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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Quality Assurance Lead in Iowa is $134,790 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $65.
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 | $144,702 | $12,059 | $2,783 | $70 |
| Average | $134,790 | $11,232 | $2,592 | $65 |
| 25th Percentile | $122,456 | $10,205 | $2,355 | $59 |
Mom's Meals - Grinnell, IA
North Star Community Services - Waterloo, IA
IES Communications - Cedar Rapids, IA
JBS Foods - Ottumwa, IA
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 | $174,091 |
| Software ... Level Quality Assurance Lead | $118,854 |
| Quality A... Level Quality Assurance Lead | $135,646 |
| Software ... Level Quality Assurance Lead | $163,927 |
| Software ... Level Quality Assurance Lead | $188,445 |
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 | $161,748 | $78.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $161,748 | $78.0 | 20% |
| Construction | $161,748 | $78.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $161,748 | $78.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $161,748 | $78.0 | 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 | $144,702 | $12,059 | $2,783 | $70 |
| Average | $134,790 | $11,232 | $2,592 | $65 |
| 25th Percentile | $122,456 | $10,205 | $2,355 | $59 |
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.
Owen Industries
Carter Lake, IA
Owen Industries | Carter Lake, IA
Job Description. Job Description. Quality Assurance Inspector | $22/hr + $2 Shift Differential | 4-Day Work Week. PVS Metals – Carter Lake, IA (Near Downto... more
3 Days Ago
Cambrex High Point
Charles City, IA
Cambrex High Point | Charles City, IA
Company InformationYou Matter to Cambrex.Cambrex is a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that provides drug substanc... more
5 Days Ago
NOVAE LLC
Clarinda, IA
NOVAE LLC | Clarinda, IA
Job Description. Job Description. Job Summary: Responsible for inspecting, testing, and ensuring the quality of trailer components and finished products at... more
5 Days Ago
NOVAE LLC
Red Oak, IA
NOVAE LLC | Red Oak, IA
Job Description. Job Description. Job Summary: Responsible for inspecting, testing, and ensuring the quality of trailer components and finished products at... more
5 Days Ago
Doherty Staffing Solutions
Spencer, IA
Doherty Staffing Solutions | Spencer, IA
Job Title:Quality Assurance Technician Location:Spencer, IA Compensation:$16.71 per hour - paid weekly Schedule:1st Shift 7:00am-3:30pm Monday-Friday Job T... more
1 Day Ago
Cargill
Cedar Rapids, IA
Cargill | Cedar Rapids, IA
Cargill is a family company committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. We sit... more
5 Days Ago
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