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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a QC Inspector III in Virginia is $67,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, a QC Inspector III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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QC Inspector III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $75,400 | $6,283 | $1,450 | $36 |
| Average | $67,900 | $5,658 | $1,306 | $33 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,000 | $5,000 | $1,154 | $29 |
MMR Group - Chantilly, VA
Insight Global - Boydton, VA
City of Virginia Beach - Virginia Beach, VA
KCI Technologies - Richmond, VA
A QC Inspector III'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a QC Inspector III'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Quality Control Inspector | 0-1 years | $48,931 |
| Intermediate Quality Control Inspector | 1-3 years | $53,689 |
| QC Inspector III | 3-5 years | $67,878 |
| QC Inspector IV | 5-7 years | $75,981 |
What Am I Worth?
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
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 $76,010. While startup companies pay approximate $64,303.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $64,303 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $68,008 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $73,401 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $76,010 |
For QC Inspector III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, QC Inspector positions in Insurance or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view QC Inspector III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $84,875 | $41.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $81,480 | $39.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $78,085 | $38.0 | 15% |
| Chemicals | $76,048 | $37.0 | 12% |
| Construction | $75,369 | $36.0 | 11% |
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 | $75,400 | $6,283 | $1,450 | $36 |
| Average | $67,900 | $5,658 | $1,306 | $33 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,000 | $5,000 | $1,154 | $29 |
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 | $76,000 | 12% |
| Product Inspection Technician IV | $60,900 | -10% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current QC Inspector III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
KCI Technologies
Norfolk, VA
KCI Technologies | Norfolk, VA
Construction Inspector IIIJob LocationsUS-VA-NorfolkID2026-7509CategoryConstruction Mgmt and InspectionTypeFull-Time Regular - 40 hours more
7 Days Ago
City of Chesapeake
Chesapeake, VA
City of Chesapeake | Chesapeake, VA
Public Works Engineering is seeking a Construction Inspector III to support the Engineering division.POSITION PURPOSE :Inspect construction projects for co... more
7 Days Ago
QED Systems Inc
Virginia Beach, VA
QED Systems Inc | Virginia Beach, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Job Description. This position is that of NDT Level III Inspector. Q.E.D. Systems Incorporated accomplishes repairs, inst... more
4 Days Ago
Atlantic Constructors, Inc.
Richmond, VA
Atlantic Constructors, Inc. | Richmond, VA
Job Description. Job Description. At ACI we build our company and our culture not by counting people, but by making our people count. Atlantic Constructors... more
3 Days Ago
The Weitz Company
Boydton, VA
The Weitz Company | Boydton, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title. Quality Control (QC) Inspector. Location. Boydton, VA. Employment Type. Full‑Time. Overview. EPI Power is seek... more
6 Days Ago
M.C. Dean, Inc.
Ashburn, VA
M.C. Dean, Inc. | Ashburn, VA
OverviewM.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission cri... more
7 Days Ago
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