Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (occupation group), with detailed role definition from O*NET, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Conduct routine and non-routine analyses of in-process materials, raw materials, environmental samples, finished goods, or stability samples.
Interpret test results, compare them to established specifications and control limits, and make recommendations on appropriateness of data for release.
Calibrate, validate, or maintain laboratory equipment.
Ensure that lab cleanliness and safety standards are maintained.
Perform visual inspections of finished products.
Top skills:Quality Control AnalysisReading ComprehensionMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingActive ListeningWriting
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Quality Control Analyst pay by experience level
Entry level$40,500
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$49,500
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$64,500
Mid-career median pay
Senior$82,500
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$106,500
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+3.5%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
10,600
projected openings per year
Growing about as fast as average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Quality Control Analyst salary by industry
Educational Services
26,500 workers
$64,500
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
25,880 workers
$64,500
Educational Services, State Government Owned
20,020 workers
$66,000
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
16,010 workers
$71,500
Scientific Research and Development Services
10,070 workers
$72,500
Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Schools and Hospitals and USPS
8,510 workers
$74,000
Administrative and Support Services
5,560 workers
$60,500
Employment Services
5,290 workers
$60,000
Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation)
5,290 workers
$82,000
Educational Services, Privately Owned
5,180 workers
$59,000
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
How this role compares
Quality Control Analyst pays 32% below the average across 66 roles in the Life, Physical, and Social Science job family (family average $100,500).
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