As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a QC Inspector III in the United States is $67,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, a QC Inspector III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
QC Inspector III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $74,900 | $6,242 | $1,440 | $36 |
| Average | $67,500 | $5,625 | $1,298 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,600 | $4,967 | $1,146 | $29 |
A QC Inspector III'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.
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 3.88% |
| Calibration | 2.76% |
| Welding | 1.64% |
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 III's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | $71,550 | |
| Quality Assurance | $70,200 | |
| Supply Chain | $70,200 |
QC Inspector III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $75,434. While startup companies pay approximate $63,810.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $63,810 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $67,485 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $72,841 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $75,434 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many QC Inspector IIIs 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 III with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $56,249 and $60,030).
| Typical Education for QC Inspector III | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 2.1% |
| High School | 66.0% |
| Associates | 12.8% |
| Bachelors | 14.9% |
| Masters | 4.3% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a QC Inspector III'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $74,900 | $6,242 | $1,440 | $36 |
| Average | $67,500 | $5,625 | $1,298 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,600 | $4,967 | $1,146 | $29 |
Next Role
Advancement
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a QC Inspector III, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| QC Inspector IV | $75,500 | 12% |
| Product Inspection Technician IV | $70,100 | 4% |
Salaries for a QC Inspector III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $49,649 in 2023 to around $48,667 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of QC Inspector III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $49,649 |
| 2024 | $49,195 |
| 2025 | $48,667 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for QC Inspector III roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
The highest salary for a QC Inspector is $68,200. This figure represents the maximum compensation for this role, reflecting the upper range of the salary scale.
QC Inspectors in the US earn between $53,700 and $68,200 annually. The average salary is approximately $60,600, reflecting the typical compensation for this role. Factors such as experience, location, and industry can influence individual salaries within this range.
QA/QC professionals are in high demand across various sectors, offering job security and opportunities for advancement. The salary range for a QC Inspector typically falls between $53,700 and $68,200, with a mid-salary of $60,600. As companies focus on enhancing product quality and regulatory compliance, the need for skilled QA/QC personnel continues to rise.
The salary for a Quality Control (QC) Inspector in the USA ranges from $53,700 to $68,200, with a median salary of $60,600. This reflects the compensation for professionals in this field, highlighting the importance of quality assurance in various industries.
QA involves proactive measures to prevent defects, while QC focuses on reactive processes such as testing and inspection. QC Inspectors typically earn between $53,700 and $68,200, with a median salary of $60,600. This reflects the importance of their role in ensuring product quality through inspection and testing.
The highest salary for a Quality Control Inspector is $68,200 per year. The salary range typically starts at a minimum of $53,700, with a mid-level salary around $60,600.
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.)
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