As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Quality Control Inspector III in South Dakota is $61,246 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a Quality Control Inspector III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Quality Control Inspector 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 Quality Control Inspector 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Quality Control Inspector I | 0-1 years | $44,155 |
| Quality Control Inspector II | 1-3 years | $48,449 |
| Quality Control Inspector III | 3-5 years | $61,246 |
| Quality Control Inspector IV | 5-7 years | $68,558 |
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Quality Control Inspector III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $68,503. While startup companies pay approximate $57,933.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $57,933 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $61,273 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $66,153 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $68,503 |
For Quality Control Inspector III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (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, Quality Control Inspector positions in Insurance or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Quality Control Inspector III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $76,557 | $37.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $73,495 | $35.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $70,433 | $34.0 | 15% |
| Chemicals | $68,595 | $33.0 | 12% |
| Construction | $67,983 | $33.0 | 11% |
Understanding how a Quality Control Inspector 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 July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Quality Control Inspector 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Quality Control Inspector IV | $68,558 | 12% |
| Product Inspector IV | $54,912 | -10% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Quality Control Inspector III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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