SalaryByCity

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers vs Tax Preparers: Salary Comparison (2024)

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

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

$102,610

Median annual salary

199,800 employed nationally

Tax Preparers

$50,560

Median annual salary

73,570 employed nationally

Which Career Pays More?

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers professionals earn $52,050 more per year than Tax Preparers professionals — that's 102.9% higher. At the 90th percentile, Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers earns $166,960 compared to $96,240 for Tax Preparers.

Salary Range Comparison

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers$60,690 – $166,960
Tax Preparers$30,500 – $96,240
$30,500$166,960

Detailed Salary Comparison

PercentileSoftware Quality Assurance Analysts and TestersTax PreparersDifference
10th Percentile$60,690$30,500+$30,190
25th Percentile$79,520$37,750+$41,770
Median (50th)$102,610$50,560+$52,050
75th Percentile$131,870$75,590+$56,280
90th Percentile$166,960$96,240+$70,720
Mean (Average)$110,260$58,860+$51,400

Employment Numbers

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

199,800

employed nationwide

Tax Preparers

73,570

employed nationwide

Top Paying Cities

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

Best Cities for Tax Preparers

CityMedian
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$83,600
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA$83,240
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA$74,670
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA$71,990
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX$68,160

Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more: Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers or Tax Preparers?
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $52,050 (102.9% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
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.
What is the salary range for Tax Preparers?
Tax Preparers salaries range from $30,500 (10th percentile) to $96,240 (90th percentile), with a median of $50,560.
How many Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers and Tax Preparers jobs are there?
There are approximately 199,800 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers positions and 73,570 Tax Preparers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Tax Preparers to Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers has a median salary of $102,610 while Tax Preparers earns $50,560. 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