As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software QA Manager in Montana is $129,950 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $62.
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 | $166,774 |
| Software Testing and Quality Supervisor | 12+ years | $113,858 |
| Software QA Manager | 12+ years | $129,945 |
| Software Testing and Quality Senior Manager | 12+ years | $157,038 |
| Software QA Director | 12+ years | $180,525 |
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:
Software QA Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $145,472. While startup companies pay approximate $123,065.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $123,065 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $130,156 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $140,479 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $145,472 |
For Software QA Manager 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 Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Software QA Manager positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Financial Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software QA Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $155,940 | $75.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $155,940 | $75.0 | 20% |
| Construction | $155,940 | $75.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $155,940 | $75.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $155,940 | $75.0 | 20% |
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 August 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 $157,040 - a projected growth of 21% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software QA Manager job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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