Software QA Director Salary in the United States

How much does a Software QA Director make in the United States?

As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software QA Director in the United States is $191,190 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $92.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $216,045
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $175,930 to $204,200
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $162,037
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View as table View as graph 25% $175,930 10% $162,037 90% $216,045 75% $204,200 $191,190 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Software QA Director Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $204,200 $17,017 $3,927 $98
Average $191,190 $15,933 $3,677 $92
25th Percentile $175,930 $14,661 $3,383 $85
Check out Software QA Director Job Openings in the United States
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Key Factors That Influence Software QA Director Salaries

A Software QA 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 Software QA Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software QA 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:

  • Software QA Engineer VI (10-12 years): $176,577
  • Software Testing and Quality Supervisor (12+ years): $120,614
  • Software QA Manager (12+ years): $137,645
  • Software Testing and Quality Senior Manager (12+ years): $166,345
  • Software QA Director (12+ years): $191,190
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Software QA Engineer VI10-12 years$176,577
Software Testing and Quality Supervisor12+ years$120,614
Software QA Manager12+ years$137,645
Software Testing and Quality Senior Manager12+ years$166,345
Software QA Director12+ years$191,190
$176,577 Software ...
$120,614 Software ...
$137,645 Software ...
$166,345 Software ...
$191,190 Software ...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Software QA 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: $241,150
  • San Francisco: $238,780
  • Oakland: $233,490

Software QA Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Software QA 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 April 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Software QA Director

Salaries for a Software QA Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $176,734 in 2023 to around $172,954 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software QA Director salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Software QA Director Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$176,734
2024
$174,612
2025
$172,954
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $176,734
2024 $174,612
2025 $172,954
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Software QA Director

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Software QA Director

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FAQ about Software QA Director

1. How much QA is paid in the USA?

The salary for a Software QA Leader in the USA ranges from $178,180 to $201,810, with a midpoint of $189,430. This reflects the competitive nature of the role, highlighting the importance of quality assurance in software development.

2. How much does a software lead earn in us?

The salary for a Software QA Leader in the US ranges from $178,180 to $201,810, with a mid-salary of $189,430. This reflects the competitive nature of the role, highlighting the importance of quality assurance in software development.

3. Which country pays highest salary for QA?

The highest salaries for Software QA Leaders are found in the USA, with a range from $178,180 to $201,810 annually. In comparison, other countries like Canada and Switzerland offer lower average salaries, making the USA the top-paying country for this role.

4. What is the highest salary in QA?

The highest salary for a Software QA Leader is $201,810 per year, while the lowest salary is $178,180 per year. The average salary for this role is approximately $189,430 annually.

5. How much does a software QA lead make in the US?

As of now, the salary for a Software QA Leader in the United States ranges from $178,180 to $201,810 annually, with a mid-salary of $189,430. This translates to approximately $85.65 to $96.91 per hour, or about $3,430 to $3,800 per week, and $14,990 to $16,500 per month.

6. What is the salary of lead software tester?

The salary for a Software QA Leader typically ranges from $178,180 to $201,810, with a median salary of $189,430. This reflects the competitive nature of the role, which requires a blend of technical expertise and leadership skills.

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.

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