Software Quality Assurance Director Salary in the United States

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

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Quality Assurance Director in the United States is $191,208 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $92.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $216,061
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $175,951 to $204,217
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $162,060
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View as table View as graph 25% $175,951 10% $162,060 90% $216,061 75% $204,217 $191,208 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Software Quality Assurance Director Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $204,217 $17,018 $3,927 $98
Average $191,208 $15,934 $3,677 $92
25th Percentile $175,951 $14,663 $3,384 $85
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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): $176,632
  • Software Quality Assurance Supervisor (12+ years): $120,603
  • Software Quality Assurance Manager (12+ years): $137,641
  • Software Quality Assurance Senior Manager (12+ years): $166,338
  • Software Quality Assurance Director (12+ years): $191,208
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI10-12 years$176,632
Software Quality Assurance Supervisor12+ years$120,603
Software Quality Assurance Manager12+ years$137,641
Software Quality Assurance Senior Manager12+ years$166,338
Software Quality Assurance Director12+ years$191,208
$176,632 Software ...
$120,603 Software ...
$137,641 Software ...
$166,338 Software ...
$191,208 Software ...
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What Am I Worth?

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: $241,171
  • San Francisco: $238,530
  • Oakland: $233,503

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 $213,865. While startup companies pay approximate $180,866.

Software Quality Assurance Director Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$180,866
Growth Stage51~500$191,294
Established501~5000$206,527
Enterprise5000+$213,865

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$229,450$110.020%
Energy & Utilities$219,889$106.015%
Internet$219,889$106.015%
Financial Services$210,329$101.010%
Healthcare$210,329$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 July 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Software Quality Assurance Director

Salaries for a Software Quality Assurance Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $176,734 in 2023 to around $172,954 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Quality Assurance Director salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Software Quality Assurance Director Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$176,734
2024
$174,612
2025
$172,954
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $176,734
2024 $174,612
2025 $172,954
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Software Quality Assurance Director

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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FAQ about Software Quality Assurance Director

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

A Software Quality Assurance 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 Software Quality Assurance Director earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Software Quality Assurance Director is $241,171.

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

The highest pay for Software Quality Assurance Director is $216,061.

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

The lowest pay for Software Quality Assurance Director is $162,060.

4. 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.

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

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Quality Assurance Director roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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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