As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Total Quality Specialist I in the United States is $56,883 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, a Total Quality Specialist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Total Quality Specialist I'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 Total Quality Specialist I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Quality Specialist I | 0-2 years | $56,869 |
| Lean Six Sigma Programs Analyst II | 2-4 years | $79,447 |
| Lean Six Sigma Programs Administrator III | 4-7 years | $101,003 |
| Lean Six Sigma Specialist IV | 7+ years | $125,348 |
| Lean Six Sigma Programs Administrator V | 7-10 years | $147,365 |
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 Total Quality Specialist Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Total Quality Specialist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $63,677. While startup companies pay approximate $53,869.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $53,869 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $56,973 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $61,492 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $63,677 |
For Total Quality Specialist I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 105% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Total Quality Specialist positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Total Quality Specialist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $85,324 | $41.0 | 50% |
| Financial Services | $79,636 | $38.0 | 40% |
| Software & Networking | $79,636 | $38.0 | 40% |
| Internet | $76,792 | $37.0 | 35% |
| Biotechnology | $73,948 | $36.0 | 30% |
Understanding how a Total Quality Specialist 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 August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Total Quality Specialist 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Lean Six Sigma Programs Analyst II | $79,500 | 40% |
| Six Sigma Green Belt | $119,800 | 111% |
| Product Quality Assurance Analyst II | $78,200 | 37% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Total Quality Specialist I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Total Quality Specialist I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Total Quality Specialist I roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
The salary range for a Total Quality Specialist typically falls between $60,803 and $71,523, with a mid-salary of $66,143. While several logistics companies offer competitive salaries, none listed exceed this range. Companies like Genentech and Biogen provide salaries up to $189K and $153K respectively, but they may not specifically hire for this role.
The entry-level salary for a Total Quality Specialist ranges from $60,803 to $66,143, with a maximum salary of $71,523. This reflects a more competitive compensation compared to the average entry-level salary in the industry, ensuring that professionals in this role are fairly rewarded for their expertise and contributions.
TQL offers a $2,500 sign-on bonus, providing an excellent opportunity to gain exposure to executives and shape your career as a founding leader or power broker. As a Total Quality Specialist, you can expect a salary ranging from $60,803 to $71,523, with a midpoint of $66,143, reflecting the growth from our Cincinnati startup to a leading freight brokerage firm.
The lowest salary for a Total Quality Specialist is $60,803 per year. If you're considering a career as a Total Quality Specialist or looking to advance in this field, it's important to understand the role, career progression, and salary expectations, which range from $60,803 to $71,523 annually.
At TQL, there is no draw. The salary for a Total Quality Specialist ranges from $60,803 to $71,523, with a mid-salary of $66,143. Employees earn a commission of 25% on any amount exceeding their salary during a pay period. For example, if you earn $1,000 in salary and generate $3,000 in commissions, you would receive 25% on the $2,000 over your salary.
Total Quality Logistics (TQL) offers competitive salaries, with the Total Quality Specialist position ranging from a minimum of $60,803 to a maximum of $71,523 annually, with a midpoint of $66,143. This reflects a solid compensation structure compared to various roles within the company, indicating that TQL values its employees.
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