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Quality Control Analyst I Salary in the United States

How much does a Quality Control Analyst I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Quality Control Analyst I in the United States is $65,107 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $78,438
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $57,281 to $72,085
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $50,156
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Quality Control Analyst I Salaries

A Quality Control Analyst 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Quality Control Analyst I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Quality Control Analyst 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:

  • Quality Control Analyst I (0-2 years): $65,107
  • Quality Control Analyst II (2-4 years): $81,068
  • Quality Control Analyst III (4-7 years): $98,948
  • Quality Control Analyst IV (7+ years): $125,326
  • Quality Control Analyst V (7-10 years): $135,144
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Quality Control Analyst I0-2 years$65,107
Quality Control Analyst II2-4 years$81,068
Quality Control Analyst III4-7 years$98,948
Quality Control Analyst IV7+ years$125,326
Quality Control Analyst V7-10 years$135,144
View as Graph

How Do Quality Control Analyst 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 Quality Control Analyst Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $72,086.
  • California: $71,813.
  • Massachusetts: $70,856.

Top Paying Cities for Quality Control Analyst 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: $82,119
  • San Francisco: $81,220
  • Oakland: $79,509

What Skills Can Increase a Quality Control Analyst I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 8.83% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Chemistry (Mentioned in 2.55% Job Postings): Chemistry is the branch of science that deals with the composition, structure, and properties of substances of which matter is composed.
  • Calibration (Mentioned in 1.75% 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.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 8.83%
Chemistry 2.55%
Calibration 1.75%
See More Skills

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 Quality Control Analyst I's salary.

  • SQL: Can increase your salary by up to 22%.
  • Project Control: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
  • Computer Science: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
SQL $79,431
22%
Project Control $74,873
15%
Computer Science $72,920
12%
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Quality Control Analyst I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Quality Control Analyst I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $72,760. While startup companies pay approximate $61,547.

Quality Control Analyst I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $61,547
Growth Stage 51~500 $65,093
Established 501~5000 $70,259
Enterprise 5000+ $72,760

Quality Control Analyst I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Quality Control Analyst I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Quality Control Analyst positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Quality Control Analyst I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Quality Control Analyst I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$84,639$41.030%
Biotechnology$78,128$38.020%
Insurance$74,873$36.015%
Software & Networking$74,873$36.015%
Internet$72,920$35.012%

How Education impacts a Quality Control Analyst I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Quality Control Analyst I enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Quality Control Analyst I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $61,001 and $66,141.

Quality Control Analyst I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Quality Control Analyst I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 9.9%
High School 9.9%
Associates 9.9%
Bachelors 71.8%
Masters 8.0%
Doctorate 0.5%
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Quality Control Analyst I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Quality Control Analyst 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 September 01, 2026
$57,281
Average $65,107/year
$72,085
$4,773
Average $5,426/month
$6,007
$1,102
Average $1,252/week
$1,386
$28
Average $31/hour
$35
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $72,085 $6,007 $1,386 $35
Average $65,107 $5,426 $1,252 $31
25th Percentile $57,281 $4,773 $1,102 $28

Quality Control Analyst I Salary Growth & Career Path

Quality Control Analyst I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Quality Control Analyst 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
Construction Inspection Services Manager $107,746 65%
Food Safety Specialist $79,456 22%
Quality Control Analyst II $81,068 25%

Most common benefits for Quality Control Analyst I

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

Common company salaries for Quality Control Analyst I

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

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FAQ about Quality Control Analyst I

1. Where can a Quality Control Analyst I earn the most?

A Quality Control Analyst I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Quality Control Analyst I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Quality Control Analyst I is $82,119.

2. What is the highest pay for Quality Control Analyst I?

The highest pay for Quality Control Analyst I is $78,438.

3. What is the lowest pay for Quality Control Analyst I?

The lowest pay for Quality Control Analyst I is $50,156.

4. What are the responsibilities of Quality Control Analyst I?

Performs various scientific analyses to evaluate the quality of raw materials, in-process materials, and finished goods and ensure compliance with established standards. Conducts and validates various biological and chemical quality control (QC) assays. Compiles, interprets, and documents statistical data from testing processes to either confirm compliance with established quality standards or identify deviations. May be responsible for establishing specifications for conducting assays and writing standard operating procedures. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Quality Control Analyst I?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Quality Control Analyst I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

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.

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