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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Associate Quality Engineer in California is $83,403 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.
However, an Associate Quality Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Associate Quality Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $89,589 | $7,466 | $1,723 | $43 |
| Average | $83,403 | $6,950 | $1,604 | $40 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,396 | $6,366 | $1,469 | $37 |
Entegee - South Gate, CA
Johnson Service Group - Simi Valley, CA
HL Uriman - Union City, CA
Source One Technical Solutions - Hayward, CA
An Associate Quality Engineer'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 an Associate Quality Engineer'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Associate... Level Associate Quality Engineer | $82,948 |
| Quality A... Level Associate Quality Engineer | $97,629 |
| Quality A... Level Associate Quality Engineer | $110,424 |
| Quality A... Level Associate Quality Engineer | $137,338 |
| Quality A... Level Associate Quality Engineer | $164,777 |
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 Associate Quality Engineers. 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:
For Associate Quality Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 35% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Associate Quality Engineer positions in Telecom or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Associate Quality Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $100,084 | $48.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $100,084 | $48.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $95,914 | $46.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $91,744 | $44.0 | 10% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $87,573 | $42.0 | 5% |
Understanding how an Associate Quality Engineer'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 | $89,589 | $7,466 | $1,723 | $43 |
| Average | $83,403 | $6,950 | $1,604 | $40 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,396 | $6,366 | $1,469 | $37 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Associate Quality Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
All American Racers
Santa Ana, CA
All American Racers | Santa Ana, CA
Job Description. Job Description. POSITION SUMMARY. The Quality Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining quality standards, me... more
7 Days Ago
Amtec Direct Hire
Fullerton, CA
Amtec Direct Hire | Fullerton, CA
Job Description. Job Description. QUALITY ENGINEER. DIRECT HIRE. FIRST SHIFT. Qualifications. 5 yrs of experience in the Quality Assurance/Control field. B... more
7 Days Ago
JBCPlatform
Hayward, CA
JBCPlatform | Hayward, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Client: Autonomous Vehicle/Tech. Title:Quality Engineer. Job Location: Hayward, CA. Duration: ~6 Months. The Pay rate is ... more
7 Days Ago
Solecta, Inc.
Oceanside, CA
Solecta, Inc. | Oceanside, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Company Overview. Solecta is an exciting early-stage, high-tech company focused on solving real customer issues and comme... more
7 Days Ago
Miller Castings INC
Whittier, CA
Miller Castings INC | Whittier, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Position Summary. This role will be responsible for the function as the technical liaison between the Customer and Miller... more
9 Days Ago
Lockwood Industries, LLC dba Fralock
Valencia, CA
Lockwood Industries, LLC dba Fralock | Valencia, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Quality Engineer. Full Time + Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k with Company Match, PTO). Job Type: Onsite. Salary ... more
9 Days Ago
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