Software Quality Assurance Analyst Salary in Merced
Tests software to identify defects, automates test suites, and ensures release quality.
Merced ranks #2 of 530 U.S. metro areas for software quality assurance analyst pay. Entry-level salaries here are $31,257 above the national average.
Merced vs National Average
| Level | This Metro | National Avg | Difference | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | $92,914 | $61,657 | +$31,257 | +50.7% |
| Level II | $128,523 | $78,097 | +$50,426 | +64.6% |
| Level III (Mid) | $164,154 | $94,537 | +$69,617 | +73.6% |
| Level IV (Senior) | $199,763 | $110,978 | +$88,785 | +80.0% |
Other metros in California
| Metro Area | Level I | Level IV | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $94,162 | $201,053 | $165,776 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $88,109 | $163,613 | $138,694 |
| Redding | $72,446 | $158,725 | $130,250 |
| Vallejo | $80,350 | $144,019 | $123,011 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $77,043 | $144,602 | $122,304 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average software quality assurance analyst salary in Merced?
The average software quality assurance analyst salary in Merced is $164,507 per year, based on U.S. Department of Labor employer survey data. This places Merced at rank #2 out of 530 U.S. metro areas surveyed.
What do entry-level software quality assurance analysts earn in Merced?
Entry-level software quality assurance analysts (Level I) in Merced earn $92,914 per year. Level II (early career) earns $128,523, reflecting growing independence and experience.
How does Merced compare to the national average for software quality assurance analyst salaries?
Merced ranks #2 of 530 U.S. metro areas for software quality assurance analyst pay. Entry-level salaries here are $31,257 above the national average. The national average software quality assurance analyst salary is $94,702, while Merced workers average $164,507 — a difference of +74% overall.
Data source: Salary data sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, which surveys employers nationwide to collect wage data by occupation and geography. The four experience levels reflect DOL standardized tiers. Data reflects the most recently published survey cycle. SOC code: 15-1253.