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Average Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area earn an average annual salary of $90,400. This figure is notably below the national average of $110,420, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different industry focus influence compensation. While the nominal salary may seem lower, understanding the local economic context is crucial for a complete picture.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $90,400 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $117,460.
  • Outlook: The Milwaukee-Waukesha area supports a local workforce of 1,340 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers. With a Location Quotient of 1.26, indicating a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, the job market shows a robust demand for QA professionals. The presence of 1.639 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the active recruitment and established presence of this profession within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$90,400

The average Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI earns-18.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$43.5

Weekly

$1,738

Monthly

$7,533

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary Distribution in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI

Salary progression for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight the substantial career advancement opportunities and earning potential for those who develop expertise and take on more senior responsibilities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$69,910$33.6
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$67,800$32.6
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$81,470$39.2
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$113,000$54.3
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$117,460$56.5

Detailed Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$90,400

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$90,400

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $90,400 in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial foundation for residents. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average for the role, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay effectively supports a comparable lifestyle.

Job Market Context

1,340

Total Jobs

1.639

Per 1K Jobs

1.26

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.26, Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.26 for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Milwaukee-Waukesha signifies a market that is more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand and a potentially competitive environment for skilled professionals, as the region employs a higher proportion of these workers relative to its overall workforce. Employers may need to offer competitive compensation and benefits to attract and retain top talent in this slightly more specialized local market.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Comparing salaries near Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI

Hiring Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers make in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?

The median annual salary for a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is $90,400. This typically ranges from $69,910 for entry-level positions to $117,460 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is 18.1% lower than the national median of $110,420.

Is Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI a lucrative place for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?

Yes, with caveats.The area offers a robust job market with a higher concentration of QA roles than the national average. While the average salary is below the national benchmark, the equivalent cost of living ensures strong purchasing power for the $90,400 average.

Is Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI a good place to live for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?

The Cost of Living Index in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?

Some top paying nearby cities include Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI ($86,610) and Janesville-Beloit, WI.

How does the Milwaukee-Waukesha QA salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Milwaukee-Waukesha is $90,400, which is $20,020 less than the national average of $110,420.

What is the cost of living in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?

The cost of living in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is exactly at the national average, with a Cost of Living Index of 100.

Is there high demand for QA Testers in Milwaukee-Waukesha?

Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.26 and 1.639 jobs per 1,000 workers indicate a higher-than-average concentration and demand for these professionals in the region.

How does experience affect QA Tester salaries in Milwaukee-Waukesha?

Experience significantly impacts salary, with entry-level positions earning less and senior roles commanding higher compensation, reflecting a clear career progression path.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,340 employees in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area with a job density of 1.639 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.