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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a QC Inspector IV in the United States is $75,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $94,796
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $68,400 to $85,600
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $61,936

Key Factors That Influence QC Inspector IV Salaries

A QC Inspector IV'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.

Top Paying Cities for QC Inspector IVs

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: $95,200
  • San Francisco: $94,200
  • Oakland: $92,200

What Skills Can Increase a QC Inspector IV's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 3.88% 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.
  • Calibration (Mentioned in 2.76% Job Postings): In measurement technology and metrology, calibration is the comparison of measurement values delivered by a device under test with those of a calibration standard of known accuracy. Such a standard could be another measurement device of known accuracy, a device generating the quantity to be measured such as a voltage, a sound tone, or a physical artefact, such as a metre ruler. The outcome of the comparison can result in one of the following: no significant error being noted on the device under test a significant error being noted but no adjustment made an adjustment made to correct the error to an acceptable levelStrictly speaking, the term "calibration" means just the act of comparison, and does not include any subsequent adjustment. The calibration standard is normally traceable to a national standard held by a national metrological body.
  • Welding (Mentioned in 1.64% Job Postings): Welding is a fabrication or sculptural process that joins materials, usually metals or thermoplastics, by using high heat to melt the parts together and allowing them to cool causing fusion. Welding is distinct from lower temperature metal-joining techniques such as brazing and soldering, which do not melt the base metal. In addition to melting the base metal, a filler material is typically added to the joint to form a pool of molten material (the weld pool) that cools to form a joint that, based on weld configuration (butt, full penetration, fillet, etc.), can be stronger than the base material (parent metal). Pressure may also be used in conjunction with heat, or by itself, to produce a weld. Welding also requires a form of shield to protect the filler metals or melted metals from being contaminated or oxidized. Many different energy sources can be used for welding, including a gas flame (chemical), an electric arc (electrical), a laser, an electron beam, friction, and ultrasound. While often an industrial process, welding may be performed in many different environments, including in open air, under water, and in outer space. Welding is a hazardous undertaking and precautions are required to avoid burns, electric shock, vision damage, inhalation of poisonous gases and fumes, and exposure to intense ultraviolet radiation.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 3.88%
Calibration 2.76%
Welding 1.64%

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 IV's salary.

  • Critical Thinking: Can increase your salary by up to 23%.
  • Packaging: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
  • Quality Management: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Critical Thinking $92,865
23%
Packaging $89,090
18%
Quality Management $85,315
13%

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

QC Inspector IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $84,374. While startup companies pay approximate $71,372.

QC Inspector IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $71,372
Growth Stage 51~500 $75,483
Established 501~5000 $81,474
Enterprise 5000+ $84,374

QC Inspector IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For QC Inspector IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 35% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Construction and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, QC Inspector positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Insurance typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view QC Inspector IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a QC Inspector IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Construction$90,600$44.020%
Aerospace & Defense$86,825$42.015%
MFG Durable$84,560$41.012%
Energy & Utilities$83,050$40.010%
Internet$81,540$39.08%

How Education impacts a QC Inspector IV's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many QC Inspector IVs 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 IV with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $62,304 and $66,430).

QC Inspector IV Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for QC Inspector IV
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.1%
High School 50.6%
Associates 23.6%
Bachelors 22.5%
Masters 2.2%
Doctorate 0.0%

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

Understanding how a QC Inspector IV'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
$68,400
Average $75,500/year
$85,600
$5,700
Average $6,292/month
$7,133
$1,315
Average $1,452/week
$1,646
$33
Average $36/hour
$41
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $85,600 $7,133 $1,646 $41
Average $75,500 $6,292 $1,452 $36
25th Percentile $68,400 $5,700 $1,315 $33

QC Inspector IV Salary Growth & Career Path

For a QC Inspector IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Product Quality Control Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $75,200 - a projected growth of 0% over your current level.

Most common benefits for QC Inspector IV

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

Common company salaries for QC Inspector IV

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

Find Your Next QC Inspector IV Job

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

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about QC Inspector IV

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

The Construction industry offers the highest average compensation for QC Inspector IV roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. How do I become a QC technician?

To become a QC technician, you typically need an associate's or bachelor's degree in fields like agricultural science, biology, microbiology, food science, or chemistry. Food safety certifications may also be required for specialization. The salary for a QC Inspector ranges from $60,300 to $73,100, with a median salary of $66,500.

3. How much does a QC specialist earn in the US?

A QC Inspector in the US earns between $60,300 and $73,100 annually, with a median salary of $66,500. This translates to an hourly wage ranging from approximately $29.00 to $35.10, depending on experience and location.

4. How much QA is paid in USA?

The salary for a Quality Control (QC) Inspector in the USA ranges from $60,300 to $73,100, with a median salary of $66,500. This reflects the compensation for professionals in this field, highlighting the importance of quality assurance in various industries.

5. How much does a Boeing quality inspector make?

A Boeing Quality Inspector typically earns between $60,300 and $73,100 annually, with a mid-salary of around $66,500. While some reports indicate salaries can reach up to $95,000 for experienced inspectors, the standard range reflects the base compensation for this role.

6. Is QC a good job?

QC Inspector roles offer competitive salaries, with a minimum of $60,300, a mid-range of $66,500, and a maximum of $73,100. The demand for QA/QC professionals is strong across various sectors, ensuring job security and opportunities for advancement as companies focus on enhancing product quality and meeting regulatory standards.

7. What is the salary of QC Analyst Level 1?

The salary for a QC Inspector Level 1 ranges from €60,300 to €73,100, with a midpoint of €66,500.

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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst
lower level job