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Intermediate Quality Control Inspector Salary in the United States

How much does an Intermediate Quality Control Inspector make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for an Intermediate Quality Control Inspector in the United States is $53,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.

However, an Intermediate Quality Control Inspector's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $66,391
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $48,300 to $60,200
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $43,657

Key Factors That Influence Intermediate Quality Control Inspector Salaries

An Intermediate Quality Control Inspector's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

Top Paying Cities for Intermediate Quality Control Inspectors

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:

  • San Jose: $67,300
  • San Francisco: $66,600
  • Oakland: $65,200

What Skills Can Increase an Intermediate Quality Control Inspector's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 6.86% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Data Entry (Mentioned in 3.05% Job Postings): Transcribing information into an electronic medium such as a computer or other electronic device.
  • Continuous Improvement (Mentioned in 1.89% Job Postings): A continual improvement process, also often called a continuous improvement process (abbreviated as CIP or CI), is an ongoing effort to improve products, services, or processes. These efforts can seek "incremental" improvement over time or "breakthrough" improvement all at once. Delivery (customer valued) processes are constantly evaluated and improved in the light of their efficiency, effectiveness and flexibility. Some see CIPs as a meta-process for most management systems (such as business process management, quality management, project management, and program management). W. Edwards Deming, a pioneer of the field, saw it as part of the 'system' whereby feedback from the process and customer were evaluated against organisational goals. The fact that it can be called a management process does not mean that it needs to be executed by 'management'; but rather merely that it makes decisions about the implementation of the delivery process and the design of the delivery process itself.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 6.86%
Data Entry 3.05%
Continuous Improvement 1.89%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Intermediate Quality Control Inspector's salary.

  • HACCP: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Food Safety: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Quality Management: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
HACCP $58,206
9%
Food Safety $57,138
7%
Quality Management $56,604
6%

Intermediate Quality Control Inspector Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Intermediate Quality Control Inspector salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $59,616. While startup companies pay approximate $50,479.

Intermediate Quality Control Inspector Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $50,479
Growth Stage 51~500 $53,375
Established 501~5000 $57,563
Enterprise 5000+ $59,616

Intermediate Quality Control Inspector Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Intermediate Quality Control Inspector roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Intermediate Quality Control Inspector positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Intermediate Quality Control Inspector as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Intermediate Quality Control Inspector

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$64,080$31.020%

How Education impacts an Intermediate Quality Control Inspector's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Intermediate Quality Control Inspectors enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Intermediate Quality Control Inspector with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $48,843 and $52,222).

Intermediate Quality Control Inspector Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Intermediate Quality Control Inspector
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 2.7%
High School 53.4%
Associates 27.4%
Bachelors 13.7%
Masters 2.7%
Doctorate 0.0%

Intermediate Quality Control Inspector Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Intermediate Quality Control Inspector'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 October 01, 2026
$48,300
Average $53,400/year
$60,200
$4,025
Average $4,450/month
$5,017
$929
Average $1,027/week
$1,158
$23
Average $26/hour
$29
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $60,200 $5,017 $1,158 $29
Average $53,400 $4,450 $1,027 $26
25th Percentile $48,300 $4,025 $929 $23

Intermediate Quality Control Inspector Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Intermediate Quality Control Inspector, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Intermediate Quality Control Inspector Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
QC Inspector III $67,500 26%
Product Inspection Technician III $58,700 10%

Most common benefits for Intermediate Quality Control Inspector

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Intermediate Quality Control Inspector

Here are companies hiring for Intermediate Quality Control Inspector and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Intermediate Quality Control Inspector

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Intermediate Quality Control Inspector?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Intermediate Quality Control Inspector roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. What is the highest salary of quality inspector?

The highest salary for an Intermediate Quality Control Inspector is $59,800. Other related positions may offer competitive salaries, but for this specific role, the salary range is between $46,900 and $59,800, with a midpoint of $52,800.

3. What are the highest paid inspectors?

The highest paid inspectors are those in the Intermediate Quality Control Inspector role, with a maximum salary of $59,800. The salary range for this position starts at $46,900, with a mid-level salary of $52,800, reflecting the varying levels of experience and responsibility within the role.

4. What is the lowest salary of QA?

The lowest salary for an Intermediate Quality Control Inspector in the United States is $46,900 per year. If you are considering a career as an Intermediate Quality Control Inspector or looking to advance in this field, explore the role, career path, and salary progression associated with this position.

5. Which is better, QC or QA?

One of the primary differentiators in QA vs. QC is where the focus of the work lies. QA primarily focuses on processes and procedures that improve quality, while QC targets the product to identify defects. For an Intermediate Quality Control Inspector, salaries range from $46,900 to $59,800, with a midpoint of $52,800, reflecting the importance of ensuring product quality.

6. What is the highest salary of QC?

The highest salary for an Intermediate Quality Control Inspector is $59,800. This position typically offers a salary range with a minimum of $46,900 and a midpoint of $52,800, reflecting the varying levels of experience and responsibility within the role.

7. What is the highest salary in QA?

The highest salary for an Intermediate Quality Control Inspector is $59,800. This role typically offers a minimum salary of $46,900 and a mid-range salary of $52,800, reflecting the importance of quality assurance in various industries.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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