As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software QA Manager in the United States is $137,650 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $66.
However, a Software QA Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Software QA Manager'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 Manager'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 | $176,547 |
| Software Testing and Quality Supervisor | 12+ years | $120,618 |
| Software QA Manager | 12+ years | $137,647 |
| Software Testing and Quality Senior Manager | 12+ years | $166,347 |
| Software QA Director | 12+ years | $191,185 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.87% |
| Packaging | 2.07% |
| Microsoft Office | 1.58% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Data Warehouse
|
$151,415 |
10%
|
|
Influencing
|
$144,533 |
5%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$143,156 |
4%
|
|
Team Management
|
$143,156 |
4%
|
|
Scrum
|
$143,156 |
4%
|
|
Continuous Improvement
|
$141,780 |
3%
|
Understanding how a Software QA Manager'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 March 01, 2026For a Software QA Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Software Testing and Quality Senior Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $166,350 - a projected growth of 21% over your current level.
Salaries for a Software QA Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $131,771 in 2023 to around $130,163 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software QA Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $131,771 |
| 2024 | $130,947 |
| 2025 | $130,163 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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