Software QA Tester Salary Overview in Bozeman, MT
Careerclev's modeled 2026 benchmark places Software QA Tester pay in Bozeman, MT at about $115,149 per year. On the latest official BLS baseline for this market, the lower local range starts near $60,510.0, while the strongest-paid professionals can reach about $180,760.
Salary estimates are based on data from the Bozeman, Mt metropolitan area.
If you’re comparing Software QA Tester salaries in Bozeman, MT, the real story isn’t just the headline number. Local employer mix, seniority, specialization, and whether the role is remote, hybrid, or onsite can push compensation well above or below the local median.
Bozeman, MT vs. U.S. National Average
Bozeman, MT pays +12% vs u.s. for Software QA Tester roles. The difference is driven by local employer demand, industry mix, cost pressures, and how concentrated this role is in the underlying metro labor market.
| Market | Projected Salary | vs Bozeman, MT | Market Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bozeman, MT (this guide) | $115,149 | Baseline | Local market |
| United States | $102,610 | -11% vs U.S. | National baseline |
| Missoula, MT | $100,790 | -12% vs U.S. | Comparable city |
| Helena, MT | $100,530 | -13% vs U.S. | Comparable city |
| Billings, MT | $69,230.0 | -40% vs U.S. | Comparable city |
Software QA Tester Salary by Experience Level in Bozeman, MT
Experience changes the local salary picture quickly because employers usually pay for independence, specialization, and broader scope, not just years on paper. In Bozeman, MT, this breakdown shows how aSoftware QA Tester can move from early-career pay into stronger bands as the role becomes more self-directed.
| Level | Experience | Projected Salary | Projected Range | Market Signal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Software QA Tester | 0-2 years | $98,396.0 | $65,826.0 - $115,149 | -4% vs U.S. |
| Mid-Level Software QA Tester | 3-5 years | $115,149 | $98,396.0 - $150,928 | +12% vs U.S. |
| Senior Software QA Tester | 6-10 years | $150,928 | $115,149 - $196,640 | +47% vs U.S. |
| Lead / Principal Software QA Tester | 10+ years | $196,640 | $150,928 - $239,900 | +92% vs U.S. |
Best Salary Areas Near Bozeman, MT
Nearby metro areas help show how Software QA Tester pay changes around Bozeman, MT. Each market reflects its own employer mix, local demand, and industry concentration, making these comparisons useful for candidates weighing their location options.
Software QA Tester Salary by Industry in Bozeman, MT
Industry premiums in Bozeman, MT usually come from employers that place the Software QA Tester role close to revenue, infrastructure, compliance, product delivery, or other high-value work. National industry data gives the best available benchmark until local industry slices are available.
| Industry | Modeled Salary | Reference Range | Signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $125,990 | $76,010.0 - $174,050 | Stronger salary |
| Utilities | $111,030 | $74,750.0 - $161,680 | Stronger salary |
| Real Estate, Rental, and Leasing | $110,700 | $64,910.0 - $165,010 | Stronger salary |
| Retail Trade | $105,410 | $51,320.0 - $163,580 | Competitive |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $105,130 | $64,660.0 - $157,560 | Competitive |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $104,940 | $57,480.0 - $171,860 | Competitive |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $104,520 | $72,080.0 - $163,800 | Competitive |
| Information | $104,330 | $57,730.0 - $170,330 | Competitive |
Entry-Level Software QA Tester Salary in Bozeman, MT
Entry-level Software QA Tester jobs in Bozeman, MT are modeled around the lower local wage percentiles. Candidates who can show practical projects, job-ready tools, and strong fundamentals usually have a better path into the middle of the local salary range.
For a broader starting-pay benchmark beyond this city market, see the entry-level Software QA Tester salary guide.
Remote vs Onsite Software QA Tester Pay in Bozeman, MT
Remote work can widen the employer pool for Software QA Tester candidates in Bozeman, MT. Onsite and hybrid roles may still pay more when employers need local availability, local clients, regulated work, or team coverage.
| Work Type | Estimated Salary | Experience | Best Fit | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remote | $112,846 | Market dependent | National hiring pools | High |
| Hybrid | $117,452 | Metro dependent | Bozeman, MT employers | Medium |
| Onsite | $115,149 | Location dependent | Local teams and operations | Lower |
Cost of Living vs Salary in Bozeman, MT
A salary in Bozeman, MT should be read alongside housing, commuting, tax, and everyday costs. The same annual pay can feel very different at entry, mid-level, and senior levels.
Top Employers Hiring Software QA Testers in Bozeman, MT
Employer mix is one of the biggest city-level salary drivers. The industries below highlight where Software QA Tester pay tends to be strongest in Bozeman, MT, based on the sectors that create the most hiring demand for this role.
Bozeman, MT Compared With Other U.S. Cities
This comparison is useful when one city salary number is not enough on its own. It shows whetherBozeman, MT is genuinely a stronger-paying market for Software QA Tester work or whether the local benchmark sits closer to the broader national middle.
Software QA Tester Salary Trends in Bozeman, MT Over Time
Only one local BLS wage year is currently available for Software QA Tester in Bozeman, MT. This view shows the most recent verified benchmark; additional years will expand the trend view as more data becomes available.
* 2024–2026 values are modeled estimates extending from the last confirmed BLS benchmark. The last confirmed BLS figure ($106K, 2024) is extended with recent wage trend history, employment outlook, and tech-market signals where available, then replaced when official data is published.
Career Growth Opportunities in Bozeman, MT
Local career growth is strongest when it is read through both the city salary ladder and the broader national demand outlook. The city salary benchmark shows what this market currently pays, while the career path and BLS demand data show how that benchmark can expand with scope and responsibility.
| Metric | 2026 Outlook |
|---|---|
| Projected employment | 201.7k → 221.9k |
| Typical education | Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. |
| Related experience | A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. |
| Local market anchor | 80 jobs with a median of $115,149 |
Factors Affecting Software QA Tester Salary in Bozeman, MT
Local pay rarely moves for one reason alone. In city markets, the biggest differences usually come from employer concentration, industry mix, seniority, and whether the role is tied to business-critical work that is harder to staff.
How to Increase Your Software QA Tester Salary in Bozeman, MT
In city markets, salary growth often comes from better positioning as much as from patience. These moves are most useful when you already understand the local benchmark and want a clearer path beyond it.
Software QA Tester Salary in Bozeman, MT: FAQs
These questions usually come up after readers compare the city benchmark, the statewide picture, and the local experience ladder. They help clarify how to read the market and what matters most when you compare this city with other options.
These FAQs focus on how readers searching for "Software QA Tester" usually compare local pay, employer mix, and market differences in this city.
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Salary figures use BLS OEWS wage facts for 2024. City pages use the BLS metropolitan area as the salary dataset, display the largest city as the public page name, and model experience bands from local wage percentiles.