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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Quality Assurance Lead in California is $155,353 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $75.
However, a Quality Assurance Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Quality Assurance Lead Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $166,778 | $13,898 | $3,207 | $80 |
| Average | $155,353 | $12,946 | $2,988 | $75 |
| 25th Percentile | $141,138 | $11,761 | $2,714 | $68 |
Hampton Farms - Madera, CA
Church Brothers Farms - San Juan Bautista, CA
Rustic Bakery Inc - Petaluma, CA
ABSOLUTE TURNKEY SERVICES INC - Santa Clara, CA
A Quality Assurance 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 Quality Assurance 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 Quality Assurance Lead | $200,650 |
| Software ... Level Quality Assurance Lead | $136,986 |
| Quality A... Level Quality Assurance Lead | $156,340 |
| Software ... Level Quality Assurance Lead | $188,936 |
| Software ... Level Quality Assurance Lead | $217,194 |
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 Quality Assurance Leads. 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 Quality Assurance 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, Quality Assurance Lead positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Financial Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Quality Assurance Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $186,424 | $90.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $186,424 | $90.0 | 20% |
| Construction | $186,424 | $90.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $186,424 | $90.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $186,424 | $90.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Quality Assurance 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $166,778 | $13,898 | $3,207 | $80 |
| Average | $155,353 | $12,946 | $2,988 | $75 |
| 25th Percentile | $141,138 | $11,761 | $2,714 | $68 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Quality Assurance Lead job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
FullSteam
Woodland, CA
FullSteam | Woodland, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Full Steam Staffing is now hiring a Quality Assurance Lead in Woodland, CA - Apply now. Job Title. Quality Assurance Lead... more
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Teleflora
Buttonwillow, CA
Teleflora | Buttonwillow, CA
Quality Assurance Lead *2nd Shift. From tree to table, POM Wonderful delivers a whole lot of health. Known for our iconic double-bubble bottle, we grow, ha... more
8 Days Ago
POM Wonderful
Del Rey, CA
POM Wonderful | Del Rey, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Company Description. From tree to table, POM Wonderful delivers a whole lot of health. Known for our iconic double-bubble... more
9 Days Ago
Foster Farms
Fresno, CA
Foster Farms | Fresno, CA
Job Posting. Job Description. Essential Job Functions. Assist in maintaining, monitoring, and enforcing USDA Regulatory, Corporate Guidelines and Quality C... more
7 Days Ago
Advance Services
Soledad, CA
Advance Services | Soledad, CA
Quality Assurance. Join our Quality Assurance team and help ensure our fresh produce meets the highest standards of food safety and quality. This role is r... more
6 Days Ago
Aerotek
Oceanside, CA
Aerotek | Oceanside, CA
Job Title:Quality Assurance Technician Job Description The Quality Assurance Technician ensures compliance with food regulatory requirements, identifying a... more
9 Days Ago
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