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Software QA Director Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software QA Director in the United States is $191,220 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): $216,094
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $175,960 to $204,240
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $162,067
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

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): $176,668
  • Software Testing and Quality Supervisor (12+ years): $120,596
  • Software QA Manager (12+ years): $137,638
  • Software Testing and Quality Senior Manager (12+ years): $166,333
  • Software QA Director (12+ years): $191,220
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Software QA Engineer VI10-12 years$176,668
Software Testing and Quality Supervisor12+ years$120,596
Software QA Manager12+ years$137,638
Software Testing and Quality Senior Manager12+ years$166,333
Software QA Director12+ years$191,220
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How Do Software QA 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 Software QA Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $211,720.
  • California: $210,920.
  • Massachusetts: $208,110.

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: $241,190
  • San Francisco: $238,550
  • Oakland: $233,520

Software QA Director Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Software QA Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $213,696. While startup companies pay approximate $180,765.

Software QA Director Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $180,765
Growth Stage 51~500 $191,177
Established 501~5000 $206,351
Enterprise 5000+ $213,696

Software QA Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Software QA Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Software QA Director positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software QA Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Software QA Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$229,464$110.020%
Energy & Utilities$219,903$106.015%
Internet$219,903$106.015%
Financial Services$210,342$101.010%
Healthcare$210,342$101.010%

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 September 01, 2026
$175,960
Average $191,220/year
$204,240
$14,663
Average $15,935/month
$17,020
$3,384
Average $3,677/week
$3,928
$85
Average $92/hour
$98
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $204,240 $17,020 $3,928 $98
Average $191,220 $15,935 $3,677 $92
25th Percentile $175,960 $14,663 $3,384 $85

Most common benefits for Software QA Director

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

Common company salaries for Software QA Director

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

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FAQ about Software QA Director

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Software QA Director?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Software QA Director roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.)

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