Software Quality Assurance Tester Salary in San Francisco, CA
2024 BLS OEWS Data · Technology · COL Index: 179.6
Salary Distribution
Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Salary | COL-Adjusted |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $82,100 | $45,713 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,710 | $55,518 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $139,580 | $77,717 |
| 75th Percentile | $168,130 | $93,614 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $198,320 | $110,423 |
What Drives the Range
The $116,220 spread between the 10th and 90th percentiles for Software Quality Assurance Tester positions in San Francisco, CA 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.
San Francisco, CA's cost-of-living index of 179.6 means that a $139,580 median salary here has the same purchasing power as $77,717 in an average-cost U.S. city. Despite the higher cost of living, this metro area offers a deep talent pool and typically higher total compensation when including equity and bonuses.