RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers salary in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Washington, D.C. 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$126,430
Mean annual$128,680
Range (10th to 90th)$78,000 to $175,670
Washington, D.C., District of Columbia employment8,740
State vs national+18.5% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Washington, D.C. 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$78,00025TH$100,320MEDIAN$126,43075TH$161,93090TH$175,670

The middle 50% of workers earn between $100,320 and $161,930, with a median of $126,430.

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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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is $126,430.
Does Washington, D.C. pay more than the District of Columbia state average for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
The Washington, D.C. metro median is +14.8% versus the District of Columbia state median of $110,130.
How does Washington, D.C. compare to the national median for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
The Washington, D.C. metro median is +18.5% versus the BLS national figure of $106,735.
What is the salary range for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Washington, D.C.?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $78,000 and the 90th-percentile at $175,670 for the Washington, D.C. 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 Washington, D.C. 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.