RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers salary in San Francisco, California

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the San Francisco metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$139,580
Mean annual$138,690
Range (10th to 90th)$82,100 to $198,320
San Francisco, California employment7,910
State vs national+30.8% vs national

Salary distribution

Where San Francisco software quality assurance analysts and testers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$82,10025TH$99,710MEDIAN$139,58075TH$168,13090TH$198,320

The middle 50% of workers earn between $99,710 and $168,130, with a median of $139,580.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Bachelor's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Computers and Electronics

    Knowledge

    4.4 / 5
  • Deductive Reasoning

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Reading Comprehension

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Written Comprehension

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Problem Sensitivity

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Inductive Reasoning

    Ability

    4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.

  2. 02

    Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.

  3. 03

    Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.

  4. 04

    Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.

  5. 05

    Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.

  6. 06

    Provide feedback and recommendations to developers on software usability and functionality.

  7. 07

    Install, maintain, or use software testing programs.

  8. 08

    Test system modifications to prepare for implementation.

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Other metros in California

How the San Francisco metro compares to other major California metro areas for software quality assurance analysts and testers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in San Francisco, California?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in the San Francisco metropolitan area is $139,580.
Does San Francisco pay more than the California state average for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
The San Francisco metro median is +9.9% versus the California state median of $127,010.
How does San Francisco compare to the national median for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
The San Francisco metro median is +30.8% versus the BLS national figure of $106,735.
What is the salary range for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in San Francisco?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $82,100 and the 90th-percentile at $198,320 for the San Francisco metro area.
What education is required for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Francisco CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.