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Hourly Wage for Software Quality Assurance Director Salary in the United States

What is the hourly salary range of Software Quality Assurance Director?

As of September 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Software Quality Assurance Director in the United States is $92, which translates to an annual salary of about $191,220.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $104 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $85 to $98 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $78 per hour
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Software Quality Assurance Director Salaries

A Software Quality Assurance 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 Software Quality Assurance Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software Quality Assurance 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:

  • Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI (10-12 years): $176,668
  • Software Quality Assurance Supervisor (12+ years): $120,596
  • Software Quality Assurance Manager (12+ years): $137,638
  • Software Quality Assurance Senior Manager (12+ years): $166,333
  • Software Quality Assurance Director (12+ years): $191,220
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI10-12 years$176,668
Software Quality Assurance Supervisor12+ years$120,596
Software Quality Assurance Manager12+ years$137,638
Software Quality Assurance Senior Manager12+ years$166,333
Software Quality Assurance Director12+ years$191,220
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How Do Software Quality Assurance Director 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 Software Quality Assurance Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $211,719.
  • California: $210,916.
  • Massachusetts: $208,105.

Top Paying Cities for Software Quality Assurance Directors

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: $241,186
  • San Francisco: $238,545
  • Oakland: $233,518

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

Software Quality Assurance Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $213,696. While startup companies pay approximate $180,765.

Software Quality Assurance Director Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $180,765
Growth Stage 51~500 $191,177
Established 501~5000 $206,351
Enterprise 5000+ $213,696

Software Quality Assurance Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Software Quality Assurance 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 Quality Assurance Director positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Quality Assurance Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Software Quality Assurance Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$229,464$110.020%
Energy & Utilities$219,903$106.015%
Internet$219,903$106.015%
Financial Services$210,342$101.010%
Healthcare$210,342$101.010%

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

Understanding how a Software Quality Assurance 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, 2026
$175,954
Average $191,220/year
$204,231
$14,663
Average $15,935/month
$17,019
$3,384
Average $3,677/week
$3,928
$85
Average $92/hour
$98
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $204,231 $17,019 $3,928 $98
Average $191,220 $15,935 $3,677 $92
25th Percentile $175,954 $14,663 $3,384 $85

Most common benefits for Software Quality Assurance Director

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

Common company salaries for Software Quality Assurance Director

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

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FAQ about Software Quality Assurance Director

1. What are the responsibilities of Software Quality Assurance Director?

Plans and directs an organization's software quality assurance function. Develops policies and procedures to ensure the performance, functionality, and quality of software releases and meet user requirements. Analyzes software requirements and technical specifications to define testing methods and acceptance criteria. Establishes functional, regression, security, and usability testing metrics. Oversees project objectives and key milestones to meet deadlines, budgets, and organizational goals and ensure the timely release of new software products or features. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to senior 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.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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