As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Qa Automation Lead in the United States is $140,394 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $67.
However, a Qa Automation Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Qa Automation Lead'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 Qa Automation Lead'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 |
|---|---|
| Software ... Level Qa Automation Lead | $181,330 |
| Software ... Level Qa Automation Lead | $123,796 |
| Qa Automa... Level Qa Automation Lead | $141,286 |
| Software ... Level Qa Automation Lead | $170,744 |
| Software ... Level Qa Automation Lead | $196,281 |
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 Qa Automation Leads. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.87% |
| Packaging | 2.07% |
| Microsoft Office | 1.58% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Data Warehouse
|
$154,433 |
10%
|
|
Influencing
|
$147,414 |
5%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$146,010 |
4%
|
|
Team Management
|
$146,010 |
4%
|
|
Scrum
|
$146,010 |
4%
|
|
Continuous Improvement
|
$144,606 |
3%
|
For Qa Automation Lead 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 Automation Lead positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Financial Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Qa Automation Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $168,473 | $81.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $168,473 | $81.0 | 20% |
| Construction | $168,473 | $81.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $168,473 | $81.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $168,473 | $81.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Qa Automation Lead'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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Qa Automation Lead can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $135,263 in 2023 to around $133,612 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Qa Automation Lead salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $135,263 |
| 2024 | $134,417 |
| 2025 | $133,612 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Qa Automation Lead roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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