As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Quality Control Specialist in the United States is $122,817 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.
However, a Quality Control Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Quality Control Specialist'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 Specialist'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 Specialist | $79,977 |
| Quality C... Level Quality Control Specialist | $97,619 |
| Quality C... Level Quality Control Specialist | $123,636 |
| Quality C... Level Quality Control Specialist | $133,334 |
| Quality C... Level Quality Control Specialist | $82,928 |
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 Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.82% |
| Microsoft Office | 2.37% |
| Construction Management | 1.24% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Microbiology
|
$148,609 |
21%
|
|
Project Control
|
$144,924 |
18%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$141,240 |
15%
|
|
Coordination
|
$140,011 |
14%
|
|
Biochemistry
|
$136,327 |
11%
|
|
SOP
|
$135,099 |
10%
|
For Quality Control Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Quality Control Specialist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Quality Control Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $159,662 | $77.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $147,380 | $71.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $147,380 | $71.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $135,099 | $65.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $128,958 | $62.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Quality Control Specialists 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 Specialist with a Associate's Degree is between $118,847 and $128,308).
Quality Control Specialist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.0% |
| High School | 8.0% |
| Associates | 8.0% |
| Bachelors | 50.0% |
| Masters | 24.0% |
| Doctorate | 8.0% |
Understanding how a Quality Control Specialist'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Quality Control Specialist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $100,386 in 2023 to around $99,235 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Quality Control Specialist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $100,386 |
| 2024 | $100,031 |
| 2025 | $99,235 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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