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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Quality Associate in North Carolina is $97,141 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.
However, a Quality Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Quality Associate Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $104,700 | $8,725 | $2,013 | $50 |
| Average | $97,141 | $8,095 | $1,868 | $47 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,115 | $7,260 | $1,675 | $42 |
Food Lion - Lumberton, NC
Accord Healthcare - Raleigh, NC
Carolina CoPacking - Henderson, NC
Food Lion - Kill Devil Hills, NC
A Quality Associate'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 Associate'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 A... Level Quality Associate | $66,498 |
| Quality A... Level Quality Associate | $80,835 |
| Quality A... Level Quality Associate | $97,837 |
| Quality A... Level Quality Associate | $122,061 |
| Quality A... Level Quality Associate | $147,735 |
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 Associates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Quality Associate roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Quality Associate positions in Transportation or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Quality Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $106,855 | $51.0 | 10% |
| Business Services | $106,855 | $51.0 | 10% |
| Construction | $106,855 | $51.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $106,855 | $51.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $106,855 | $51.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Quality Associate'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $104,700 | $8,725 | $2,013 | $50 |
| Average | $97,141 | $8,095 | $1,868 | $47 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,115 | $7,260 | $1,675 | $42 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Quality Associate job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Food Lion
Greenville, NC
Food Lion | Greenville, NC
Retail Operations. Food Lion has been providing an easy, fresh and affordable shopping experience to the communities we serve since 1957. Today, our 82,000... more
8 Days Ago
DSA Doors
Raleigh, NC
DSA Doors | Raleigh, NC
DSA Doors is growing, and we're looking for a detail-driven Quality Inspection Associate to help ensure that every product leaving our facility meets the h... more
9 Days Ago
Confidential
Charlotte, NC
Confidential | Charlotte, NC
Associate Vice President, External Quality. About the Company. Industry shaping pharmaceutical company. Industry. Pharmaceuticals. Type. Public Company. Fo... more
5 Days Ago
Biogen
Research Triangle Park, NC, NC
Biogen | Research Triangle Park, NC, NC
This job is with Biogen, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not conta... more
8 Days Ago
Pinpoint Pharma LLC
HAWTHORN WOODS, IL
Pinpoint Pharma LLC | HAWTHORN WOODS, IL
We have multiple shifts (1st, 2nd, and 3rd) and positions avalable. Apply to learn more about this role. Job Overview: This position reports to the QA Supe... more
5 Days Ago
LSG Sky Chefs
BIG LAKE, AK
LSG Sky Chefs | BIG LAKE, AK
Job Title: Food Quality Assurance Coordinator Job Location: Anchorage-USA-99502 Work Location Type: On-Site Salary Range: $17.56 - 26.67 per hour About us ... more
5 Days Ago
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