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Quality Assurance Engineering Director Salary in the United States

How much does a Quality Assurance Engineering Director make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Quality Assurance Engineering Director in the United States is $195,922 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $94.

However, a Quality Assurance Engineering Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $220,978
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $183,713 to $209,037
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $172,597
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Quality Assurance Engineering Director Salaries

A Quality Assurance Engineering 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 Quality Assurance Engineering Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Quality Assurance Engineering 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:

  • Quality Assurance Engineer V (7-10 years): $150,352
  • Quality Assurance Engineering Supervisor (10+ years): $112,623
  • Quality Assurance Engineering Manager (10+ years): $131,646
  • Quality Assurance Engineering Senior Manager (10+ years): $160,509
  • Quality Assurance Engineering Director (10+ years): $195,922
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Quality Assurance Engineer V7-10 years$150,352
Quality Assurance Engineering Supervisor10+ years$112,623
Quality Assurance Engineering Manager10+ years$131,646
Quality Assurance Engineering Senior Manager10+ years$160,509
Quality Assurance Engineering Director10+ years$195,922
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How Do Quality Assurance Engineering Directors 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 Quality Assurance Engineering Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $216,925.
  • California: $216,102.
  • Massachusetts: $213,222.

Top Paying Cities for Quality Assurance Engineering Director

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: $247,116
  • San Francisco: $244,411
  • Oakland: $239,260

Quality Assurance Engineering Director Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Quality Assurance Engineering Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $219,323. While startup companies pay approximate $185,542.

Quality Assurance Engineering Director Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $185,542
Growth Stage 51~500 $196,233
Established 501~5000 $211,796
Enterprise 5000+ $219,323

Quality Assurance Engineering Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Quality Assurance Engineering Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 58% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Quality Assurance Engineering Director positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Quality Assurance Engineering Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Quality Assurance Engineering Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$254,699$122.030%
Internet$244,902$118.025%
Pharmaceuticals$239,025$115.022%
Biotechnology$235,106$113.020%
Financial Services$231,188$111.018%

Quality Assurance Engineering Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Quality Assurance Engineering 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 August 01, 2026
$183,713
Average $195,922/year
$209,037
$15,309
Average $16,327/month
$17,420
$3,533
Average $3,768/week
$4,020
$88
Average $94/hour
$100
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $209,037 $17,420 $4,020 $100
Average $195,922 $16,327 $3,768 $94
25th Percentile $183,713 $15,309 $3,533 $88

Most common benefits for Quality Assurance Engineering Director

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

Common company salaries for Quality Assurance Engineering Director

Here are companies hiring for Quality Assurance Engineering Director and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Quality Assurance Engineering Director

1. Where can a Quality Assurance Engineering Director earn the most?

A Quality Assurance Engineering Director's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Quality Assurance Engineering Director earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Quality Assurance Engineering Director is $247,116.

2. What is the highest pay for Quality Assurance Engineering Director?

The highest pay for Quality Assurance Engineering Director is $220,978.

3. What is the lowest pay for Quality Assurance Engineering Director?

The lowest pay for Quality Assurance Engineering Director is $172,597.

4. What are the responsibilities of Quality Assurance Engineering Director?

Directs an organization's quality assurance engineering department. Develops and establishes processes and procedures for the inspection of raw materials, materials in process, and finished products. Directs the design and implementation of policies and procedures for testing and evaluating the precision and accuracy of products and/or equipment. Ensures equipment, materials, and products adhere to all relevant safety and regulatory rules. Develops a resource allocation strategy for the department. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to top management. Manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Quality Assurance Engineering Director?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Quality Assurance Engineering Director roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

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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