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Quality Control Inspector I Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Quality Control Inspector I in the United States is $48,597 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $57,547
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $44,745 to $53,282
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $41,238
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Quality Control Inspector I Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Quality Control Inspector I Salaries?

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:

  • Quality Control Inspector I (0-1 years): $48,597
  • Quality Control Inspector II (1-3 years): $53,321
  • Quality Control Inspector III (3-5 years): $67,420
  • Quality Control Inspector IV (5-7 years): $75,468
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Quality Control Inspector I0-1 years$48,597
Quality Control Inspector II1-3 years$53,321
Quality Control Inspector III3-5 years$67,420
Quality Control Inspector IV5-7 years$75,468
View as Graph

How Do Quality Control Inspector 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 Inspector Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $53,807.
  • California: $53,602.
  • Massachusetts: $52,888.

Top Paying Cities for Quality Control Inspector 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: $61,295
  • San Francisco: $60,624
  • Oakland: $59,347

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 6.75% Job Postings): 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 (Mentioned in 2.95% Job Postings): Transcribing information into an electronic medium such as a computer or other electronic device.
  • Quality Inspection (Mentioned in 2.45% Job Postings): Evaluating and testing product or service features while comparing the results with specified requirements to validate conformity.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 6.75%
Data Entry 2.95%
Quality Inspection 2.45%
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 Inspector I's salary.

  • Building Relationships: Can increase your salary by up to 20%.
  • Client Service: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
  • Facilitation: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Building Relationships $58,316
20%
Client Service $55,401
14%
Facilitation $54,915
13%
Get Latest Data

Quality Control Inspector I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Quality Control Inspector I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $54,309. While startup companies pay approximate $45,940.

Quality Control Inspector I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $45,940
Growth Stage 51~500 $48,586
Established 501~5000 $52,442
Enterprise 5000+ $54,309

Quality Control Inspector I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Quality Control Inspector I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Quality Control Inspector positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Quality Control Inspector I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Quality Control Inspector I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$58,316$28.020%

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

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Quality Control Inspector 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 Inspector I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $42,130 and $44,458.

Quality Control Inspector I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Quality Control Inspector I
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%
View as Graph

Quality Control Inspector I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 September 01, 2026
$44,745
Average $48,597/year
$53,282
$3,729
Average $4,050/month
$4,440
$860
Average $935/week
$1,025
$22
Average $23/hour
$26
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $53,282 $4,440 $1,025 $26
Average $48,597 $4,050 $935 $23
25th Percentile $44,745 $3,729 $860 $22

Quality Control Inspector I Salary Growth & Career Path

Quality Control Inspector I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Quality Control Inspector 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
Quality Control Inspector II $53,321 10%
Product Inspector II $49,790 2%

Most common benefits for Quality Control Inspector I

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

Common company salaries for Quality Control Inspector I

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

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FAQ about Quality Control Inspector I

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

A Quality Control Inspector 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 Inspector I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Quality Control Inspector I is $61,295.

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

The highest pay for Quality Control Inspector I is $57,547.

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

The lowest pay for Quality Control Inspector I is $41,238.

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

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.

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

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Quality Control Inspector I roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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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