As of March 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Quality Control Inspector I in the United States is $23, which translates to an annual salary of about $48,565.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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A Quality Control Inspector 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Quality Control Inspector 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Quality Control Inspector I | 0-1 years | $48,565 |
| Quality Control Inspector II | 1-3 years | $53,292 |
| Quality Control Inspector III | 3-5 years | $67,338 |
| Quality Control Inspector IV | 5-7 years | $75,379 |
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 Quality Control Inspector Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 6.75% |
| Data Entry | 2.95% |
| Quality Inspection | 2.45% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Building Relationships
|
$58,278 |
20%
|
|
Client Service
|
$55,364 |
14%
|
|
Facilitation
|
$54,878 |
13%
|
|
Hard Working
|
$54,393 |
12%
|
|
Quality Management
|
$53,422 |
10%
|
|
SOP
|
$52,450 |
8%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Quality Control Inspector Is enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Quality Control Inspector I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $40,974 and $43,347).
Quality Control Inspector I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 59.2% |
| High School | 59.2% |
| Associates | 14.2% |
| Bachelors | 23.7% |
| Masters | 3.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Quality Control Inspector 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 March 01, 2026
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Performs quality control inspections, checks, and tests during the manufacture of products. Inspects materials, parts and products at different stages of production. Records observations and may make recommendations for improving processes. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor. May require 0-1 year of general work experience. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area.
Specify the abilities and skills that a person needs in order to carry out the specified job duties. Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.
Customer Service: Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
Data Entry: Transcribing information into an electronic medium such as a computer or other electronic device.
Quality Inspection: Evaluating and testing product or service features while comparing the results with specified requirements to validate conformity.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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