How much does a Software Quality Assurance (SQA) Lead Tester make in the United States?
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The average Software Quality Assurance (SQA) Lead Tester salary in the United States is $155,037 as of September 2026. The range for our most popular Software Quality Assurance (SQA) Lead Tester positions (listed below) typically falls between $141,256 and $168,818. Keep in mind that salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including position, education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Software Quality Assurance (SQA) Lead Tester's Annual Base Salary
Software Quality Assurance (SQA) Lead Tester's Annual Base Salary
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Software Quality Assurance Tester | $48,426 | $23.28 | United States | September 2026 |
| Software Quality Assurance Tester I | $47,828 | $22.99 | United States | September 2026 |
| Software Quality Assurance Tester II | $54,246 | $26.08 | United States | September 2026 |
| Software Quality Assurance Tester III | $64,704 | $31.11 | United States | September 2026 |
| Software Quality Assurance Tester IV | $72,707 | $34.96 | United States | September 2026 |
| Software Quality Assurance Lead | $93,331 | $44.87 | United States | September 2026 |
| Quality Assurance Tester | $47,911 | $23.03 | United States | September 2026 |
| Software Quality Tester | $46,910 | $22.55 | United States | September 2026 |
| Software Lead Tester | $65,650 | $31.56 | United States | September 2026 |
| Senior Quality Assurance Tester | $54,561 | $26.23 | United States | September 2026 |
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Plans and directs an organization's software quality assurance function. Develops policies and procedures to ensure the performance, functionality, and quality of software releases and meet user requirements. Analyzes software requirements and technical specifications to define testing methods and acceptance criteria. Establishes functional, regression, security, and usability testing metrics. Oversees project objectives and key milestones to meet deadlines, budgets, and organizational goals and ensure the timely release of new software products or features. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to senior management. Manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function. View Software Quality Assurance Director SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Software QA Director, Software Testing and Quality Director
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Leads a customer service team that responds to phone, e-mail, or chat non-technical service requests from customers. Responds to and resolves escalated issues and/or unique or complex requests from customers. Monitors the daily workloads of team members and makes adjustments to ensure adequate coverage and that correct procedures are followed. Identifies system and workflow improvements to enhance the team's efficiency. Trains and provides support to less experienced team members. May assist manager or supervisor with scheduling. May be authorized to approve special adjustments or exceptions for a customer. May require a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Supervises a small group of para-professional staff in an organization characterized by highly transactional or repetitive processes. Contributes to the development of processes and procedures. Typically requires 3 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area under supervision. View Customer Service Team Leader SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Customer Care Team Leader, Customer Service and Support Team Leader
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Oversees all aspects of an organization's quality control function. Ensures products meet corporate standards as well as all applicable government regulations. Develops procedures for testing of final product and makes decisions regarding the issuance of recall notices. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to top management. Manages a departmental function within a broader corporate function. Develops major goals to support broad functional objectives. Approves policies developed within various sub-functions and departments. Typically requires 8+ years of managerial experience. Comprehensive knowledge of the overall departmental function. View VP of Quality Control SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Head of Quality Control, Senior Leader of Product Quality, Vice President of Quality Control