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The differences between quality assurance inspectors and test operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a quality assurance inspector has an average salary of $36,842, which is higher than the $35,591 average annual salary of a test operator.
The top three skills for a quality assurance inspector include calipers, micrometers and corrective action. The most important skills for a test operator are test equipment, hand tools, and test procedures.
| Quality Assurance Inspector | Test Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $36,842 | $35,591 |
| Hourly rate | $17.71 | $17.11 |
| Growth rate | -3% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 74,410 | 63,674 |
| Job satisfaction | 3 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 34% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
Quality Assurance Auditors are employees who ensure the adherence of other employees to company processes and guidelines. They are expected to be experts on quality assurance processes and procedures. They also have in-depth knowledge of the expected outcomes of such processes to ensure that the company only provides quality products and services. Quality assurance auditors are also familiar with regulatory laws and policies of governing bodies that oversee companies in their particular industry. They ensure that their companies are compliant and may conduct random quality checks every now and then.
The job of a test operator is to test the functionality of electronic components, assemblies, units, parts, and systems in a manner consistent with standard procedures. As a test operator, you will perform a variety of duties that include working with engineers to ensure accurate procedures are being followed, perform different mechanical assembly operations, and inspecting products for the correct orientation and placement. Additionally, you will assemble electronics in their boxes and notify the quality/test engineer if the test yields below the acceptable levels.
Quality assurance inspectors and test operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Quality Assurance Inspector | Test Operator | |
| Average salary | $36,842 | $35,591 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $49,000 | Between $25,000 And $48,000 |
| Highest paying City | Renton, WA | Stratford, CT |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Los Alamos National Laboratory | Qorvo |
| Best paying industry | Government | Technology |
There are a few differences between a quality assurance inspector and a test operator in terms of educational background:
| Quality Assurance Inspector | Test Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 34% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Most common major | Business | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between quality assurance inspectors' and test operators' demographics:
| Quality Assurance Inspector | Test Operator | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 71.7% Female, 28.3% | Male, 72.0% Female, 28.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 21.2% Asian, 9.1% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 9.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 22.6% Asian, 10.2% White, 53.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |