As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Manufacturing Quality Inspector in the United States is $102,774 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.
However, a Manufacturing Quality Inspector's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Manufacturing Quality Inspector'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 Manufacturing Quality Inspector'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 |
|---|---|
| Manufactu... Level Manufacturing Quality Inspector | $79,277 |
| Manufactu... Level Manufacturing Quality Inspector | $89,872 |
| Manufactu... Level Manufacturing Quality Inspector | $103,455 |
| Manufactu... Level Manufacturing Quality Inspector | $126,201 |
| Manufactu... Level Manufacturing Quality Inspector | $144,985 |
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 Manufacturing Quality Inspectors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Standard Operating Procedures | 4.16% |
| Food Safety | 3.11% |
| Lean | 1.96% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
ISO
|
$107,913 |
5%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$106,885 |
4%
|
|
Analysis
|
$106,885 |
4%
|
|
Innovation
|
$106,885 |
4%
|
|
Manufacturing Equipment
|
$106,885 |
4%
|
|
Manufacturing Processes
|
$106,885 |
4%
|
For Manufacturing Quality Inspector roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 75% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the MFG Nondurable and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Manufacturing Quality Inspector positions in Transportation or Pharmaceuticals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Manufacturing Quality Inspector as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Nondurable | $143,884 | $69.0 | 40% |
| Internet | $138,745 | $67.0 | 35% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $133,606 | $64.0 | 30% |
| Construction | $128,468 | $62.0 | 25% |
| Business Services | $123,329 | $59.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Manufacturing Quality Inspectors enter the field with a Bachelor'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 Manufacturing Quality Inspector with a Bachelor's Degree is between $107,927 and $112,983).
Manufacturing Quality Inspector Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.1% |
| High School | 3.7% |
| Associates | 5.1% |
| Bachelors | 58.3% |
| Masters | 31.4% |
| Doctorate | 1.3% |
Understanding how a Manufacturing Quality Inspector'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 Manufacturing Quality Inspector can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $102,818 in 2023 to around $100,967 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Manufacturing Quality Inspector salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $102,818 |
| 2024 | $102,196 |
| 2025 | $100,967 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The MFG Nondurable industry offers the highest average compensation for Manufacturing Quality Inspector roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
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