How much does a Quality Inspector make?
Quality Inspectors play an important role in ensuring products meet required standards. They earn a solid salary that reflects their valuable work. The average yearly salary for a Quality Inspector is around $45,122. This means most inspectors can expect to make this amount or more each year. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and industry.
Salary for Quality Inspectors can range widely. The bottom 10% make less than $29,000, while the top 10% can earn more than $77,000. Many inspectors find they can earn more with added experience or by specializing in a certain field. Some common salary brackets for Quality Inspectors include:
- $33,384 - $37,767
- $37,767 - $42,151
- $42,151 - $46,535
- $46,535 - $50,918
- $50,918 - $55,302
- $55,302 - $59,685
- $59,685 - $64,069
- $64,069 - $68,453
- $68,453 - $72,836
- $72,836 - $77,220
What are the highest paying cities for a Quality Inspector?

-
Odessa, TX
Average Salary: $75,861
In Odessa, inspectors play a key role in ensuring the safety and quality of products. The area's diverse industries, from manufacturing to technology, offer many opportunities. Major employers like Permian Basin Resources create stable career paths.
Find Quality Inspector jobs in Odessa, TX
-
Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $64,930
Boulder combines a vibrant community with a focus on quality. Working here, inspectors can find jobs with top companies like Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace. The area's clean environment and strong economy attract many professionals.
Find Quality Inspector jobs in Boulder, CO
-
Hartford, CT
Average Salary: $61,609
Hartford offers a mix of traditional and modern industries. Inspectors benefit from a well-established economy with companies like Aetna and Travelers. The city provides a supportive work environment and good career growth.
Find Quality Inspector jobs in Hartford, CT
-
Midland, TX
Average Salary: $58,588
Midland features a strong focus on energy and technology. Inspectors contribute to ensuring high standards in these sectors. With companies like Occidental Petroleum and Dow Chemical, the city offers stability and good pay.
Find Quality Inspector jobs in Midland, TX
-
Fresno, CA
Average Salary: $58,267
Fresno’s growing agricultural sector makes quality inspection vital. Inspectors support local farms and food production. Companies like Tanimura & Antle and Raley's offer promising career paths.
Find Quality Inspector jobs in Fresno, CA
-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $57,955
San Francisco’s tech-driven economy demands high-quality standards. Inspectors ensure products meet strict criteria. Tech giants like Apple and Salesforce provide excellent opportunities in this dynamic market.
Find Quality Inspector jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $57,409
Seattle’s innovative environment calls for thorough quality checks. Inspectors work with companies like Amazon and Boeing to maintain top standards. The city's tech scene and aerospace industry offer diverse career paths.
Find Quality Inspector jobs in Seattle, WA
-
Greensboro, NC
Average Salary: $56,058
Greensboro offers a blend of traditional and tech-driven industries. Inspectors find jobs with companies like IBM and Volvo. The city's commitment to quality and innovation supports a thriving job market.
Find Quality Inspector jobs in Greensboro, NC
-
San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $56,007
San Diego’s robust economy relies on quality inspections. Inspectors contribute to the tech, biotech, and defense sectors. Companies like Qualcomm and Naval Base San Diego offer stable and rewarding careers.
Find Quality Inspector jobs in San Diego, CA
-
Lincoln, NE
Average Salary: $55,070
Lincoln’s focus on agriculture and manufacturing makes quality inspection essential. Inspectors help maintain high standards in these industries. Companies like Union Pacific and Cabela's provide good job opportunities.
Find Quality Inspector jobs in Lincoln, NE
What are the best companies a Quality Inspector can work for?

-
MasTec Inc
Average Salary: $90,891
MasTec Inc offers Quality Inspector positions with a strong focus on infrastructure and construction projects across the United States. They provide opportunities for professionals to ensure compliance and quality in various projects, enhancing safety and performance.
-
MasTec Industrial
Average Salary: $90,067
MasTec Industrial is known for its comprehensive services in the industrial sector. Quality Inspectors here play a crucial role in maintaining high standards on construction sites. With operations across multiple states, MasTec Industrial offers a dynamic environment for quality assurance professionals.
-
Amazon.com
Average Salary: $77,893
At Amazon.com, Quality Inspectors ensure that products meet the company's high standards. These roles are diverse, working in various departments and locations, including major cities and logistics centers across the U.S. Amazon values innovation and quality, providing an engaging workplace.
-
LAUNCH Technical Workforce Solutions
Average Salary: $75,688
LAUNCH Technical Workforce Solutions offers Quality Inspector positions focusing on aerospace and defense sectors. With projects based in California and other key locations, professionals here have the chance to work on cutting-edge technology while ensuring top-notch quality.
-
SpaceX
Average Salary: $71,395
SpaceX is a leader in space exploration and technology. Quality Inspectors at SpaceX are part of a team that pushes the boundaries of aerospace engineering. They work in locations like California and Texas, contributing to missions that shape the future of space travel.
-
Northrop Grumman
Average Salary: $71,359
Northrop Grumman provides opportunities for Quality Inspectors in the defense and aerospace industries. Employees ensure the highest standards in products and services. With bases in Virginia and other strategic locations, Northrop Grumman offers roles that impact national security and space exploration.
-
L3Harris
Average Salary: $70,178
L3Harris offers Quality Inspector positions in defense and commercial sectors. They focus on ensuring that products meet rigorous standards. With operations in Florida, Colorado, and other states, L3Harris provides a wide range of projects for quality assurance professionals.
-
Aero Gear Inc
Average Salary: $70,000
Aero Gear Inc is a key player in aerospace manufacturing. Quality Inspectors here ensure that every component meets high standards. They work in facilities across the United States, contributing to the safety and success of aerospace missions.
-
Leidos
Average Salary: $69,271
Leidos offers Quality Inspector roles in defense, health, and engineering sectors. They focus on maintaining quality and compliance in complex projects. With a presence in Washington, D.C., and other locations, Leidos provides diverse opportunities for quality assurance experts.
-
Relativity Space
Average Salary: $67,473
Relativity Space is a fast-growing aerospace company. Quality Inspectors here are responsible for ensuring the quality of 3D-printed rocket components. They work in California, contributing to groundbreaking advancements in space technology.
How to earn more as a Quality Inspector?
Becoming a Quality Inspector offers stable job opportunities, but increasing your earnings potential requires a strategic approach. Attention to detail and a commitment to excellence are key, but several other factors can make a difference in salary and job satisfaction.
Consider these factors to boost your earning potential as a Quality Inspector. First, gaining specialized certifications can open new job opportunities and command higher pay rates. Certifications in areas like Six Sigma or ISO standards are highly valued. Second, accumulating more work experience can lead to promotions or higher-paying positions. Experience with specific industries or complex quality systems can be particularly beneficial. Third, networking within the industry can provide insights into higher-paying job openings and career advancement opportunities. Fourth, staying updated on the latest quality control technologies and methodologies can make you a more valuable asset to employers, leading to better compensation. Lastly, seeking out roles that offer performance-based bonuses or commissions can also enhance your earnings.
Investing in these areas can lead to significant improvements in salary and career prospects. Prioritize continuous learning and professional development to stay competitive in the job market.
Here are some steps to take:
- Obtain relevant certifications
- Accumulate work experience
- Network within the industry
- Stay updated on new technologies
- Seek out performance-based bonuses



