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Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing career
Quality Control Inspector
Also called: Quality Inspector · QC Technician · Quality Assurance Inspector · Product Inspector
What quality control inspectors do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a quality control inspector do?
Quality control inspectors examine raw materials, parts and finished products, using measuring tools, tests and sampling to make sure they meet specifications and quality standards. The median pay is $48,570 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 3–12 months on the job, and employment is projected to grow +2.5% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$48,570$23.35/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+2.5%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year66,700Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to train3–12 months on the jobTypical program length
- U.S. jobs602,000Employment, 2025
What quality control inspectors do
Quality control inspectors are a manufacturer’s line of defense against defects. They read drawings and specifications, measure parts with calipers, micrometers, gauges and coordinate measuring machines, test products, record results and decide whether lots pass or fail. When something is out of spec, they document nonconformances and help find the cause.
Most inspectors have a high school diploma and learn on the job, often starting in production. Training in blueprint reading, GD&T and measurement, and credentials such as the ASQ Certified Quality Inspector, open higher-paying roles in aerospace, medical device and automotive manufacturing.
Typical duties
- Read drawings, specifications and inspection plans
- Measure parts with precision instruments
- Perform first-article and in-process inspections
- Sample and test products according to plans
- Record data and complete inspection reports
- Tag and segregate nonconforming material
- Support root cause investigations and audits
Work environment and schedule
Inspectors work on production floors, in quality labs and at receiving docks in factories. Some areas are noisy; labs are often climate controlled.
Schedule: Many plants run multiple shifts, so day, evening and night shifts are common.
A day in the life
- Review the inspection queue and any quality alerts from the night shift.
- Perform a first-article inspection on a new machined part.
- Run the part on the CMM and compare results to the drawing.
- Do in-process checks on the stamping line using go/no-go gauges.
See a full day in the life of a quality control inspector →
Quality Control Inspector salary
Half of quality control inspectors earned more than $48,570 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $35,510 for the lowest 10% to $77,860 for the top 10%.
Full quality control inspector pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a quality control inspector
- Finish high school
- Start in production or receiving
- Learn measurement and blueprints
- Earn the CQI
- Advance
A high school diploma is typical. Inspectors learn on the job, often after working in production. Courses in blueprint reading, GD&T, metrology and statistics help, and associate degrees lead to quality technician roles.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a quality control inspector →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Precision measurement
- Blueprint and GD&T reading
- Sampling plans
- CMM operation
- Documentation and data entry
People skills
- Attention to detail
- Integrity
- Communication
- Objectivity
All quality control inspector skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Entry point into technical manufacturing roles
- Clean, detail-focused work
- Demand in many industries
- Clear path to quality technician and engineer roles
Cons
- Repetitive measurement tasks
- Pressure when production disagrees with your call
- Shift work
- Responsibility for catching every defect
Certifications and licenses
- ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI): American Society for Quality credential for inspectors.
- ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT): A more advanced quality credential.
- GD&T training: Training in geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.
- CMM programming certification: Training on specific CMM software such as PC-DMIS or Calypso.
Career path
- Production Worker or Inspector Trainee: Learn products and basic inspection.
- Quality Control Inspector: Inspect and document parts.
- Quality Technician or Auditor: Run CMMs, SPC and audits.
- Quality Engineer or Manager: Lead quality systems and improvement.
Learn the job before day one
Our Quality Control Inspector training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as measure a part with a micrometer and perform a first-article inspection, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: QC Inspector vs. Production Assembler · QC Inspector vs. CNC Machinist · QC Inspector vs. Calibration Technician · QC Inspector vs. Production Supervisor
Quality Control Inspector FAQ
Do quality inspectors need certification?
Not usually to start, but the ASQ CQI helps with advancement.
What industries hire QC inspectors?
Aerospace, automotive, medical devices, food, electronics and many others.
Is quality inspection a good career?
Yes. It’s a stepping stone to quality technician and engineer roles.
How much does a quality control inspector make?
The median annual wage for quality control inspectors was $48,570 ($23.35 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $35,510 and the highest 10% earned more than $77,860.
How long does it take to become a quality control inspector?
Most people need about 3–12 months on the job of training. A high school diploma is typical. Inspectors learn on the job, often after working in production. Courses in blueprint reading, GD&T, metrology and statistics help, and associate degrees lead to quality technician roles.
Do you need a degree to be a quality control inspector?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More quality control inspector questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-9061 (Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.