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Job outlook for quality assurance analysts in the United States
Quality assurance analyst job and salary trends over time
Quality assurance analyst jobs over time
Quality assurance analyst job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 290,419 | 0.09% |
| 2020 | 288,564 | 0.09% |
| 2019 | 210,014 | 0.06% |
| 2018 | 134,930 | 0.04% |
| 2017 | 112,116 | 0.03% |
Average quality assurance analyst salary over time
Quality assurance analyst salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $73,532 | $35.35 | +3.4% |
| 2025 | $71,109 | $34.19 | +2.3% |
| 2024 | $69,499 | $33.41 | +2.0% |
| 2023 | $68,144 | $32.76 | +2.3% |
| 2022 | $66,604 | $32.02 | +1.5% |
Quality assurance analyst jobs by state
Most common states for quality assurance analysts
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 401 | 58% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 368 | 27% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 217 | 23% |
| 4 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,905 | 22% |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,490 | 22% |
| 6 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,353 | 22% |
| 7 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,152 | 21% |
| 8 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 662 | 21% |
| 9 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 150 | 20% |
| 10 | Vermont | 623,657 | 127 | 20% |
| 11 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 206 | 19% |
| 12 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,836 | 18% |
| 13 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,024 | 18% |
| 14 | California | 39,536,653 | 6,647 | 17% |
| 15 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,122 | 17% |
| 16 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 718 | 17% |
| 17 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 597 | 17% |
| 18 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 317 | 17% |
| 19 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,214 | 16% |
| 20 | Alaska | 739,795 | 117 | 16% |
Most common cities for quality assurance analysts
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Menlo Park | 5 | 15% | $89,291 |
| 2 | Rockville | 5 | 7% | $78,650 |
| 3 | Hartford | 7 | 6% | $74,462 |
| 4 | Tallahassee | 9 | 5% | $65,869 |
| 5 | Atlanta | 20 | 4% | $69,096 |
| 6 | Washington | 16 | 2% | $79,583 |
| 7 | Boston | 14 | 2% | $74,294 |
| 8 | Tampa | 7 | 2% | $65,716 |
| 9 | Des Moines | 5 | 2% | $69,638 |
| 10 | Philadelphia | 9 | 1% | $71,235 |
| 11 | Phoenix | 9 | 1% | $72,062 |
| 12 | San Francisco | 7 | 1% | $89,401 |
| 13 | Indianapolis | 6 | 1% | $71,177 |
| 14 | Jacksonville | 6 | 1% | $65,726 |
| 15 | Columbus | 5 | 1% | $71,482 |
| 16 | Detroit | 5 | 1% | $69,630 |
| 17 | Minneapolis | 5 | 1% | $71,403 |
| 18 | New York | 19 | 0% | $74,556 |
| 19 | Chicago | 13 | 0% | $72,099 |
| 20 | Los Angeles | 10 | 0% | $82,029 |
Quality Assurance Analyst job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of quality assurance analyst experts
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
University of North Dakota
Kent State University
Widener University
Prairie View A & M University
SUNY College at Geneseo
Siena College
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
University of Maine
West Virginia University
Endicott College
Christopher Newport University
Mount Saint Mary's University
University of Indianapolis
Brigham Young University - Idaho
What Quality Assurance Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Swagata Banerjee PhD: Digital literacy: As technology continues to evolve, proficiency in digital tools and platforms will become increasingly essential. Adaptability: The ability to quickly learn new skills and adapt to changing circumstances will be crucial in a rapidly evolving industry landscape. Data literacy: Understanding and analyzing data will become more important for making informed decisions and optimizing strategies. Interdisciplinary skills: The ability to work across different disciplines and collaborate effectively with diverse teams will be highly valued. Emotional intelligence: Soft skills such as empathy, communication, and teamwork will continue to be in demand as workplaces become more interconnected and dynamic.
What Quality Assurance Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Adam Roth: I recommend that students start by identifying a specific skill in demand within your field, such as data analysis or social media marketing, and focus on developing expertise in that area. Research salary ranges and living costs in particular areas where you’re interested in working to ensure your compensation aligns with the local market. Always negotiate a salary and consider other aspects of the offer, such as funds for continuing education, technology and more. Continuing to network and establish demand for your services is essential; attend industry events, join professional associations, and engage with professionals in your field. Never miss an opportunity to reach out to and check in with your professional contacts. Pursue additional learning opportunities and education, such as certifications or advanced degrees, to provide a competitive advantage and increase your earning potential over time.
What general advice would you give to a Quality Assurance Analyst?
Bradley Andrew Ph.D.: So-called soft skills are still in demand by employers, based on recent surveys, because a smaller percentage of graduates possess them. These include:
Showing up and on time;
Having a strong work ethic;
Critical thinking skills
Social skills, including the ability to get along well with people, motivate and encourage them, and leadership skills. Also be able to schmooze with clients over dinner or drinks, or just in your office. A personal touch and connection is something software can’t provide.
Creativity—Apple products, for example, appeal to many people because of their combination of form and function.
The ability to work AI in order to increase one’s productivity will become more important over the next 5 years.
What will help Quality Assurance Analysts increase their earning potential?
Bradley Andrew Ph.D.: Once you have your first job, ask about or determine the 20% of your supervisor’s job that they hate and start doing that for them. They will love you for it and it will quickly get you recognition. You’ll also be well on your way to learning your boss’s job. Continue doing this as you progress in your career (Kudos to Theo Epstein, former GM for the Red Sox, for this recommendation)
No matter the task you’re given, do it to the absolute best of your abilities. In the professional world, you may often be given menial tasks or tasks that you don’t believe are part of your job description. Doing those tasks to the absolute best of your ability leads to increased trust, recognition and responsibility and will put you “above class.” If asked, the coffee you bring should be the best your boss has ever had. You never know who’s watching.
Don’t expect credit and don’t ask for credit when things go right; give the credit to others.
What will help Quality Assurance Analysts increase their earning potential?
Zhu Mao: Find yourself a good platform and demonstrate your irreplaceability. New challenges always coming out from the interdisciplinary area and continuous learning will not only enhance the capability, but also demonstrate the commitment to professional growth and engagement to the field.
Yvette Koepke
Associate Dean for Academic SuccessUniversity of North Dakota
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, And Group Studies
What Quality Assurance Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Yvette Koepke: Salary: Preparation is key. Prepare by taking advantage of opportunities and experiences through projects, jobs, internships, organizations, or volunteering. Prepare by doing homework about the field and the position, and research showing the value of diversity. And prepare by practicing how best to make the case for what you can contribute.
What Quality Assurance Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Vaneet Kaur: There are two sets of skills I will highly encourage graduates to proactively start building. Firstly, business graduates need to develop higher-order skills and capabilities like knowledge-based dynamic capabilities. These will help them to (a) constantly collect knowledge about emerging opportunities (and threats) in the industry, (b) mobilize themselves and their resources to bring identified opportunities into fruition, and (c) constantly renew their skills to effectively respond to the changes in the environment. Developing such knowledge-based dynamic capabilities will automatically prepare them for the different waves of skill set requirements that will keep arising in the job market. Secondly, it is no secret that we are living in the times of artificial intelligence and automation. So, in this day and age, it is extremely important that graduates learn to ride the wave of automation rather than being discouraged by it. Business graduates are set to contribute to the world with their business acumen and expertise, what they can do to complement it is to develop low-code, no-code skills. Such skills will help graduates to automate routine processes so that their time and energies can be strategically channelized towards those activities and processes that can add significant value to their organizations.
Tongyang Yang Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Economics and Business AnalyticsWidener University
Business/Commerce
What general advice would you give to a Quality Assurance Analyst?
Tongyang Yang Ph.D.: There are many reasons that people like about being a business analyst, including reasons listed as follows: 1. Analytical Skills and Data Exploration: BAs often analyze data to understand trends and identify areas for improvement. Seeing a successful implementation and its positive impact can be very rewarding. 2. Problem-solving. BAs get to identify inefficiencies and propose solutions that can improve how a business operates. 3. Continuous learning. Business analysts may work on a range of projects and the field of business analysis may be constantly evolving, which required BAs to actively cultivate skills in new businesses. For example, the coming of the AI era requires BAs to master AI fundamentals and data fluency. 4. While some thrive on the problem-solving and communication aspects of a BA role, others may find them less appealing. Carefully consider your personality and preferences to see if this aligns with your career goals.
What Quality Assurance Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Tongyang Yang Ph.D.: The rise of AI has brought many opportunities for the professions like business analysts in terms of AI integration. Businesses will need analysts who can bridge the gap between AI and human needs and focus on more strategic areas like identifying ethical considerations of AI implementation, developing plans to mitigate AI bias, and designing human-AI collaboration workflows. For people who are interested in entering this profession, I would suggest adapting your skillset to include AI understanding, data storytelling, and strategic thinking to be well-positioned in the future.
What will help Quality Assurance Analysts increase their earning potential?
Terésa Dowell-Vest Ph.D., M.F.A.: First, I would celebrate them getting to that point. Everything after is going to be challenging and, in some cases…in most cases, difficult to navigate, so boosting their confidence and morale are key to ensuring they see themselves as worthy of success. Second, network! For young people beginning their careers, it is vital to meet other people with similar passions and pursuits. Find your tribe and climb together. Finally, craft a plan. A dream is not a plan. You need to create a BUSINESS PLAN for your life. Establish what your goals are, pare them down to one or two SMART goals, determine who will likely be supporters of your goal, create a brand for yourself (social media, business cards, a personal motto) and determine the resources you’ll need to achieve your goal.
