Salary AI Book a Demo
upper level job

Total Quality Specialist I Salary in the United States

How much does a Total Quality Specialist I make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Total Quality Specialist I in the United States is $58,993 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.

However, a Total Quality Specialist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $66,788
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $50,773 to $63,073
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $43,289
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Total Quality Specialist I Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Total Quality Specialist Salaries?

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:

  • Total Quality Specialist I (0-2 years): $58,976
  • Lean Six Sigma Programs Analyst II (2-4 years): $79,455
  • Lean Six Sigma Programs Administrator III (4-7 years): $101,009
  • Lean Six Sigma Specialist IV (7+ years): $125,370
  • Lean Six Sigma Programs Administrator V (7-10 years): $152,124
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Total Quality Specialist I0-2 years$58,976
Lean Six Sigma Programs Analyst II2-4 years$79,455
Lean Six Sigma Programs Administrator III4-7 years$101,009
Lean Six Sigma Specialist IV7+ years$125,370
Lean Six Sigma Programs Administrator V7-10 years$152,124
View as Graph

How Do Total Quality Specialist I Salaries Vary from State to State?

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:
  • District of Columbia: $65,313.
  • California: $65,073.
  • Massachusetts: $64,203.

Top Paying Cities for Total Quality Specialist Is

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: $74,403
  • San Francisco: $73,593
  • Oakland: $72,043

Total Quality Specialist I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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 $65,860. While startup companies pay approximate $55,766.

Total Quality Specialist I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $55,766
Growth Stage 51~500 $58,966
Established 501~5000 $63,593
Enterprise 5000+ $65,860

Total Quality Specialist I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industries for a Total Quality Specialist I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$88,490$43.050%
Financial Services$82,590$40.040%
Software & Networking$82,590$40.040%
Internet$79,641$38.035%
Biotechnology$76,691$37.030%

Total Quality Specialist I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 October 01, 2026
$50,773
Average $58,993/year
$63,073
$4,231
Average $4,916/month
$5,256
$976
Average $1,134/week
$1,213
$24
Average $28/hour
$30
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $63,073 $5,256 $1,213 $30
Average $58,993 $4,916 $1,134 $28
25th Percentile $50,773 $4,231 $976 $24

Total Quality Specialist I Salary Growth & Career Path

Total Quality Specialist I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions 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 35%
Six Sigma Green Belt $119,900 103%
Product Quality Assurance Analyst II $78,200 33%

Most common benefits for Total Quality Specialist I

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

Common company salaries for Total Quality Specialist I

Here are companies hiring for Total Quality Specialist I and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Total Quality Specialist I Job

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.

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 Total Quality Specialist I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Total Quality Specialist I?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Total Quality Specialist I roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.

2. What logistics company pays the most?

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.

3. What is the entry level salary for TQL?

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.

4. Does TQL have a signing bonus?

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.

5. What is the lowest salary of QA?

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.

6. How does TQL pay commission?

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.

7. Does TQL pay well?

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.

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