As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a QA Test Lead in the United States is $72,027 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a QA Test Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A QA Test 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, education 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 Test Leads. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 3.6% |
| Test Automation | 3.6% |
| Technical Support | 2.82% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Employment Authorization
|
$110,921 |
54%
|
|
Test Automation
|
$87,873 |
22%
|
|
Continuous Integration
|
$84,271 |
17%
|
|
Software Testing
|
$84,271 |
17%
|
|
Agile
|
$83,551 |
16%
|
|
Testing Tools
|
$82,831 |
15%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many QA Test Leads enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a QA Test Lead with a Associate's Degree is between $68,511 and $73,498).
QA Test Lead Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 23.1% |
| High School | 23.1% |
| Associates | 52.6% |
| Bachelors | 23.1% |
| Masters | 1.3% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a QA Test 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 April 01, 2026Salaries for a QA Test Lead can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $65,818 in 2023 to around $65,109 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of QA Test Lead salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $65,818 |
| 2024 | $65,689 |
| 2025 | $65,109 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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