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Head of QA Salary in California

How much does a Head of QA make in California? As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Head of QA in California is $226,182 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $109.

However, a Head of QA's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $261,558
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $208,463 to $244,699
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $192,330
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Head of QA Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Head of QA Salaries

A Head of QA'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.

How Experience Level Affects Head of QA Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Head of QA'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $170,927
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $144,016
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $182,356
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $222,325
  • Expert (over 8 years): $274,311
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Quality Assurance Specialist V less than 1 year $170,927
Quality Assurance Manager 1-2 years $144,016
Quality Assurance Senior Manager 2-4 years $182,356
Head of QA 5-8 years $222,325
VP of Quality Assurance over 8 years $274,311

How Do Head of QA Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Head of QAs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $227,044.
  • California: $226,182.
  • Massachusetts: $223,168.

Top Paying Cities for Head of QA

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:

  • Los Angeles: $226,572
  • West Hollywood: $226,408
  • Dodgertown: $226,570

Head of QA Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Head of QA roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Head of QA positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Head of QA as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Head of QA

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals $282,728 $136.0 25%
Financial Services $271,419 $130.0 20%
Software & Networking $260,110 $125.0 15%
Aerospace & Defense $253,324 $122.0 12%
Energy & Utilities $248,801 $120.0 10%

Head of QA Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Head of QA'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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$208,463
Average $226,182/year
$244,699
$17,372
Average $18,849/month
$20,392
$4,009
Average $4,350/week
$4,706
$100
Average $109/hour
$118
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $244,699 $20,392 $4,706 $118
Average $226,182 $18,849 $4,350 $109
25th Percentile $208,463 $17,372 $4,009 $100

Find Your Next Head of QA Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Head of QA job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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