As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Quality Control Associate in the United States is $96,692 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.
However, a Quality Control Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Quality Control 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Quality Control 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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Quality Control Associate | $92,390 |
| Intermediate Level Quality Control Associate | $93,250 |
| Senior Level Quality Control Associate | $94,627 |
| Specialist Level Quality Control Associate | $98,364 |
| Expert Level Quality Control Associate | $102,422 |
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 Associates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.02% |
| Biochemistry | 2.19% |
| Change Control | 1.29% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Cell Culture
|
$105,394 |
9%
|
|
Biotechnology
|
$104,427 |
8%
|
|
Analytical Chemistry
|
$102,493 |
6%
|
|
Change Control
|
$102,493 |
6%
|
|
Biochemistry
|
$102,493 |
6%
|
|
LIMS
|
$101,526 |
5%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Quality Control Associates 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 Associate with a Associate's Degree is between $94,311 and $101,744).
Quality Control Associate Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.5% |
| High School | 7.5% |
| Associates | 5.0% |
| Bachelors | 57.5% |
| Masters | 26.3% |
| Doctorate | 1.3% |
Understanding how a Quality Control 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.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Salaries for a Quality Control Associate can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $79,160 in 2023 to around $78,755 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Quality Control Associate salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $79,160 |
| 2024 | $79,160 |
| 2025 | $78,755 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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