Jasmine Tang
SUNY College at Geneseo
Bilingual, Multilingual, And Multicultural Education
What Quality Assurance Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jasmine Tang: Be confident of their major/minor or the subject they like and do best of the field they like for themselves not for money or please their parents or fulfill the dream of others.
What Quality Assurance Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sunita Goel PhD: Great. Will send you the responses soon. Please let me know the latest deadline by which you need them.
What will help Quality Assurance Analysts increase their earning potential?
Sunita Goel PhD: Great. Will send you the responses soon. Please let me know the latest deadline by which you need them.
What general advice would you give to a Quality Assurance Analyst?
Dr. Ryan LaRochelle Ph.D.: Be flexible. Today's job market is not the same as the one that your parents or grandparents entered into. It's unlikely that you'll be with the same company for your entire working career, so look at every experience as a potential opportunity to learn and explore. Also, the work environment you're joining is more important than the job title and position description. Do some research about what it's like to work at the place that is looking to hire you, and don't be afraid to reach out to current employees to get some candid feedback. Your job title and job description is much easier to change or renegotiate over time, but it's really hard to completely transform a toxic organizational culture and environment.
What Quality Assurance Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Ryan LaRochelle Ph.D.: Don't be afraid to negotiate. The labor market is incredibly tight at the moment, so employees have more leverage than they've had in decades. Your starting salary and benefits package will be the baseline for any negotiation moving forward, so use the leverage you have now to get the best package you can get. Also, think carefully about how different compensation and benefit packages interact with other factors in the state or region where you're looking to work.
What Quality Assurance Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Robert Bentz: The obvious one is artificial intelligence. Many people are concerned that they may be replaced by AI, but nothing can be further from the truth. Those who learn to work with AI are going to be the ones that excel. There's a skill to knowing what you can and can't get from this remarkable new technology.
Peter Jenner
Department Chair, Assistant ProfessorEndicott College
Hospitality Administration/Management
What will help Quality Assurance Analysts increase their earning potential?
Peter Jenner: Understand what you need what you need financially to pay all your bills and then some for spending and saving don’t go too high or leave yourself tight. Keep in mind that this is an Industry that rewards performance and you are typically paid your worth and can move up quickly if you work hard.
What general advice would you give to a Quality Assurance Analyst?
Prof. Phillip Bazzani: Being a business analyst offers a mix of rewarding and challenging experiences. Analysts enjoy the variety and impact of the role, working on diverse projects, solving complex problems, and driving organizational improvements. However, the job can be frustrating, especially when dealing with some 'old school' managers who don’t fully embrace the value of data analytics. Common dislikes include scope creep and 'analysis paralysis,' leading to increased workload and stress for both the analyst and the manager. Despite these challenges, many find the role highly rewarding because of its dynamic nature. Navigating conflicting stakeholder interests and keeping up with technological advancements can also be demanding. Talented business analysts can accommodate these demands and often advance to leadership positions because of their ability to appreciate connecting data with informed decision-making.
Peter Antoniou MIBA, DBA
Business & Management ProfessorMount Saint Mary's University
International Business
What Quality Assurance Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Peter Antoniou MIBA, DBA: We are operating in One Global environment! There is ONe global demand and One Global supply. You just happen to be located in one geographical area in the world. Look at Any product and follow its supply chain and one can easily realize that the majority of the components are manufactured or sources overseas. The same applies for services! One can engineer, design, provide support services to anyone in the world. Time difference is an advantage because you can do work when others are sleeping!
What general advice would you give to a Quality Assurance Analyst?
Oliver Keys Jr: The power of mentorships and networking early in your career will be beneficial in the long run. Also, understanding that professional skills can be half the battle. Showing up on time, dressing appropriately, and communicating effectively can be challenging for some students. Internships and externships are great for students to get technical and professional experience.
What general advice would you give to a Quality Assurance Analyst?
Carissa Newton: There are three key skills in my mind that are critical in helping new graduates stay relevant in their chosen field: 1. Strong Communication Skills: Really this is relevant in so many areas, but certainly even more so when breaking into a new industry in your field. 2. Curiosity and Inquisitiveness: Being naturally inquisitive and curious will build a framework where early graduates will seek out learning and ways to stay abreast of emerging trends. 3. Understanding of Digital Channels: Digital channels continue to be the most effective and trackable method for businesses to pursue. The more graduates can know about these channels, the better they can tailor the needs of the business to the capabilities of each channel. An example of this would be the growing trend of finding uses for Artificial Intelligence technology to help businesses do more.
What Quality Assurance Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Prof. Kim Jovanovich P.E.: Attached please see the responses to your interview questions. I hope this sheds some light on the questions you asked!
What will help Quality Assurance Analysts increase their earning potential?
Kevin Kimball: Continue learning and make social connections within your employer’s umbrella, within your profession and within your larger community. The ones who have significant earnings upside are the ones who can sell the business and be connectors between people.