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QC Inspector I Salary in the United States

How much does a QC Inspector I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a QC Inspector I in the United States is $48,590 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $57,569
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $44,790 to $53,290
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $41,330
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence QC Inspector I Salaries

A QC Inspector I'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.

How Do QC Inspector I Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract QC Inspector Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $53,890.
  • California: $53,690.
  • Massachusetts: $52,890.

Top Paying Cities for QC 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: $61,290
  • San Francisco: $60,690
  • Oakland: $59,390

What Skills Can Increase a QC 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.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 6.75%
Data Entry 2.95%
Quality Inspection 2.45%
See More Skills

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 QC 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 $58,308
20%
Client Service $55,393
14%
Facilitation $54,907
13%
Get Latest Data

QC Inspector I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

QC Inspector I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $54,301. While startup companies pay approximate $45,933.

QC Inspector I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $45,933
Growth Stage 51~500 $48,579
Established 501~5000 $52,435
Enterprise 5000+ $54,301

QC Inspector I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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

The top paying industry for a QC Inspector I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$58,308$28.020%

How Education impacts a QC Inspector I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many QC 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 QC Inspector I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $40,545 and $43,048).

QC Inspector I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for QC 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%
View as Graph

QC Inspector I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a QC 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 September 01, 2026
$44,790
Average $48,590/year
$53,290
$3,733
Average $4,049/month
$4,441
$861
Average $934/week
$1,025
$22
Average $23/hour
$26
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $53,290 $4,441 $1,025 $26
Average $48,590 $4,049 $934 $23
25th Percentile $44,790 $3,733 $861 $22

QC Inspector I Salary Growth & Career Path

QC Inspector I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a QC 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.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Intermediate Quality Control Inspector $53,400 10%
Product Inspection Technician II $49,800 2%

Most common benefits for QC Inspector I

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

Common company salaries for QC Inspector I

Here are companies hiring for QC Inspector I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about QC Inspector I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for QC Inspector I?

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

2. What is the difference between QA inspector and QC inspector?

QA involves proactive measures to prevent defects, while QC focuses on reactive processes such as testing and inspection. QC Inspectors typically earn between $40,190 and $49,190, with a mid-salary of $44,290. This reflects the importance of their role in ensuring product quality through thorough inspection and testing.

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 QC inspectors range from $40,190 to $49,190, with a median salary of $44,290.

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

The highest salary for a Quality Control Inspector is $49,190 per year, based on the provided salary data. The minimum salary starts at $40,190, while the mid-range salary is $44,290.

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

The highest salary for a Quality Control Inspector is $49,190 per year, based on the provided salary data. The minimum salary starts at $40,190, while the mid-range salary is $44,290.

6. What is the highest salary in QC?

The highest salary for a QC Inspector is ₹49,190. The top 10% of QC Inspectors earn more than ₹44,290 annually, while the top 1% earn above ₹40,190 per year.

7. How much does a QC technician earn in the US?

A QC Inspector in the US earns between $40,190 and $49,190 annually, with a median salary of $44,290. This translates to an hourly wage ranging from approximately $19.32 to $23.63, with the midpoint being around $21.25. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and industry.

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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