How much does a Quality Technician make?
A Quality Technician plays a vital role in ensuring products meet high standards. They inspect materials, processes, and finished goods to maintain quality. This job is important for many industries, including manufacturing, food, and electronics. The average yearly salary for a Quality Technician is around $46,147. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and the specific industry.
Quality Technicians often start with salaries on the lower end of the scale. With more experience, they can move up to higher pay grades. For example, those with 1-4 years of experience might earn around $33,000 to $40,000. Technicians with 5-9 years of experience can earn between $43,000 and $50,000. Those with 10-19 years of experience often make between $50,000 and $60,000. Senior technicians with over 20 years of experience can earn up to $70,000 or more. This progression shows that with dedication and skill, a Quality Technician can achieve a rewarding salary.
What are the highest paying cities for a Quality Technician?

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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $64,950
In San Jose, you can find many tech companies where you will ensure products meet high standards. Silicon Valley giants like Intel and Apple are prominent employers. The fast-paced environment offers many opportunities for growth.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $64,635
Los Angeles offers a diverse job market for quality assurance roles. Companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin need skilled professionals. The city's vibrant culture provides a dynamic work environment.
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Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $55,325
Boulder is known for its outdoor lifestyle and quality of life. Companies like Ball Aerospace and LabCorp offer quality assurance positions. The clean air and beautiful scenery make it a great place to work.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $53,797
Portland, with its progressive culture, has many opportunities for quality assurance roles. Companies like Nike and Columbia Sportswear need skilled technicians. The city's focus on sustainability aligns well with quality standards.
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Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $53,072
Minneapolis offers a strong job market for quality assurance. Companies like 3M and Cargill provide many opportunities. The city's friendly atmosphere and excellent schools make it a great place to live and work.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $52,914
San Diego's mild climate and beautiful beaches make it an attractive place to work. Companies like Qualcomm and General Dynamics need quality assurance professionals. The city's focus on innovation offers many career growth opportunities.
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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $51,913
Stockton offers a growing job market for quality assurance. Companies like Pacific Gas and Electric and Raley's need skilled technicians. The city's affordable cost of living makes it a great place to start or grow a career.
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Buffalo, NY
Average Salary: $51,612
Buffalo has a rich industrial history and offers many quality assurance roles. Companies like General Electric and Tops Markets need skilled professionals. The city's lower cost of living and vibrant arts scene make it an appealing place to work.
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Colorado Springs, CO
Average Salary: $51,052
Colorado Springs offers a strong job market for quality assurance. Companies like Lockheed Martin and UCHealth need skilled technicians. The city's beautiful mountain views and outdoor activities provide a great work-life balance.
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Lincoln, NE
Average Salary: $50,697
Lincoln offers a growing job market for quality assurance. Companies like Union Pacific Railroad and Nebraska Medicine need skilled professionals. The city's affordable cost of living and strong community make it a great place to work.
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What are the best companies a Quality Technician can work for?

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L3Harris
Average Salary: $68,552
L3Harris offers exciting opportunities for Quality Technicians. They work in various locations, including Melbourne, FL, and Syracuse, NY. L3Harris focuses on aerospace and defense technology. They value quality and innovation.
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Mistras Group, Inc.
Average Salary: $65,496
Mistras Group, Inc. provides Quality Technician jobs in cities like Philadelphia, PA, and Austin, TX. They work in non-destructive testing and engineering services. The company emphasizes quality and safety in their projects.
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Qualdoc
Average Salary: $65,000
Qualdoc offers Quality Technician positions in locations such as Houston, TX, and San Diego, CA. They focus on quality management and consulting services. They value skilled professionals who ensure quality standards.
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Tesla
Average Salary: $64,029
Tesla offers Quality Technician jobs in Palo Alto, CA, and Fremont, CA. They work in the automotive and energy sectors. Tesla is known for innovation and quality in their products.
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Medtronic
Average Salary: $63,804
Medtronic provides Quality Technician positions in Minneapolis, MN, and Dublin, Ireland. They focus on medical technology. Medtronic values quality and safety in their medical devices.
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Belcan
Average Salary: $63,635
Belcan offers Quality Technician jobs in cities like Charlotte, NC, and San Diego, CA. They work in engineering and technical services. Belcan values quality and innovation in their work.
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Collins Aerospace
Average Salary: $63,107
Collins Aerospace offers Quality Technician positions in Charlotte, NC, and Indianapolis, IN. They focus on aerospace and defense technology. They value quality and safety in their products.
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Abbott
Average Salary: $60,948
Abbott provides Quality Technician jobs in Abbott Park, IL, and Singapore. They work in healthcare products. Abbott values quality and innovation in their medical devices.
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Ingersoll-Rand
Average Salary: $60,119
Ingersoll-Rand offers Quality Technician positions in Davidson, NC, and Shanghai, China. They focus on industrial products. They value quality and efficiency in their manufacturing processes.
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Ball Corporation
Average Salary: $60,048
Ball Corporation provides Quality Technician jobs in Broomfield, CO, and Pune, India. They work in packaging and aerospace. They value quality and sustainability in their products.
How to earn more as a Quality Technician?
A Quality Technician can increase their earning potential through various strategies. Gaining specialized certifications can open new job opportunities and higher salaries. Certifications such as Certified Quality Technician (CQT) or Six Sigma Green Belt are highly valued in the industry. These credentials demonstrate a commitment to quality and a deeper understanding of industry standards.
Experience plays a crucial role in salary negotiations. Technicians with more years in the field often command higher wages. Seeking roles in high-demand industries, such as aerospace or pharmaceuticals, can also lead to better pay. Networking with industry professionals and attending relevant conferences can lead to job opportunities that offer higher salaries. Continuous learning and skill development are key to advancing in this career. By staying updated with the latest quality control techniques and technologies, technicians can become more valuable to employers.
Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a Quality Technician:
- Certifications: Obtain specialized certifications to enhance job prospects and salary.
- Experience: Accumulate more years of experience to increase earning potential.
- Industry: Work in high-demand industries for better pay opportunities.
- Networking: Connect with industry professionals to discover higher-paying jobs.
- Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest quality control techniques and technologies.