As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a QC Manager in the United States is $121,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.
However, a QC Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A QC Manager'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, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a QC Manager'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection/Testing Team Lead | 10+ years | $84,046 |
| Inspection/Testing Supervisor | 10+ years | $99,646 |
| QC Manager | 10+ years | $120,950 |
| QC Senior Manager | 10+ years | $134,250 |
| QC Director | 10+ years | $168,502 |
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 Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Quality Management | 4.91% |
| Microsoft Office | 1.83% |
| Financial Services Industry | 0.98% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Operational Risk
|
$143,990 |
19%
|
|
Change Control
|
$134,310 |
11%
|
|
Financial Services Industry
|
$133,100 |
10%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$133,100 |
10%
|
|
Regulatory Compliance
|
$131,890 |
9%
|
|
Consulting
|
$130,680 |
8%
|
QC Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $135,453. While startup companies pay approximate $114,590.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $114,590 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $121,192 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $130,803 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $135,453 |
For QC Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 24% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 12% above the average. In contrast, QC Manager positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view QC Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $135,520 | $65.0 | 12% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many QC Managers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $119,657 and $127,828).
QC Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.2% |
| High School | 20.0% |
| Associates | 13.2% |
| Bachelors | 49.1% |
| Masters | 14.6% |
| Doctorate | 1.9% |
Understanding how a QC Manager'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 August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a QC Manager, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Engineering Inspection Services Manager | $114,000 | -6% |
| Food Safety & Compliance Senior Manager | $125,500 | 4% |
| QC Senior Manager | $134,300 | 11% |
Salaries for a QC Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $103,868 in 2023 to around $102,708 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of QC Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $103,868 |
| 2024 | $103,698 |
| 2025 | $102,708 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for QC Manager roles, with salaries approximately 12% above the market median.
QC roles offer strong job security and advancement opportunities due to the increasing demand for quality assurance in various industries. With salaries ranging from $113,100 to $140,600, QC Managers are well-compensated for their expertise. This makes a career in QC not only rewarding but also financially beneficial.
The salary for a QC Manager typically ranges from €113,100 to €140,600, with a mid-point salary of €126,500.
The salary of a QC Manager typically ranges from $113,100 to $140,600 annually, with a mid-level salary of $126,500. This reflects the compensation for quality control professionals, which can vary based on experience and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced managers can earn towards the higher end of this range.
The salary for a Quality Control (QC) Manager in the USA ranges from $113,100 to $140,600, with a mid-salary of $126,500. This reflects the specialized nature of the role, which typically requires significant experience and expertise in quality management.
The highest salary for a QC Manager is $140,600. This figure represents the maximum compensation for this role, reflecting the expertise and responsibilities associated with quality control management.
The maximum salary for a QC Manager is $140,600. The top 10% of employees in this role earn more than $126,500 annually, while the top 1% can exceed $140,600. This reflects the competitive nature of salaries in the Quality Control field.
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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