Science
Quality Control Analysts
Conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products. May conduct stability sample tests.
Median salary (BLS)
$62,280
10th–90th percentile (BLS)
$39k – $103k
Job outlook
+4% (faster than average)
AI exposure
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports one wage for this occupational group, which covers 2 related roles — so read the median as an approximate group figure, and the range as the truer picture for this specific title. BLS source.
Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $119,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Plan a path to Quality Control Analysts
Education
Typical entry: Associate degree
Plan my path to this →Typical progression
Junior Quality Control Analysts
Entry / Junior
$39,000
~2 yrs to advance
Quality Control Analysts
Established
$62,280
~3 yrs to advance
Senior Quality Control Analysts
Senior
$82,485
Key skills
A typical day
- •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.
Fields of study
Any field
Top colleges for Science
Explore all- Massachusetts Institute of Technology4% admit · $124,000 grad pay
- California Institute of Technology3% admit · $112,000 grad pay
- Harvard University4% admit · $119,000 grad pay
- Stanford University4% admit · $122,000 grad pay
- University of California, Berkeley11% admit · $97,000 grad pay
Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.