Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area command an impressive average annual salary of $112,650. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $110,420, indicating a robust demand for these specialized roles within the region. The local economic landscape and the concentration of tech-related industries likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $112,650 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $189,990.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,560 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers, and a Location Quotient of 1.63, the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro metropolitan area demonstrates a significant concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy and potentially growing job market with strong demand for skilled QA talent, offering promising career prospects for individuals in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA earns+2.0%above the national average.
$54.2
$2,166
$9,388
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 the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is typically driven by increasing complexity in software development, a greater emphasis on quality assurance, and the continuous need for skilled professionals to ensure product reliability.
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary Distribution in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Salary progression for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically offer a foundational salary, which increases substantially with acquired skills and proven expertise. Senior roles, characterized by leadership, complex testing strategies, and mentorship, command the highest compensation, with significant percentile gaps between junior and senior levels reflecting the value of experience and specialized knowledge.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $47,220 | $22.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $84,488 | $40.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $103,350 | $49.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $140,813 | $67.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $189,990 | $91.3 |
Detailed Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$112,650
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$112,650
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $112,650 in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA 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 this region is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the nominal salary is competitive, the cost of living does not offer a significant advantage or disadvantage compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
2,560
Total Jobs
2.106
Per 1K Jobs
1.63
Location Quotient
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA has 1.6x 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.
The Location Quotient of 1.63 for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA signifies that this profession is 63% more concentrated in this area than the national average. This indicates a highly developed and specialized market for QA professionals, suggesting a competitive environment where employers actively seek out and value this talent, potentially leading to more opportunities and specialized roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Salem, OR Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary | $100,450↓ 11% | 44 mi |
| Corvallis, OR Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary | $106,940↓ 5% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median annual salary for a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $112,650. This typically ranges from $47,220 for entry-level positions to $189,990 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 2.0% higher than the national median of $110,420.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a lucrative place for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
Yes, it is a lucrative place.The average salary of $112,650 is above the national average, and the high concentration of QA professionals (LQ of 1.63) indicates strong market demand.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a good place to live for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Salem, OR ($100,450) and Corvallis, OR.
How does the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro QA job market compare to the national average?
The job market in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro is more concentrated with Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers than the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.63.
What is the average salary for a Software Quality Assurance Analyst in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The average annual salary for a Software Quality Assurance Analyst and Tester in this region is $112,650.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
No, the cost of living in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro is at the national average (100), meaning the salary's purchasing power is equivalent to the national average.
How many Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers are there in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area?
There are approximately 2,560 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers employed in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro 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 2,560 employees in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area with a job density of 2.106 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-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA