As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a QA Test Lead in the United States is $72,064 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
|
$110,979 |
54%
|
|
Test Automation
|
$87,918 |
22%
|
|
Continuous Integration
|
$84,315 |
17%
|
|
Software Testing
|
$84,315 |
17%
|
|
Agile
|
$83,594 |
16%
|
|
Testing Tools
|
$82,874 |
15%
|
For QA Test Lead roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 72% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 29% above the average. In contrast, QA Test Lead positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view QA Test Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $92,963 | $45.0 | 29% |
| Financial Services | $86,477 | $42.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $82,874 | $40.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $80,712 | $39.0 | 12% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $79,991 | $38.0 | 11% |
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 August 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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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for QA Test Lead roles, with salaries approximately 29% above the market median.
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