What does a Quality Control Inspector do?
Quality Control Inspectors help manufacturing facilities maintain quality standards, lowering the likelihood of product defects. Their work has a positive impact on customer satisfaction rates. It also assists with regulatory compliance efforts in regulated industries by ensuring finished products meet safety regulations.
By offering advice and recommendations, Quality Control Inspectors contribute to the ongoing improvements of manufacturing systems. As a result, hiring a Quality Control Inspector may lead to increases in efficiency and productivity and decreases in overall manufacturing costs and raw material waste rates.
Quality Control Inspector skills and qualifications
Quality Control Inspectors use a variety of skills and industry knowledge to ensure products are up to standards. Key qualifications for the role typically include:
- Knowledge of quality standards, best practices for quality assurance and product safety regulations for the employer’s specific industry
- Spatial reasoning skills to interpret blueprints and schematics
- Observational skills to identify defects in product characteristics, such as shape, size, color and surface texture
- Analytical and problem-solving skills to understand test results and diagnose product defects
- Ability to use measuring devices like gauges, meters, calipers, torque wrenches, hardness testers, tensile testers, surface roughness testers, scopes, digital inspection systems and other tools and equipment
- Communication skills to create concise reports and provide feedback and instruction to the manufacturing team
- Technical skills to utilize statistical process control (SPC), coordinate measuring machine (CMM), quality management system (QMS), inspection, calibration management, blueprint, document management, word processing, email and other software
- Ability to remain upright and mobile throughout a shift, move heavy objects and access difficult-to-reach spaces
Quality Control Inspector experience requirements
Experience requirements for Quality Control Inspectors vary. In aerospace and automobile manufacturing, inspectors often begin their careers as apprentices. During the apprenticeship program, they work under the close supervision of an experienced inspector and receive classroom training.
Employers in other industries may prioritize candidates with work history in a related position, such as Manufacturing Technician, Maintenance Technician or Fabricator. When a position involves independent work with low supervision or inspecting highly complex products, previous experience as a Quality Control Inspector may be preferred.
Quality Control Inspector education and training requirements
In industries without formal apprenticeship programs, there are typically no strict education requirements for Quality Control Inspectors. This makes the role well-suited for skills-first hiring, which is a hiring strategy that prioritizes hands-on abilities such as attention to detail, familiarity with inspection tools and a working knowledge of quality standards over formal credentials.
Most new hires learn through on-the-job training during the onboarding process, gaining experience with company-specific procedures, compliance expectations and safety protocols.
Voluntary certifications can indicate that candidates understand industry regulations and standards, are familiar with best practices and are dedicated to improving quality. These credentials are available through the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and the SixSigma program.
Quality Control Inspector salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Quality Control Inspector is $77,247 per year. Factors that affect how much an inspector earns include experience, training, skills, education and location.
Quality Control Inspector salary expectations
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Common salary:
22.22 HOURLY -
Typical salaries range from
7.65 -44.20 HOURLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Job description samples for similar positions
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Quality Control Inspector job description FAQs
What is the difference between a Quality Control Inspector and a Product Tester?
Quality Control Inspectors and Product Testers typically work at different points in the supply chain and have different duties. Inspectors make sure that products meet company standards before they are sent out or placed on the shelves. They work in the production and distribution phase of a business.
Product Testers focus on products during the development stage of a business. They test prototypes of products and give feedback on how to improve them.
What are the characteristics of a good Quality Control Inspector?
One of the most important attributes of a good Quality Control Inspector is their attention to detail, which allows them to conduct thorough inspections. Individuals who feel confident and comfortable providing feedback to others may succeed in the role. In addition, those who like solving puzzles and finding solutions to problems may enjoy the work of a Quality Control Inspector.
What is the difference between a Quality Control Inspector and a Quality Manager?
Quality Control Inspectors and Quality Managers are both responsible for maintaining production quality levels, but they have different focuses. Inspectors perform hands-on work to identify defects, while Quality Managers develop and implement strategies, policies and procedures for quality assurance. Managers may revise these frameworks based on feedback provided by Quality Control Inspectors.
Quality Managers also have supervisory responsibilities. At some organizations, a Quality Control Inspector will report directly to the Quality Manager.
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