Salary AI Book a Demo

Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Director Salary in the United States

How much does a Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Director make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Director in the United States is $195,990 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $94.

However, a Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $221,017
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $183,790 to $209,090
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $172,683
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Director Salaries

A Quality Testing and Methods 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 Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Quality Testing and Methods 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
  • Quality Testing and Methods 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
Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Director10+ years$195,923
View as Graph

How Do Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Director Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $216,990.
  • California: $216,190.
  • Massachusetts: $213,290.

Top Paying Cities for Quality Testing and Methods 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: $247,190
  • San Francisco: $244,490
  • Oakland: $239,290

Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Director Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $219,027. While startup companies pay approximate $185,275.

Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Director Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $185,275
Growth Stage 51~500 $195,946
Established 501~5000 $211,499
Enterprise 5000+ $219,027

Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Quality Testing and Methods 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, Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Director positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$254,787$122.030%
Internet$244,988$118.025%
Pharmaceuticals$239,108$115.022%
Biotechnology$235,188$113.020%
Financial Services$231,268$111.018%

Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Quality Testing and Methods 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
$183,790
Average $195,990/year
$209,090
$15,316
Average $16,333/month
$17,424
$3,534
Average $3,769/week
$4,021
$88
Average $94/hour
$101
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $209,090 $17,424 $4,021 $101
Average $195,990 $16,333 $3,769 $94
25th Percentile $183,790 $15,316 $3,534 $88

Most common benefits for Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Director

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

Common company salaries for Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Director

Here are companies hiring for Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Director and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Director Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Director job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Director

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Director?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Director roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. What is the highest salary for a QA tester?

The highest salary for a Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Director can reach up to $224,890 per year. The minimum salary starts at $187,690, while the mid-range salary is approximately $206,690.

3. How much does a QA inspector earn in USA?

A Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Director in the USA earns an annual salary ranging from $187,690 to $224,890, with a mid-salary of $206,690. In contrast, a QA inspector typically earns around $44,668 on average, with top earners making up to $62,000.

4. What is the highest salary for a quality engineer?

The highest salary for a Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Director ranges from $187,690 to $224,890, with a mid-salary of $206,690. In comparison, quality engineers in cities near India earn significantly less, with Pune averaging ₹62,922 per month and Bengaluru around ₹54,199 per month.

5. How much does a quality manager make vs quality director?

A Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Director earns between $187,690 and $224,890, with a mid-salary of $206,690. In contrast, a quality manager typically makes around $91,357 annually. Key skills for a quality manager include continuous improvement, corrective action, and quality standards.

6. Do directors get paid well?

Yes, directors typically receive competitive salaries. For a Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Director, the salary ranges from a minimum of $187,690 to a maximum of $224,890, with a midpoint of $206,690. This reflects the high level of responsibility and expertise required for such positions.

7. How much does a QA test engineer earn in USA?

How Much Does a QA Test Engineer Earn in the US? The salary for a Quality Testing and Methods Engineering Director ranges from $187,690 to $224,890, with a mid-salary of $206,690. This reflects the higher level of responsibility and expertise compared to a typical QA Engineer role.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst
lower level job