Conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products. May conduct stability sample tests.
Quality Control Analysts
SOC: 19-4099 O*NET: 19-4099.01
Median Salary
$60,130
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 3.5%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
10.6
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products. May conduct stability sample tests.
What does a Quality Control Analysts do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$37,310
10th percentile
Early Career
$46,270
25th percentile
Median
$60,130
50th percentile
Experienced
$77,990
75th percentile
Top Earners
$101,870
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$37,310
25th
$46,270
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$60,130
Mean: $64,640
75th
$77,990
90th
$101,870
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $64,560 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $46,270 and $77,990
- •Salary spread is 52.8% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 71,400 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:83,200
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services23.6%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services23.6%
Scientific Research and Development Services15.4%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+3.5%
Annual Openings:10,600
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)83,200
Current
2034 (Projected)86,200
+3.5%
+2,900
Employment Change
+3.5%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Quality Control Analysts professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
10,120 jobs$75,7801.21x
Texas
7,670 jobs$48,5501.20x
New York
7,220 jobs$62,5001.63x
Pennsylvania
3,100 jobs$58,5901.11x
Maryland
3,080 jobs$67,0402.42x
Virginia
2,930 jobs$61,4701.56x
Georgia
2,830 jobs$65,0701.26x
Florida
2,810 jobs$57,8400.62x
Missouri
2,230 jobs$52,4001.65x
North Carolina
1,970 jobs$66,0900.87x
South Carolina
1,770 jobs$59,9001.68x
Colorado
1,660 jobs$62,1801.24x
Louisiana
1,650 jobs$48,2401.86x
Ohio
1,600 jobs$46,5400.63x
Minnesota
1,500 jobs$47,1301.11x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Critical Thinking
100%
#2
Speaking
94%
#3
Mathematics
86%
#4
Reading Comprehension
80%
#5
Active Listening
74%
#6
Monitoring
66%
#7
Judgment and Decision Making
60%
#8
Systems Analysis
54%
#9
Writing
46%
#10
Complex Problem Solving
40%
Skills Overview
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Speaking
advanced4.7
94%
Mathematics
intermediate4.3
86%
Reading Comprehension
basic4.0
80%
Active Listening
intermediate3.7
74%
Monitoring
intermediate3.3
66%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate3.0
60%
Systems Analysis
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Speaking
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Mathematics
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Systems Analysis
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Writing
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Energy Auditors100%
5 shared skills
Accountants and Auditors82%
5 shared skills
Actuaries82%
5 shared skills
Agricultural Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Precision Agriculture Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Web Administrators82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Speaking
Learn on the Job:
- →Systems Analysis
- →Monitoring
- →Judgment and Decision Making
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Reading Comprehension
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Mathematics
- ★Speaking
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Active Listening
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Quality Control Analysts
Technology Intensity
Low
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires basic digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Email and internet usageBasic software navigationFile management
Technology Stack
Technology stack information is being compiled for this career.
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Quality Control Analysts
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Quality Control Analysts professionals typically have a CIR Holland code and highly value support
CConventional
IInvestigative
RRealistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Quality Control Analysts
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.59
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.58
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.39
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.38
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.38
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.17
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.6
Attention to Detail
4.6
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.4
Dependability
4.4
Analytical Thinking
4.4
Cooperation
4.2
Persistence
4.1
Independence
4.1
Stress Tolerance
4.0
Initiative
4.0
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
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