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Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$128,740
Median Annual Salary
▲ +1.4% vs 2024
$131,260
Mean Salary
$128,740
Median Salary
$61.89
Hourly Rate
27,710 people work as Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in California

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $65,890$65,89025th25% earn less than $93,530$93,530MedianHalf earn more than $128,740$128,74075th75% earn less than $165,530$165,53090thTop 10% earn more than $201,070$201,070

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in California earn a median salary of $128,740 per year ($10,728/month). This is 30.9% above the national average of $98,317. California ranks #1 out of 46 states for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers pay. Approximately 27,710 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 1.4% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension
4.0
Active Listening
3.88
Speaking
3.88
Critical Thinking
3.88
Writing
3.75

Key Knowledge Areas

Computers and Electronics
4.41
English Language
3.79
Mathematics
3.29
Engineering and Technology
3.27
Design
3.0
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree (50.0% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in California

Salaries for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in California range from $65,890 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $201,070 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $93,530 and $165,530.

Median $128,740
P10: $65,890 P25: $93,530 P75: $165,530 P90: $201,070
10th
$65,890
25th
$93,530
Median
$128,740
75th
$165,530
90th
$201,070
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $65,890 $31.68 $5,490
25th Percentile $93,530 $44.97 $7,794
Median (50th) $128,740 $61.89 $10,728
75th Percentile $165,530 $79.58 $13,794
90th Percentile (Experienced) $201,070 $96.67 $16,755

Note: The mean (average) salary of $131,260 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#1
California ranks #1 of 46 states
$98,317
National avg. for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
+30.9%
vs. national average
Above Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in California:

What does this salary really buy? See Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Data in California

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary by State

Compare Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers make in California?
The median annual salary for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in California is $128,740 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $131,260.
What is the salary range for a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in California?
Salaries for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in California range from $65,890 at the 10th percentile to $201,070 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $93,530 and $165,530.
What is the starting salary for a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in California?
Entry-level Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers positions in California typically start around $65,890 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $93,530 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 27,710 people are employed as Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in California is approximately $61.89 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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