Average Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary in Virginia
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Virginia earn a commanding average annual salary of $124,540, significantly outpacing the national average of $110,420. This elevated compensation is driven by Virginia's robust technology sector and a concentrated demand for skilled QA professionals, reflecting the state's strategic importance in the tech landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $124,540 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $175,670.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 9,880 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers, Virginia demonstrates a strong and established presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 1.88 indicates a concentration of these roles nearly double the national average, signaling robust demand and a healthy job market for QA professionals within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Virginia earns+12.8%above the national average.
$59.9
$2,395
$10,378
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is a reasonable assumption that the demand for skilled Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Virginia has seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth likely translates to upward pressure on salaries, with professionals experiencing incremental increases as the need for rigorous quality assurance in software development continues to expand.
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary Distribution in Virginia
Salary progression for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Virginia typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles underscores the value placed on expertise and tenure within the QA field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $78,000 | $37.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $93,405 | $44.9 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $123,270 | $59.3 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $155,675 | $74.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $175,670 | $84.5 |
Detailed Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$124,540
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$122,821
Adjusted for COL (101.4)
The average annual salary of $124,540 in Virginia for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers offers a strong purchasing power, as the local Cost of Living Index stands at a near-average 101.4. This means that while the cost of living is slightly above the national benchmark, the higher salaries provide a comfortable financial standing for professionals in the state.
Job Market Context
9,880
Total Jobs
2.432
Per 1K Jobs
1.88
Location Quotient
Virginia 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.
Virginia's Location Quotient of 1.88 for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers signifies a market where these professionals are significantly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a highly competitive yet abundant job market, with numerous opportunities available and a deep pool of talent, making it an attractive location for both employers seeking skilled workers and individuals looking for specialized roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary | $109,660↓ 12% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary | $110,370↓ 11% | 41 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary | $109,790↓ 12% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Virginia
Hiring Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers make in Virginia?
The median annual salary for a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Virginia is $124,540. This typically ranges from $78,000 for entry-level positions to $175,670 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Virginia is 12.8% higher than the national median of $110,420.
Is Virginia a lucrative place for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
Yes, Virginia is a highly lucrative state for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers.The average salary significantly exceeds the national average, and the high concentration of these roles indicates strong demand and competitive compensation packages.
Is Virginia a good place to live for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
The Cost of Living Index in Virginia is 101.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Virginia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($109,660) and Richmond, VA.
How does Virginia's QA job market compare to the national average?
Virginia's QA job market is more concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.88, indicating nearly double the expected presence of these roles relative to the overall workforce.
What is the average salary for a QA Analyst in Virginia?
The average annual salary for a Software Quality Assurance Analyst and Tester in Virginia is $124,540, which is notably higher than the national average.
Is the cost of living high in Virginia for QA professionals?
The cost of living in Virginia is slightly above the national average at 101.4, but the higher average salary for QA professionals helps to offset this.
What does the job outlook look like for QA Analysts in Virginia?
The job outlook is robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce and a high concentration of QA roles, suggesting strong and sustained demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,880 employees in the Virginia area with a job density of 2.432 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 Virginia
- All Occupations Salary in Virginia
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Virginia
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Virginia
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Virginia
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Virginia
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Virginia
- Management Occupations Salary in Virginia
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Virginia
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Virginia
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Virginia
- Browse All Jobs in Virginia →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Virginia