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Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I Salary in California

How much does a Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I make in California?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I in California is $53,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.

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): $63,477
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $49,350 to $58,770
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $45,481
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View as table View as graph 25% $49,350 10% $45,481 90% $63,477 75% $58,770 $53,600 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 $58,770 $4,898 $1,130 $28
Average $53,600 $4,467 $1,031 $26
25th Percentile $49,350 $4,113 $949 $24
Check out Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I Job Openings in California
Quality Control Inspector

PEAK Technical Staffing USA - San Jose, CA

Quality Control Inspector

Randstad - Milpitas, CA

Quality Control Inspector

EXPERIS - San Ramon, CA

Quality Control Inspector

All American Racers, Inc - Santa Ana, CA

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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, 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): $53,596
  • Intermediate Quality Control Inspector (1-3 years): $58,808
  • QC Inspector III (3-5 years): $74,349
  • QC Inspector IV (5-7 years): $83,225
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I0-1 years$53,596
Intermediate Quality Control Inspector1-3 years$58,808
QC Inspector III3-5 years$74,349
QC Inspector IV5-7 years$83,225
$53,596 Manufactu...
$58,808 Intermedi...
$74,349 QC Inspec...
$83,225 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:

  • Los Angeles: $53,690
  • West Hollywood: $53,650
  • Dodgertown: $53,690

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

Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $60,002. While startup companies pay approximate $50,760.

Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$50,760
Growth Stage51~500$53,685
Established501~5000$57,943
Enterprise5000+$60,002

Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I 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, Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$64,320$31.020%

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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$49,350
Average $53,600/year
$58,770
$4,113
Average $4,467/month
$4,898
$949
Average $1,031/week
$1,130
$24
Average $26/hour
$28
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $58,770 $4,898 $1,130 $28
Average $53,600 $4,467 $1,031 $26
25th Percentile $49,350 $4,113 $949 $24

Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I Salary Growth & Career Path

Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I
Intermediate Quality Control Inspector
Product Inspection Technician II
QC Inspector IV
Product Inspection Technician III

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 $58,900 10%
Product Inspection Technician II $55,000 3%

Salaries of jobs related to Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I

Find Your Next Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Manufacturing Quality Control Inspector I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States

  • Mammoth Distribution

    North Hollywood, CA

    Quality Control Inspector

    Mammoth Distribution | North Hollywood, CA

    Department: ProductionEmployment Type: Full TimeLocation: North Hollywood, CAReporting To: QC SupervisorCompensation: $19.00 - $22.00 / hourDescriptionWhat... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Endologix

    Santa Rosa, CA

    Quality Control Inspector

    Endologix | Santa Rosa, CA

    OverviewJoin our mission-driven Quality team as the Quality Control Inspector at Endologix. WHO WE ARE:Endologix LLC is a California-based global medical d... more

    7 Days Ago

  • ESL Power Systems

    Corona, CA

    Quality Control Inspector

    ESL Power Systems | Corona, CA

    Power Your Career with Purpose at ESL Power SystemsAt ESL Power Systems, we're more than a workplace - we're an employee-owned community committed to build... more

    7 Days Ago

  • MILLENNIUMSOFT

    San Diego, CA

    Quality Control Inspector

    MILLENNIUMSOFT | San Diego, CA

    Roles & ResponsibilitiesResponsible for the efficient and effective performance of testing in conformance with regulations and standards.Responsibilities i... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Teledyne

    Mountain View, CA

    Quality Control Inspector

    Teledyne | Mountain View, CA

    Be visionaryTeledyne Technologies Incorporated provides enabling technologies for industrial growth markets that require advanced technology and high relia... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Applied Medical

    Irvine, CA

    Quality Control Inspector

    Applied Medical | Irvine, CA

    Applied Medical is a new generation medical device company with a proven business model and commitment to innovation fueled by rapid business growth and ex... more

    7 Days Ago

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