Software Quality Assurance Analyst Salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara
Tests software to identify defects, automates test suites, and ensures release quality.
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara ranks #33 of 530 U.S. metro areas for software quality assurance analyst pay. Entry-level salaries here are $9,375 above the national average.
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara vs National Average
| Level | This Metro | National Avg | Difference | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | $71,032 | $61,657 | +$9,375 | +15.2% |
| Level II | $93,662 | $78,097 | +$15,565 | +19.9% |
| Level III (Mid) | $116,314 | $94,537 | +$21,777 | +23.0% |
| Level IV (Senior) | $138,944 | $110,978 | +$27,966 | +25.2% |
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 Maria-Santa Barbara?
The average software quality assurance analyst salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara is $116,542 per year, based on U.S. Department of Labor employer survey data. This places Santa Maria-Santa Barbara at rank #33 out of 530 U.S. metro areas surveyed.
What do entry-level software quality assurance analysts earn in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
Entry-level software quality assurance analysts (Level I) in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara earn $71,032 per year. Level II (early career) earns $93,662, reflecting growing independence and experience.
How does Santa Maria-Santa Barbara compare to the national average for software quality assurance analyst salaries?
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara ranks #33 of 530 U.S. metro areas for software quality assurance analyst pay. Entry-level salaries here are $9,375 above the national average. The national average software quality assurance analyst salary is $94,702, while Santa Maria-Santa Barbara workers average $116,542 — 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.