SalaryByCity

Cost Estimators vs Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers: Salary Comparison (2024)

Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Cost Estimators

$77,070

Median annual salary

219,530 employed nationally

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

$102,610

Median annual salary

199,800 employed nationally

Which Career Pays More?

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers professionals earn $25,540 more per year than Cost Estimators professionals — that's 33.1% higher. At the 90th percentile, Cost Estimators earns $128,640 compared to $166,960 for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers.

Salary Range Comparison

Cost Estimators$46,330 – $128,640
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers$60,690 – $166,960
$46,330$166,960

Detailed Salary Comparison

PercentileCost EstimatorsSoftware Quality Assurance Analysts and TestersDifference
10th Percentile$46,330$60,690$-14,360
25th Percentile$59,830$79,520$-19,690
Median (50th)$77,070$102,610$-25,540
75th Percentile$99,630$131,870$-32,240
90th Percentile$128,640$166,960$-38,320
Mean (Average)$83,160$110,260$-27,100

Employment Numbers

Cost Estimators

219,530

employed nationwide

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

199,800

employed nationwide

Top Paying Cities

Best Cities for Cost Estimators

CityMedian
Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH$104,190
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA$103,030
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$97,990
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA$86,540
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA$86,300

Best Cities for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

CityMedian
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: Cost Estimators or Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $25,540 (33.1% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Cost Estimators?
Cost Estimators salaries range from $46,330 (10th percentile) to $128,640 (90th percentile), with a median of $77,070.
What is the salary range for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers salaries range from $60,690 (10th percentile) to $166,960 (90th percentile), with a median of $102,610.
How many Cost Estimators and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers jobs are there?
There are approximately 219,530 Cost Estimators positions and 199,800 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers to Cost Estimators?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Cost Estimators has a median salary of $77,070 while Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers earns $102,610. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.

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

Cost of Living by CityCollege & University DataSalary Calculators

Was this data helpful?

Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS