Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics vs Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Median annual salary
199,800 employed nationally
Which Career Pays More?
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers professionals earn $52,940 more per year than Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics professionals — that's 106.6% higher. At the 90th percentile, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earns $80,850 compared to $166,960 for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers.
Salary Range Comparison
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $33,660 | $60,690 | $-27,030 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,140 | $79,520 | $-41,380 |
| Median (50th) | $49,670 | $102,610 | $-52,940 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,660 | $131,870 | $-66,210 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,850 | $166,960 | $-86,110 |
| Mean (Average) | $55,260 | $110,260 | $-55,000 |
Employment Numbers
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
688,840
employed nationwide
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
199,800
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $77,260 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $74,590 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $64,930 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $63,590 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $62,970 |
Best Cities for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $165,700 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $139,580 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $131,640 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $127,940 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $126,430 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics or Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
What is the salary range for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
What is the salary range for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
How many Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers jobs are there?
Is it worth switching from Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers to Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS