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Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary in Santa Cruz, CA

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Santa Cruz, CA have a median annual salary of $133,970, with 100 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $75,100 at the 10th percentile to $175,960 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$133,970

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$64.41

Employment

100

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$75,100
10th
$97,820
25th
$133,970
Median
$168,150
75th
$175,960
90th

Local compared with national

Santa Cruz, CA

$133,970

Median annual · 2025

United States

$104,300

Median annual · 2025

The Santa Cruz, CA median is 28.4% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $29,670).

Top skills

  1. 1.Reading ComprehensionImportance 4.0
  2. 2.Active ListeningImportance 3.9
  3. 3.SpeakingImportance 3.9
  4. 4.Critical ThinkingImportance 3.9
  5. 5.WritingImportance 3.8
  6. 6.MonitoringImportance 3.6
  7. 7.ProgrammingImportance 3.6
  8. 8.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.4
  9. 9.Quality Control AnalysisImportance 3.4
  10. 10.Systems EvaluationImportance 3.3
  11. 11.Active LearningImportance 3.1
  12. 12.Operations AnalysisImportance 3.1

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Job zone
4

Technology used

  • Cisco IOS
  • 3M Post-it App
  • A programming language APL
  • ABC Compiler
  • ABC: the AspectBench Compiler for AspectJ
  • Acresso InstallAnywhere
  • Ada
  • ADO.NET
  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Adobe ActionScript
  • Adobe After Effects
  • Adobe Creative Cloud software
  • Adobe Dreamweaver
  • Adobe Flex
  • Adobe Illustrator

Common tasks

  • Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
  • Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
  • Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
  • Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
  • Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.
  • Provide feedback and recommendations to developers on software usability and functionality.
  • Install, maintain, or use software testing programs.
  • Test system modifications to prepare for implementation.
  • Create or maintain databases of known test defects.
  • Develop or specify standards, methods, or procedures to determine product quality or release readiness.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers salary in other locations

Other occupations in Santa Cruz, CA