QA/Validation Engineering Director Salary in the United States

How much does a QA/Validation Engineering Director make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a QA/Validation Engineering Director in the United States is $196,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $94.

However, a QA/Validation Engineering Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $221,027
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $183,800 to $209,100
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $172,693

Key Factors That Influence QA/Validation Engineering Director Salaries

A QA/Validation Engineering Director's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects QA/Validation Engineering Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a QA/Validation Engineering Director's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Expert/Consultant Level Quality Assurance Engineer (7-10 years): $150,354
  • QA/Validation Engineering Supervisor (10+ years): $112,622
  • QA/Validation Engineering Manager (10+ years): $131,640
  • QA/Validation Engineering Manager, Senior (10+ years): $160,502
  • QA/Validation Engineering Director (10+ years): $195,923
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Expert/Consultant Level Quality Assurance Engineer7-10 years$150,354
QA/Validation Engineering Supervisor10+ years$112,622
QA/Validation Engineering Manager10+ years$131,640
QA/Validation Engineering Manager, Senior10+ years$160,502
QA/Validation Engineering Director10+ years$195,923

Top Paying Cities for QA/Validation Engineering Directors

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $247,200
  • San Francisco: $244,500
  • Oakland: $239,300

QA/Validation Engineering Director Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

QA/Validation Engineering Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $219,038. While startup companies pay approximate $185,284.

QA/Validation Engineering Director Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $185,284
Growth Stage 51~500 $195,956
Established 501~5000 $211,509
Enterprise 5000+ $219,038

QA/Validation Engineering Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For QA/Validation Engineering Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 58% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, QA/Validation Engineering Director positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view QA/Validation Engineering Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a QA/Validation Engineering Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$254,800$122.030%
Internet$245,000$118.025%
Pharmaceuticals$239,120$115.022%
Biotechnology$235,200$113.020%
Financial Services$231,280$111.018%

QA/Validation Engineering Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a QA/Validation Engineering Director's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$183,800
Average $196,000/year
$209,100
$15,317
Average $16,333/month
$17,425
$3,535
Average $3,769/week
$4,021
$88
Average $94/hour
$101
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $209,100 $17,425 $4,021 $101
Average $196,000 $16,333 $3,769 $94
25th Percentile $183,800 $15,317 $3,535 $88

Most common benefits for QA/Validation Engineering Director

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for QA/Validation Engineering Director

Here are companies hiring for QA/Validation Engineering Director and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about QA/Validation Engineering Director

1. What industry pays the highest salary for QA/Validation Engineering Director?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for QA/Validation Engineering Director roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. What is the highest salary for a validation engineer?

The highest salary for a QA/Validation Engineering Director is $224,900. The salary range for this position typically starts at $187,700, with a mid-level salary of $206,700. This reflects the competitive compensation in the field, highlighting the value of experienced professionals in QA and validation engineering roles.

3. How much do QA engineers make in USA?

The average salary for a QA/Validation Engineering Director in the US ranges from $187,700 to $224,900, with a mid-salary of $206,700. This reflects the competitive compensation for leadership roles in quality assurance, highlighting the importance of expertise in ensuring product quality and compliance.

4. What is the highest salary in QA?

The highest salary for a QA/Validation Engineering Director is $224,900 per year, while the lowest salary is $187,700 per year. The average salary for this role is approximately $206,700 annually.

5. What is the salary of quality validation?

The estimated total pay for a QA/Validation Engineering Director ranges from $187,700 to $224,900 per year, with an average salary of approximately $206,700 per year.

6. How much does a director of quality make in the US?

In the US, a Director of Quality typically earns between $187,700 and $224,900 annually, with a mid-salary of $206,700. This reflects a competitive salary range for experienced professionals in QA/Validation Engineering, highlighting the importance of quality assurance in various industries.

7. Do validation engineers make good money?

Validation engineers can earn competitive salaries. For a QA/Validation Engineering Director, the salary ranges from a minimum of $187,700 to a maximum of $224,900, with a mid-point salary of $206,700. This reflects the high demand and specialized skills required in the field, making it a lucrative career choice.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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