How Much Does a QC Inspector Make? (2025)

If you're planning to become a quality control inspector or hiring one for your team, knowing the latest pay trends and job outlook can help with better decisions.

As of July 7, 2025, the average QC inspector salary in the United States is $48,590 per year or $23 per hour. According to the BLS, jobs for quality control inspectors are expected to decline by 3% from 2023 to 2033.

Even so, around 65,200 job openings are expected each year due to retirements and career changes. That makes it important to keep track of salary benchmarks and labor market shifts.

This salary guide breaks down what the QC inspector role includes, how much it pays, and what factors influence pay.

What Does a QC Inspector Do?

A quality control inspector job involves performing inspections, checks, and tests during the production process to ensure compliance and product quality. Inspectors examine materials, parts, and finished products at various stages to confirm they meet established quality standards. They also record their findings and may recommend ways to improve the production process.

This role is common in manufacturing and production settings. According to Salary.com, it typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and 0 to 1 year of general work experience.

What is QC Inspector Overview?

As of July 7, 2025, the average QC inspector salary in the United States is $48,590 or $23 per hour.

Based on our data, the QC inspector salary is between $41,139 to $57,569 per year, with most earnings reported between $44,690 and $53,290. The QC inspector's salary per month is $4,049.

Moreover, QC inspectors typically earn an average of $23 per hour, with rates ranging from $20 to $28. Their average weekly pay is $934, with weekly earnings falling between $791 and $1,107.

2025 QC Inspector Average Salary: $48,590 per year ($23 per hour)

Meanwhile, the core median salary for QC inspectors is $45,590 per year. This amount includes base pay and bonuses and can vary by percentile.

The average total salary for QC inspectors is $68,329, according to our report. The total compensation package for the job title includes benefits like healthcare ($8,352), time off ($5,611), and Social Security ($3,488), which make up 25.5% of the total compensation.

What Can Affect QC Inspector Salaries?

The salary of QC inspectors can vary depending on experience, location, and skills. Here's a closer look at each factor:

By Experience Level

According to our report, QC inspectors with less than one year of experience earn an average salary of $48,299 per year. In contrast, those with eight or more years of experience can expect to earn an average of $50,133 per year.

By Geographic Location

Apart from experience level, a QC inspector’s salary in the United States also varies by location, depending on factors like cost of living, local economic conditions, and industry activity.

For example, among major cities, San Jose offers the highest average salary at $61,290 per year, while Miami and Dallas report lower median salaries of $46,690 and $49,990 per year, respectively.

By Skills

High-demand skills drive salary increases for QC inspectors. Our Real-Time Job Posting Salary Data Report shows that those with ISO 9001 skills see a salary increase of 8.70%, while those with Blueprint Reading skills see an increase of 7.84%. The demand for these skills is 3.70% and 3.92%, respectively.

How to Become a QC Inspector Specialist?

If you’re planning to become a QC inspector, you’ll need good communication skills, basic product knowledge, and attention to detail. Here’s how to get started:

• Get education: Most QC inspector jobs require a high school diploma. Some employers prefer applicants with certificates or a degree in quality control, engineering, or manufacturing. These programs cover inspection basics, basic math, and how to use common equipment or tools.
• Gain experience and training: New inspectors usually get on-the-job training that lasts from a few weeks to a year. In some industries like automotive and aerospace, paid apprenticeship programs are available. Training covers tools, safety, blueprint reading, and methods like Six Sigma.
• Develop key skills: Focus on building skills in quality control, blueprint reading, inspection tools, and data entry. Understanding ISO standards and quality management systems can also improve your job prospects and salary potential.
• Consider certification: While not required, certification can support career growth. The American Society for Quality (ASQ) offers options such as Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) and Six Sigma. These typically require some work experience and passing an exam.

What are the FAQs about QC Inspector?

Here are some common questions about quality control inspector salary:

How much do quality inspectors make in Texas?

In Texas, a quality inspector earns an average of about $47,390 per year. This amount can vary depending on experience, industry, and location. A senior quality control inspector earns more.

How much does a quality control inspector make in California?

In California, a quality control inspector earns an average of $53,590 per year. Salaries usually range from $45,375 to $63,333, depending on experience, industry, and location within the state.

Is QC a good career?

Yes, quality control (QC) is generally a good career. While jobs in this field are expected to decline by 3% from 2023 to 2033, there will still be about 65,200 job openings each year, mostly due to retirements and workers changing careers.

What is the difference between a QA inspector and a QC inspector?

The difference between a QA inspector and a QC inspector is that quality assurance (QA) focuses on preventing defects by improving processes, ensuring that work follows company standards and building codes from the start.

In contrast, quality control (QC) focuses on finding and fixing defects in the actual product, checking that the final output meets those same standards and codes.