As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Quality Control Lead in the United States is $83,891 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.
However, a Quality Control Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Quality Control Lead'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 Lead'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Quality C... Level Quality Control Lead | $128,528 |
| Quality C... Level Quality Control Lead | $138,615 |
| Quality C... Level Quality Control Lead | $86,206 |
| Quality C... Level Quality Control Lead | $102,207 |
| Quality C... Level Quality Control Lead | $124,058 |
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 Leads. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 5.47% |
| HACCP | 2.33% |
| Packaging | 1.56% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Management
|
$91,442 |
9%
|
|
Quality Management System
|
$91,442 |
9%
|
|
Quality Management
|
$91,442 |
9%
|
|
Six Sigma
|
$90,603 |
8%
|
|
Internal Audit
|
$90,603 |
8%
|
|
Root Cause Analysis
|
$88,925 |
6%
|
For Quality Control Lead roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, Quality Control Lead positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Quality Control Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $96,475 | $46.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $93,958 | $45.0 | 12% |
| Financial Services | $92,280 | $44.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $92,280 | $44.0 | 10% |
| Software & Networking | $88,925 | $43.0 | 6% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Quality Control Leads enter the field with a Associate's Degree 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 Lead with a Associate's Degree is between $80,706 and $86,838).
Quality Control Lead Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 28.7% |
| High School | 28.7% |
| Associates | 7.8% |
| Bachelors | 51.9% |
| Masters | 10.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.8% |
Understanding how a Quality Control Lead'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, 2026Salaries for a Quality Control Lead can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $61,041 in 2023 to around $61,011 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Quality Control Lead salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $61,041 |
| 2024 | $61,276 |
| 2025 | $61,011 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Quality Control Lead roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.
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.)
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