As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Quality Assurance Engineering Manager in the United States is $131,646 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.
However, a Quality Assurance Engineering Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Quality Assurance Engineering Manager Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $136,419 | $11,368 | $2,623 | $66 |
| Average | $131,646 | $10,971 | $2,532 | $63 |
| 25th Percentile | $119,354 | $9,946 | $2,295 | $57 |
A Quality Assurance Engineering 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Quality Assurance Engineering 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.15% |
| Continuous Improvement | 2.81% |
| Quality Management System | 1.47% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Quality Assurance Engineering Manager's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Partnering | $142,178 | |
| Standard Operating Procedures | $138,228 | |
| Operations Support | $138,228 |
Quality Assurance Engineering Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $147,370. While startup companies pay approximate $124,672.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $124,672 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $131,855 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $142,312 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $147,370 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Quality Assurance Engineering Manager enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Quality Assurance Engineering Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $129,842 and $137,262.
| Typical Education for Quality Assurance Engineering Manager | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 3.7% |
| High School | 9.5% |
| Associates | 9.0% |
| Bachelors | 40.2% |
| Masters | 36.5% |
| Doctorate | 1.1% |
Understanding how a Quality Assurance Engineering 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $136,419 | $11,368 | $2,623 | $66 |
| Average | $131,646 | $10,971 | $2,532 | $63 |
| 25th Percentile | $119,354 | $9,946 | $2,295 | $57 |
Next Role
Advancement
For a Quality Assurance Engineering Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Quality Assurance Engineering Senior Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $160,509 - a projected growth of 22% over your current level.
Salaries for a Quality Assurance Engineering Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $131,619 in 2023 to around $130,921 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Quality Assurance Engineering Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $131,619 |
| 2024 | $131,717 |
| 2025 | $130,921 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Quality Assurance Engineering Manager'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 Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Quality Assurance Engineering Manager is $166,045.
The highest pay for Quality Assurance Engineering Manager is $140,765.
The lowest pay for Quality Assurance Engineering Manager is $108,163.
Manages inspections of raw materials, equipment, processes, and finished products. Implements quality standards and protocols for quality assurance testing models. Assists in the design and implementation of policies and procedures for testing and evaluating the precision and accuracy of products and/or equipment. Ensures projects are completed on time and within budget. Acts as a technical advisor to quality assurance engineering team regarding projects, tasks, and operations. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a head of a unit/department. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Quality Assurance Engineering Manager roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
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