Software Quality Assurance Analyst Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Tests software to identify defects, automates test suites, and ensures release quality.
Santa Cruz-Watsonville ranks #39 of 530 U.S. metro areas for software quality assurance analyst pay. Entry-level salaries here are $8,772 above the national average.
Santa Cruz-Watsonville vs National Average
| Level | This Metro | National Avg | Difference | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | $70,429 | $61,657 | +$8,772 | +14.2% |
| Level II | $93,205 | $78,097 | +$15,108 | +19.3% |
| Level III (Mid) | $116,002 | $94,537 | +$21,465 | +22.7% |
| Level IV (Senior) | $138,778 | $110,978 | +$27,800 | +25.1% |
Other metros in California
| Metro Area | Level I | Level IV | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $94,162 | $201,053 | $165,776 |
| Merced | $92,914 | $199,763 | $164,507 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $88,109 | $163,613 | $138,694 |
| Redding | $72,446 | $158,725 | $130,250 |
| Vallejo | $80,350 | $144,019 | $123,011 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average software quality assurance analyst salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The average software quality assurance analyst salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is $116,230 per year, based on U.S. Department of Labor employer survey data. This places Santa Cruz-Watsonville at rank #39 out of 530 U.S. metro areas surveyed.
What do entry-level software quality assurance analysts earn in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
Entry-level software quality assurance analysts (Level I) in Santa Cruz-Watsonville earn $70,429 per year. Level II (early career) earns $93,205, reflecting growing independence and experience.
How does Santa Cruz-Watsonville compare to the national average for software quality assurance analyst salaries?
Santa Cruz-Watsonville ranks #39 of 530 U.S. metro areas for software quality assurance analyst pay. Entry-level salaries here are $8,772 above the national average. The national average software quality assurance analyst salary is $94,702, while Santa Cruz-Watsonville workers average $116,230 — a difference of +23% 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.