Average Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary in Raleigh-Cary, NC
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Raleigh-Cary, NC, command an impressive average annual salary of $112,420, surpassing the national average of $110,420. This localized premium is driven by the region's robust technology sector and a concentrated demand for specialized QA expertise, making it a highly sought-after market for these professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $112,420 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $166,790.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,810 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers, and a Location Quotient of 1.93, Raleigh-Cary, NC, demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This indicates a strong and potentially growing demand within the local job market, suggesting a healthy environment for both current professionals and those looking to enter the field.
Salary Overview
The average Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Raleigh-Cary, NC earns+1.8%above the national average.
$54.1
$2,162
$9,368
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Raleigh-Cary, NC, have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. The increasing complexity of software development and the ongoing need for rigorous quality control likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation in this dynamic field.
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary Distribution in Raleigh-Cary, NC
Salary progression for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Raleigh-Cary, NC, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The discernible gaps between salary ranges signify clear career advancement opportunities and the increasing value placed on expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $63,620 | $30.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $84,315 | $40.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $106,290 | $51.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $140,525 | $67.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $166,790 | $80.2 |
Detailed Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$112,420
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$112,420
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $112,420 in Raleigh-Cary, NC, is particularly attractive given the local Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Software Quality Assurance Analyst's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, allowing professionals to maintain a comparable lifestyle without financial compromise.
Job Market Context
1,810
Total Jobs
2.502
Per 1K Jobs
1.93
Location Quotient
Raleigh-Cary, NC has 1.9x 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 1.93 for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Raleigh-Cary, NC, signifies that the area has nearly double the concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This indicates a highly competitive job market, but also suggests a rich ecosystem of opportunities and a strong demand from local employers seeking specialized talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary | $108,610↓ 3% | 18 mi |
| Burlington, NC Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary | $101,970↓ 9% | 49 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary | $74,320↓ 34% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Raleigh-Cary, NC
Hiring Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers make in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
The median annual salary for a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Raleigh-Cary, NC is $112,420. This typically ranges from $63,620 for entry-level positions to $166,790 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 1.8% higher than the national median of $110,420.
Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a lucrative place for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
Yes, Raleigh-Cary, NC is a lucrative location for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers.The average salary significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national index, offering excellent purchasing power.
Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a good place to live for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
The Cost of Living Index in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Raleigh-Cary, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($108,610) and Burlington, NC.
How does the number of QA jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
Raleigh-Cary, NC has 2.502 Software Quality Assurance Analyst and Tester jobs per 1,000 workers, which is higher than the national average, indicating a strong local presence of these roles.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for QA roles in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
An LQ of 1.93 means that Raleigh-Cary, NC, has 93% more Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers per capita than the national average, highlighting a concentrated talent pool and employer demand.
How does the cost of living impact the $112,420 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $112,420 salary in Raleigh-Cary, NC, has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, making it a financially stable location.
Are there many job opportunities for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
Yes, the local workforce of 1,810 and the high concentration (LQ of 1.93) suggest a robust job market with ample opportunities for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,810 employees in the Raleigh-Cary, NC area with a job density of 2.502 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 Raleigh-Cary, NC