Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Quality control inspectors typically need a high school diploma to enter the occupation and receive on-the-job training once employed. PayThe median annual wage for quality control inspectors was $48,570 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of quality control inspectors is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 66,700 openings for quality control inspectors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for quality control inspectors. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of quality control inspectors with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about quality control inspectors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for quality control inspectors was $48,570 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of quality control inspectors is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 66,700 openings for quality control inspectors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for quality control inspectors. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of quality control inspectors with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about quality control inspectors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of quality control inspectors is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 66,700 openings for quality control inspectors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for quality control inspectors. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of quality control inspectors with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about quality control inspectors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Quality control inspectors examine products and materials for defects or deviations from specifications.
Work Environment
Many quality control inspectors work in manufacturing. Most work full time, and overtime may be required to meet production deadlines.
How to Become a Quality Control Inspector
Quality control inspectors typically need a high school diploma to enter the occupation and receive on-the-job training once employed.
Pay
The median annual wage for quality control inspectors was $48,570 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of quality control inspectors is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 66,700 openings for quality control inspectors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for quality control inspectors.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of quality control inspectors with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about quality control inspectors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Many quality control inspectors work in manufacturing. Most work full time, and overtime may be required to meet production deadlines.
How to Become a Quality Control Inspector
Quality control inspectors typically need a high school diploma to enter the occupation and receive on-the-job training once employed.
Pay
The median annual wage for quality control inspectors was $48,570 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of quality control inspectors is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 66,700 openings for quality control inspectors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for quality control inspectors.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of quality control inspectors with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about quality control inspectors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for quality control inspectors.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of quality control inspectors with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about quality control inspectors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about quality control inspectors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.