.
Does experience significantly impact a QA Tester's salary in Madison?
Yes, experience plays a crucial role in salary progression. Entry-level positions will earn less, while senior and lead QA roles command higher salaries, reflecting increased expertise and responsibility within the Madison market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,190 employees in the Madison, WI area with a job density of 2.945 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 Madison, WI
- All Occupations Salary in Madison, WI
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Madison, WI
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Madison, WI
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Madison, WI
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Madison, WI
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Madison, WI
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Madison, WI
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Madison, WI
- Production Occupations Salary in Madison, WI
- Management Occupations Salary in Madison, WI
- Browse All Jobs in Madison, WI →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Madison, WI