SalaryByCity

Computer Network Architects vs Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers: Salary Comparison (2024)

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

Computer Network Architects

$130,390

Median annual salary

177,010 employed nationally

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

$102,610

Median annual salary

199,800 employed nationally

Which Career Pays More?

Computer Network Architects professionals earn $27,780 more per year than Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers professionals — that's 27.1% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Network Architects earns $198,030 compared to $166,960 for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers.

Salary Range Comparison

Computer Network Architects$79,520 – $198,030
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers$60,690 – $166,960
$60,690$198,030

Detailed Salary Comparison

PercentileComputer Network ArchitectsSoftware Quality Assurance Analysts and TestersDifference
10th Percentile$79,520$60,690+$18,830
25th Percentile$102,120$79,520+$22,600
Median (50th)$130,390$102,610+$27,780
75th Percentile$164,440$131,870+$32,570
90th Percentile$198,030$166,960+$31,070
Mean (Average)$135,890$110,260+$25,630

Employment Numbers

Computer Network Architects

177,010

employed nationwide

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

199,800

employed nationwide

Top Paying Cities

Best Cities for Computer Network Architects

CityMedian
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$174,120
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA$166,880
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV$163,570
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA$155,480
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA$153,820

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: Computer Network Architects or Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
Computer Network Architects professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $27,780 (27.1% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Network Architects?
Computer Network Architects salaries range from $79,520 (10th percentile) to $198,030 (90th percentile), with a median of $130,390.
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 Computer Network Architects and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers jobs are there?
There are approximately 177,010 Computer Network Architects 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 Computer Network Architects?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Network Architects has a median salary of $130,390 while Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers earns $102,610. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.

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