Average Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in the Portland-South Portland, ME area earn an average annual salary of $89,980. This figure is notably below the national average of $110,420, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as industry concentration and demand, play a significant role in compensation levels within this specific metropolitan region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $89,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $126,630.
- Outlook: The Portland-South Portland, ME market for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers presents a modest concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.63. With a total local workforce of 230 professionals in this role, the demand appears stable but not exceptionally high compared to national benchmarks. The presence of 0.815 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent, albeit not rapidly expanding, need for QA expertise in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Portland-South Portland, ME earns-18.5%below the national average.
$43.3
$1,730
$7,498
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the Portland-South Portland, ME region is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors and increasing demand for robust software solutions typically drive upward salary adjustments in the tech sector, even in localized markets.
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME
Career progression for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while senior or lead QA roles command higher salaries, reflecting increased responsibility, specialized skills, and a proven track record. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies a clear path for career advancement 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) | $56,100 | $27 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $67,485 | $32.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $87,530 | $42.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $112,475 | $54.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $126,630 | $60.9 |
Detailed Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$89,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$89,980
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $89,980 in Portland-South Portland, ME aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape for professionals considering a move to the area. While the salary is lower than the national average for the role, the cost of living parity suggests that the take-home pay is relatively stable in terms of real value.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
0.815
Per 1K Jobs
0.63
Location Quotient
Portland-South Portland, ME has 0.63x 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 0.63, the Portland-South Portland, ME market for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers is less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that while the profession is present, it is not a dominant industry hub. The job market is likely moderately competitive, with opportunities available but perhaps fewer than in regions with a higher concentration of tech companies and QA professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Comparing salaries near Portland-South Portland, ME
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers make in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The median annual salary for a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Portland-South Portland, ME is $89,980. This typically ranges from $56,100 for entry-level positions to $126,630 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-South Portland, ME is 18.5% lower than the national median of $110,420.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary of $89,980 is significantly lower than the national average of $110,420 for this role.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-South Portland, ME is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-South Portland, ME?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area ($98,450) and Southwestern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local QA job market compare to the national average?
The local market in Portland-South Portland, ME has a lower concentration of QA professionals, with a Location Quotient of 0.63, suggesting fewer specialized opportunities compared to national hubs.
What is the average salary for a Software Quality Assurance Analyst in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The average annual salary for a Software Quality Assurance Analyst and Tester in Portland-South Portland, ME is $89,980.
Is the cost of living high in Portland-South Portland, ME?
No, the cost of living in Portland-South Portland, ME is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100.
How many QA professionals are there in the Portland-South Portland, ME area?
There are approximately 230 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in the Portland-South Portland, ME local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 0.815 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 Portland-South Portland, ME