According to data from Salary.com, quality control inspectors make an average of $19 per hour. On an annualized basis, that translates to compensation of $46,043 as of fall 2021.
Going into more detail, approximately 10 per cent of quality control inspectors make less than $36,419 per year, and around 10 per cent make more than $56,909 per year. Fifty per cent make between $41,006 and $51,730 per year.
What does a quality control inspector do?
Quality control inspectors examine materials and products for problems and issues. Generally, they work in the manufacturing sector close to production lines, but can be found throughout the supply chain.
Most quality control inspectors work full time during regular business hours. In some circumstances, their employers may require them to do overtime, particularly during periods of high demand or to meet deadlines.
Quality control inspectors require a high school diploma. Some also receive on-the-job training, which lasts from a month up to a year.
What factors determine how much a quality control inspector gets paid?
As you might expect, multiple factors determine the level of compensation that a quality control inspector receives. These include education (those with more qualifications can earn more), the number of years spent in the profession, and certifications.
Pay can also depend on the type of quality control tasks that the inspector performs.
Entry-level quality control inspectors, for instance, may perform tasks such as inspection of materials, products, and parts of different stages of production. Following their observations, they recommend changes or process improvements. However, usually, they do not perform any difficult or rigorous analysis.
Generally, these individuals require a high school education or diploma, not advanced qualifications. They usually require 12 months or less of work experience. For that reason, pay may fall around $35,000 per year.
More senior quality control inspectors have the certifications, qualifications, and skills necessary to perform both checks and tests of manufacturing processes. They may compile data, analyze it and create records of production process observations. They may also make recommendations for improving processes. Quality control inspectors at this level earn between $55,000 and $60,000 per year.
The level of compensation also varies considerably by state. Quality control inspectors operating in New England states, such as Maryland, may earn as much as $62,000 per year, while those working in Arkansas may only earn $40,000 per year.
How much do quality control inspectors make compared to similar careers?
Quality control inspectors tend to earn slightly less than comparable careers, such as sheet metal workers, riggers, mining machine operators, and oil and gas rotary drill operators. However, they earn more than standard machinists, pump operators, fallers, and chemical technicians.
What is the job outlook for quality control inspectors?
The job outlook for quality control inspectors is projected to worsen over the coming years. The BLS predicts that employment will fall by 12 percent before 2030. However, it says that unemployment is unlikely. New quality control inspectors will be required to replace those lost to retirement.
Get quality control inspection services
inspectors with quality control checklists play a vital role in ensuring product quality across a variety of industries. Therefore, their work is essential.
If you’d like to benefit from what they do, including improving customer satisfaction and compliance, use Global Inspection Managing quality control services, today. Either call our regional offices or contact us using the form on our website.