Quality Inspector I Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Quality Inspector I in the United States is $47,737 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $56,593
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $43,976 to $52,373
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $40,552
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View as table View as graph 25% $43,976 10% $40,552 90% $56,593 75% $52,373 $47,737 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Quality Inspector I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $52,373 $4,364 $1,007 $25
Average $47,737 $3,978 $918 $23
25th Percentile $43,976 $3,665 $846 $21
Check out Quality Inspector I Job Openings in the United States
Quality Inspector

Express Employment Professionals Defunct - Columbus, OH

Quality Inspector

Western Partitions, Inc. - Columbus, OH

Quality Inspector

Trillium Staffing - Columbus, OH

Quality Inspector

Stratosphere Quality - Columbus, OH

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Key Factors That Influence Quality Inspector I Salaries

A Quality 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 Do Quality 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 Inspector Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $52,854.
  • California: $52,653.
  • Massachusetts: $51,952.

Top Paying Cities for Quality 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: $60,210
  • San Francisco: $59,551
  • Oakland: $58,296

What Skills Can Increase a Quality 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.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 6.75%
Data Entry 2.95%
Quality Inspection 2.45%
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 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
$57,284
20%
Client Service
$54,420
14%
Facilitation
$53,942
13%
Hard Working
$53,465
12%
Quality Management
$52,510
10%
SOP
$51,555
8%
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Quality Inspector I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Quality 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 Inspector positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Quality Inspector I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Quality Inspector I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$57,284$28.020%

How Education impacts a Quality Inspector I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Quality 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 Inspector I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $40,974 and $43,347).

Quality Inspector I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Quality 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%
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Quality Inspector I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Quality 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 August 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Quality Inspector I

Salaries for a Quality Inspector I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $37,643 in 2023 to around $37,404 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Quality Inspector I salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Quality Inspector I Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$37,643
2024
$37,553
2025
$37,404
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $37,643
2024 $37,553
2025 $37,404
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Quality Inspector I

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Quality Inspector I

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

Find Your Next Quality Inspector I Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Quality Inspector I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
  • Battelle

    Columbus, OH

    Battelle | Columbus, OH

    Circuit Card Assembly/Electronics Inspector. Battelle delivers when others can't. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Mid-State Sales

    Columbus, OH

    Mid-State Sales | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. Health insurance. Paid time off. Training & development. Vision insurance. 401(k). 401(k) matching. Bonus based... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Crown Staffing Solutions, L.L.C.

    Columbus, OH

    Crown Staffing Solutions, L.L.C. | Columbus, OH

    Quality Welding Inspector. Location: Columbus, Ohio 43230 (Gahanna). Rate: Starting at $22/HR, depending on experience. Position Overview: The Quality Weld... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Battelle

    Columbus, OH

    Battelle | Columbus, OH

    Quality Inspector. Battelle delivers when others can't. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products ... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Vista Packaging & Logistics

    Columbus, OH

    Vista Packaging & Logistics | Columbus, OH

    DescriptionPOSITION SUMMARYResponsible for conducting tests to determine the quality of materials and finished products as well as identifying areas of imp... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Fulcrum Reliability Systems

    Columbus, OH

    Fulcrum Reliability Systems | Columbus, OH

    Data Center Quality Inspector-Intern (DCQI-0). As a Data Center Quality Inspector I, you provide superb quality control services for our clients. The work ... more

    9 Days Ago

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FAQ about Quality Inspector I

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

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Quality 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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