As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Quality Control Technician in Santa Monica, CA is $60,628 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a Quality Control Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Quality Control Technician'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, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Quality Control Technician'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 Technician | $59,163 |
| Intermediate Level Quality Control Technician | $59,594 |
| Senior Level Quality Control Technician | $61,646 |
| Specialist Level Quality Control Technician | $63,997 |
| Expert Level Quality Control Technician | $64,584 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.13% |
| ISO | 3.36% |
| HVAC | 1.69% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Programming
|
$64,265 |
6%
|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$63,659 |
5%
|
|
Schematic
|
$63,053 |
4%
|
|
Quality Management
|
$63,053 |
4%
|
|
Continuous Improvement
|
$62,446 |
3%
|
|
Coordination
|
$62,446 |
3%
|
For Quality Control Technician roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, MFG Durable, offers compensation 30% above the average. Conversely, Quality Control Technician positions in MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Quality Control Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Durable | $78,816 | $38.0 | 30% |
Understanding how a Quality Control Technician'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, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Quality Control Technician job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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