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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Qa Associate in California is $52,933 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, a Qa Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Qa Associate Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $57,690 | $4,807 | $1,109 | $28 |
| Average | $52,933 | $4,411 | $1,018 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,398 | $4,033 | $931 | $23 |
Nivagen Pharmaceuticals - Sacramento, CA
Exelixis - Alameda, CA
Naughty Dog - Santa Monica, CA
Medvacon Life Sciences, LLC - San Diego, CA
A Qa Associate'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.
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 Qa Associates. 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 Qa Associate 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 Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Qa Associate positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Qa Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $63,519 | $31.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Qa Associate'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 | $57,690 | $4,807 | $1,109 | $28 |
| Average | $52,933 | $4,411 | $1,018 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,398 | $4,033 | $931 | $23 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Qa Associate job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Creative Dental Solutions
BANGOR, ME
Creative Dental Solutions | BANGOR, ME
We have a wonderful opportunity for a talented Associate Dentist to join our practice, Creative Dental Solutions, located at 1407 Broadway in Bangor. We ta... more
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Emergency Dental Care USA
GREENVILLE, SC
Emergency Dental Care USA | GREENVILLE, SC
Why Emergency Dental. As the leader of your supported office, you’ll receive best in class support to provide exceptional patient care while experiencing u... more
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Vial Fotheringham LLP
MESA, AZ
Vial Fotheringham LLP | MESA, AZ
VF Law, a leading homeowner association law firm, is seeking an Associate Attorney licensed to practice in Arizona for its Mesa, AZ office. An attorney wit... more
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Sutton Dental Arts, PC
ROSEBURG, OR
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Associate Dentist. Roseburg, OR. Are you a skilled and compassionate dentist looking for a flexible, rewarding opportunity in a welcoming community. We’re ... more
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Parents Defense Counsel
SPOKANE, WA
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Downtown firm looking for an associate for civil dependency work. Fantastic opportunity to get courtroom experience. Comprehensive training provided. The i... more
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