As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software QA Director in Brea, CA is $209,290 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $101.
However, a Software QA Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software QA Engineer VI | 10-12 years | $193,360 |
| Software Testing and Quality Supervisor | 12+ years | $131,990 |
| Software QA Manager | 12+ years | $150,642 |
| Software Testing and Quality Senior Manager | 12+ years | $182,048 |
| Software QA Director | 12+ years | $209,286 |
What Am I Worth?
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 $233,890. While startup companies pay approximate $197,847.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $197,847 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $209,243 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $225,851 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $233,890 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $251,148 | $121.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $240,683 | $116.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $240,683 | $116.0 | 15% |
| Financial Services | $230,219 | $111.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $230,219 | $111.0 | 10% |
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, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software QA Director job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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