As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Quality Assurance Manager in California is $151,828 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $73.
However, a Software Quality Assurance Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Software Quality Assurance Manager Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $163,134 | $13,594 | $3,137 | $78 |
| Average | $151,828 | $12,652 | $2,920 | $73 |
| 25th Percentile | $138,623 | $11,552 | $2,666 | $67 |
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A Software Quality Assurance 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 Quality Assurance 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 Quality Assurance Engineer VI | 10-12 years | $194,660 |
| Software Quality Assurance Supervisor | 12+ years | $133,050 |
| Software Quality Assurance Manager | 12+ years | $151,828 |
| Software Quality Assurance Senior Manager | 12+ years | $183,486 |
| Software Quality Assurance Director | 12+ years | $210,864 |
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 Quality Assurance Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Understanding how a Software Quality Assurance 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 | $163,134 | $13,594 | $3,137 | $78 |
| Average | $151,828 | $12,652 | $2,920 | $73 |
| 25th Percentile | $138,623 | $11,552 | $2,666 | $67 |
For a Software Quality Assurance Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Software Quality Assurance Senior Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $183,486 - a projected growth of 21% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software Quality Assurance Manager job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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