Software Quality Assurance Tester Salary in Chicago, IL
2024 BLS OEWS Data · Technology · COL Index: 107.3
$102,360
Median Salary
$104,900
Mean Salary
$95,396
COL-Adjusted
5,410
Employment
Salary Distribution
Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Salary | COL-Adjusted |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $64,010 | $59,655 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,840 | $75,340 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $102,360 | $95,396 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,060 | $119,348 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $138,630 | $129,199 |
What Drives the Range
The $74,620 spread between the 10th and 90th percentiles for Software Quality Assurance Tester positions in Chicago, IL reflects several factors. Entry-level professionals and those in smaller organizations typically fall in the lower quartiles, while senior specialists, those with in-demand certifications, and employees at large enterprises command salaries in the upper percentiles.
Chicago, IL's cost-of-living index of 107.3 means that a $102,360 median salary here has the same purchasing power as $95,396 in an average-cost U.S. city. The relatively moderate cost of living makes this a competitive market for purchasing power.