Quality control inspectors held about 571,600 jobs in 2021. The largest employers of quality control inspectors were as follows:
| Manufacturing | 64% |
| Administrative and support services | 9 |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 8 |
| Wholesale trade | 6 |
Inspectors may be required to stand for long periods and may have to lift heavy items.
Injuries and Illnesses
Some quality control inspectors are exposed to loud noises, moving mechanical parts, and hazardous contaminants, such as airborne particles that irritate the eyes and skin. Workers typically wear protective eyewear, ear plugs, and appropriate clothing to help protect themselves from injury.
Work Schedules
Most quality control inspectors work full time. Some inspectors work evenings, overnight, or weekend shifts. Shift assignments may be based on seniority. Overtime may be required to meet production deadlines.
Quality control inspectors typically need a high school diploma to enter the occupation and receive on-the-job training once employed.
Education
Quality control inspectors typically need a high school diploma for entry-level jobs. Postsecondary certificate programs are available for instruction on quality control concepts, such as inspection planning and auditing. Students in these programs also gain familiarity with tools and technologies that quality control inspectors use.
Some employers require or prefer to hire candidates who have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a field such as quality control management or engineering.
Training
Workers typically receive on-the-job training that lasts more than 1 month and up to 1 year.
In some industries, such as automobile and aerospace manufacturing, inspectors train for the occupation in an apprenticeship program. Apprentices typically receive paid on-the-job training and instruction. Requirements for entering these programs, which are typically sponsored by trade associations or businesses, may include having a high school diploma, related work experience, or relevant licenses.
Training for new inspectors may cover the use of special meters, gauges, computers, and other instruments; quality control techniques such as Six Sigma; blueprint reading; safety; and reporting requirements.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
The American Society for Quality (ASQ) offers various certifications, including a designation for Certified Quality Inspector (CQI), and various levels of Six Sigma certifications. Although optional, certification may demonstrate a level of competence and professionalism that makes candidates more attractive to employers. It also may increase opportunities for advancement. Requirements for certification generally include a certain number of years of experience in the field and passing an exam.
Quality control inspectors typically have an interest in the Building, Thinking, and Organizing interest areas, according to the Holland Code framework. The Building interest area indicates a focus on working with tools and machines, and making or fixing practical things. The Thinking interest area indicates a focus on researching, investigating, and increasing the understanding of natural laws. The Organizing interest area indicates a focus on working with information and processes to keep things arranged in orderly systems.
If you are not sure whether you have a Building, Thinking, or Organizing interest which might fit with a career as a quality control inspector, you can take a career test to measure your interests.
Quality control inspectors should also possess the following specific qualities:
Dexterity. Quality control inspectors should be able to quickly remove sample parts or products during the manufacturing process.
Math skills. Knowledge of basic math and computer skills are important because measuring, calibrating, and calculating specifications are major parts of quality control testing.
Mechanical skills. Quality control inspectors must be able to use specialized tools and machinery when testing products.
Physical stamina. Quality control inspectors must be able to stand for long periods on the job.
Physical strength. Because workers sometimes lift heavy objects, inspectors should be in good physical condition.
Technical skills. Quality control inspectors must understand blueprints, technical documents, and manuals, ensuring that products and parts meet quality standards.
The median annual wage for quality control inspectors was $38,580 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,820, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $62,970.
In May 2021, the median annual wages for quality control inspectors in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | $46,280 |
| Manufacturing | 40,020 |
| Wholesale trade | 37,800 |
| Administrative and support services | 30,070 |
Most quality control inspectors work full time. Some inspectors work evenings, overnight, or weekend shifts. Shift assignments may be based on seniority. Overtime may be required to meet production deadlines.
Employment of quality control inspectors is projected to decline 3 percent from 2021 to 2031.
Despite declining employment, about 67,800 openings for quality control inspectors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment
Continued improvements in technology allow manufacturers to automate some parts of inspection tasks, which increases workers’ productivity. For example, use of three-dimensional (3D) scanners decreases the amount of time required to inspect parts and finished goods for correct measurement.
Despite technological advances in quality control in many industries, automation cannot replace all tasks that inspectors do. Personal inspections and testing validation will continue to be needed for some products, such as those that require testing for taste, texture, or performance.
For details about apprenticeships or other work opportunities in this occupation, contact the offices of the state employment service, the state apprenticeship agency, or local businesses that employ quality control inspectors. Apprenticeship information is available from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship program online or by phone at 1-877-872-5627. Visit Apprenticeship.gov to search for apprenticeship opportunities.
For more information about quality control inspectors, including certification, visit
American Society for Quality (ASQ)
For more information about quality control training, visit