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Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I Salary in the United States

How much does a Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I make in the United States?

As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I in the United States is $48,570 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $57,511
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $44,720 to $53,250
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $41,215
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View as table View as graph 25% $44,720 10% $41,215 90% $57,511 75% $53,250 $48,570 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $53,250 $4,438 $1,024 $26
Average $48,570 $4,048 $934 $23
25th Percentile $44,720 $3,727 $860 $22
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Key Factors That Influence Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I Salaries

A Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I'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:

  • Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I (0-1 years): $48,565
  • Intermediate Quality Control Inspector (1-3 years): $53,292
  • QC Inspector III (3-5 years): $67,338
  • QC Inspector IV (5-7 years): $75,379
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I0-1 years$48,565
Intermediate Quality Control Inspector1-3 years$53,292
QC Inspector III3-5 years$67,338
QC Inspector IV5-7 years$75,379
$48,565 Manufactu...
$53,292 Intermedi...
$67,338 QC Inspec...
$75,379 QC Inspec...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector Is

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: $61,260
  • San Francisco: $60,660
  • Oakland: $59,310

What Skills Can Increase a Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 6.75% 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 2.95% Job Postings): Transcribing information into an electronic medium such as a computer or other electronic device.
  • Quality Inspection (Mentioned in 2.45% Job Postings): Evaluating and testing product or service features while comparing the results with specified requirements to validate conformity.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 6.75%
Data Entry 2.95%
Quality Inspection 2.45%
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 a Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I's salary.
  • Building Relationships: Can increase your salary by up to 20%.
  • Client Service: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
  • Facilitation: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Building Relationships
$58,284
20%
Client Service
$55,370
14%
Facilitation
$54,884
13%
Hard Working
$54,398
12%
Quality Management
$53,427
10%
SOP
$52,456
8%
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How Education impacts a Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector Is 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 a Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $40,529 and $42,997).

Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 59.2%
High School 59.2%
Associates 14.2%
Bachelors 23.7%
Masters 3.0%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I'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 March 01, 2026

Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I, 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.

Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Intermediate Quality Control Inspector $53,300 10%
Product Inspection Technician II $49,800 3%

Salary Trends for Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I

Salaries for a Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $38,593 in 2023 to around $38,348 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$38,593
2024
$38,500
2025
$38,348
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $38,593
2024 $38,500
2025 $38,348
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I

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FAQ about Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I

1. What is QC minimum wage?

The minimum salary for a Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector is $40,190 annually. This figure reflects the starting pay for this role, which can vary based on experience and qualifications. In comparison, the mid-range salary is $44,300, while the maximum salary can reach $49,150.

2. How much do quality control inspectors make in Texas?

Quality Control Inspectors in Texas earn between $40,190 and $49,150 annually, with a median salary of $44,300. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and responsibilities within the role.

3. Do you need a degree to be a quality inspector?

Quality control inspectors usually require a high school diploma for entry-level positions. While a degree is not mandatory, postsecondary certificate programs can enhance skills in quality control concepts like inspection planning and auditing. Salaries for this role range from $40,190 to $49,150, with a median salary of $44,300.

4. What are the highest paid inspectors?

High-paying positions for inspectors include roles such as Licensed Home Inspector, with salaries ranging from $45,500 to $120,500 annually, and Zoning Administrator, earning between $56,000 and $81,500. In comparison, Manufacturing Quality Control Inspectors have a salary range of $40,190 to $49,150, with a mid-salary of $44,300.

5. How much QA is paid in USA?

The average salary for a Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector in the USA ranges from $40,190 to $49,150, with a mid-salary of $44,300. This reflects the typical earnings for this role, which may vary based on experience and location.

6. What is the highest salary of a quality inspector?

The highest salary for a Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector is $49,150 per year. The salary range typically starts at $40,190, with a mid-level salary of $44,300.

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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