As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Quality Inspector in California is $58,597 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, a Quality Inspector's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Quality Inspector Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $65,602 | $5,467 | $1,262 | $32 |
| Average | $58,597 | $4,883 | $1,127 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,601 | $4,383 | $1,012 | $25 |
Viant - Upland, CA
Jobot - Chatsworth, CA
Jobot - Cerritos, CA
TradeJobsWorkForce - Riverside, CA
A 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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 Inspectors. 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 Inspector roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Quality Inspector positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Quality Inspector as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $70,317 | $34.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $65,602 | $5,467 | $1,262 | $32 |
| Average | $58,597 | $4,883 | $1,127 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,601 | $4,383 | $1,012 | $25 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Quality Inspector job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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