Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Salary in Baltimore, MD

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD

Median annual salary $127,940 +24.7% vs national
Median hourly $61.51
10th percentile $63,510
90th percentile $179,880
Employed locally 3,270
National median $102,610

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Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
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Baltimore, MD
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    In Baltimore, MD, Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers earn a median annual salary of $127,940, which is notably higher than the national median of $102,610 for this occupation. This substantial difference underscores the competitive nature of the tech job market in Baltimore. When compared to the local area median household income of $97,300, software quality assurance professionals are positioned well above the average earnings of households in the region. This discrepancy highlights both the specialized skill set required for these roles and the value that employers place on maintaining high standards in software development through rigorous testing processes.

    Entry-level Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers typically earn around $63,510 annually, which is at the 10th percentile, while those with more experience can expect to earn closer to or above $150,130, near the 75th percentile. Experienced workers may even reach earnings in the 90th percentile, earning up to approximately $179,880 per year. The significant salary differences between entry-level and experienced professionals are driven by a variety of factors including expertise level, years of experience, complexity of projects handled, and proficiency with advanced testing tools and methodologies. As individuals progress in their careers and take on more complex responsibilities, such as leading test teams or developing comprehensive testing strategies, they become invaluable assets to organizations, justifying the higher compensation levels observed at the upper end of the salary spectrum.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $63,510
    25th
    $95,750
    50th (median)
    $127,940
    75th
    $150,130
    90th
    $179,880

    Baltimore economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $97,300 2023 • Census ACS
    Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers salary vs area income 131% Median Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers salary is 31% above the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers make per hour in Baltimore?

    The median hourly wage for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Baltimore, MD is $61.51, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $81.70 or more per hour.

    Is Baltimore above or below average for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers salaries?

    The median Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers salary in Baltimore, MD is 24.7% above the national median of $102,610. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers in Baltimore?

    Entry-level Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers (10th percentile) earn around $63,510 per year in Baltimore, MD. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $95,750.