As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Total Quality Specialist III in the United States is $101,023 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.
However, a Total Quality Specialist III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Total Quality Specialist 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 Total Quality Specialist 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Lean Six Sigma Programs Administrator I | 0-2 years | $56,869 |
| Lean Six Sigma Programs Analyst II | 2-4 years | $79,447 |
| Total Quality Specialist 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.77% |
| Quality Management System | 2.17% |
| Data Collection | 1.3% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Building Relationships
|
$115,166 |
14%
|
|
Inventory Management
|
$113,146 |
12%
|
|
Standard Operating Procedures
|
$111,125 |
10%
|
|
Customer Support
|
$110,115 |
9%
|
|
Analytical Skills
|
$109,105 |
8%
|
|
Project Management
|
$108,095 |
7%
|
Total Quality Specialist III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $113,089. While startup companies pay approximate $95,671.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $95,671 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $101,183 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $109,208 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $113,089 |
For Total Quality Specialist III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 47% (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, Total Quality Specialist positions in Business Services or Chemicals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Total Quality Specialist III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $126,279 | $61.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $121,228 | $58.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $116,176 | $56.0 | 15% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $113,146 | $54.0 | 12% |
| Software & Networking | $111,125 | $53.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Total Quality Specialist 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.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Total Quality Specialist 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Lean Six Sigma Specialist IV | $125,400 | 24% |
| Six Sigma Green Belt | $119,800 | 19% |
| Product Quality Assurance Analyst IV | $124,700 | 23% |
Salaries for a Total Quality Specialist III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $99,309 in 2023 to around $97,335 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Total Quality Specialist III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $99,309 |
| 2024 | $98,301 |
| 2025 | $97,335 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Total Quality Specialist III roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
A Total Quality Specialist at Thermo Fisher Scientific can expect a salary ranging from $93,593 to $111,803, with a median salary of $102,493. This reflects the competitive compensation for roles focused on quality assurance and control within the company.
A QA Specialist III is responsible for providing quality oversight for projects, conducting compliance assessments, making decisions on regulatory requirements, writing new procedures, and ensuring adherence to current regulations. The salary for this role typically ranges from $93,593 to $111,803, with a mid-point of $102,493.
A QA Lead represents the pinnacle of a career in quality assurance. This role involves significant management responsibilities and requires deep expertise in the field. Salaries for Total Quality Specialists range from $93,593 to $111,803, with a midpoint of $102,493, reflecting the advanced skills and leadership required at this level.
A QA Level 3 professional is typically responsible for ensuring quality standards in processes and products. They possess a deep understanding of quality assurance principles and practices. In terms of compensation, Total Quality Specialists in this role can expect salaries ranging from $93,593 to $111,803, with a median salary of $102,493.
TQL typically pays on a standard 28-day cycle. However, if you need quicker access to your earnings, they offer quick pay options: 1-day at a 5% discount off the gross pay or 7-day at a 3% discount. For a Total Quality Specialist, salaries range from $93,593 to $111,803, with a midpoint of $102,493.
As a Total Quality Specialist, the annual salary ranges from $93,593 to $111,803, with a median salary of $102,493. This is significantly higher than the reported salaries for Total Quality Logistics positions in various states, indicating a competitive compensation for this role.
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