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Job outlook for quality control engineers in the United States
Quality control engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected quality control engineer job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 30,600 new jobs for quality control engineers are projected over the next decade.
Quality control engineer salaries have increased 6% for quality control engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 69,291 quality control engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 109,745 active quality control engineer job openings in the US.
The average quality control engineer salary is $70,845.
Are quality control engineer jobs in demand?
Quality control engineer job and salary trends over time
Quality control engineer jobs over time
Quality control engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 69,291 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 68,416 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 68,799 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 65,946 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 62,648 | 0.02% |
Average quality control engineer salary over time
Quality control engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $70,845 | $34.06 | +1.1% |
| 2024 | $70,104 | $33.70 | +1.1% |
| 2023 | $69,324 | $33.33 | +1.4% |
| 2022 | $68,400 | $32.88 | +1.9% |
| 2021 | $67,149 | $32.28 | +1.0% |
Quality control engineer jobs by state
Most common states for quality control engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 345 | 50% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 459 | 34% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,033 | 30% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 268 | 28% |
| 5 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 810 | 26% |
| 6 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,407 | 25% |
| 7 | California | 39,536,653 | 9,059 | 23% |
| 8 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,945 | 23% |
| 9 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,379 | 23% |
| 10 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,476 | 22% |
| 11 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,207 | 22% |
| 12 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,572 | 21% |
| 13 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 885 | 21% |
| 14 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 747 | 21% |
| 15 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 2,007 | 20% |
| 16 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,158 | 20% |
| 17 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 211 | 20% |
| 18 | Vermont | 623,657 | 125 | 20% |
| 19 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,974 | 19% |
| 20 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 592 | 19% |
Most common cities for quality control engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lancaster | 2 | 3% | $56,988 |
| 2 | Terre Haute | 1 | 2% | $66,892 |
| 3 | Fort Lauderdale | 1 | 1% | $53,305 |
| 4 | Worcester | 1 | 1% | $81,958 |
| 5 | Austin | 2 | 0% | $73,040 |
| 6 | Aurora | 1 | 0% | $71,331 |
| 7 | Washington | 1 | 0% | $72,941 |
Quality Control Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of quality control engineer experts
San Jose State University
Seattle University
University of Minnesota - Duluth
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Weber State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
University of South Alabama
North Dakota State University
University of Pittsburgh
New Mexico State University
Clarkson University
California State Polytechnic University - Pomona
Pennsylvania State University
George Mason University
What will help Quality Control Engineers increase their earning potential?
Kambiz Farahmand Ph.D., P.E.: All engineering and technical skills will be in need. People who are capable to use technology will be in high demand. Project management skills. Ability to use various software and be able to do some coding. Understanding of AI and how it applies to the specific work that you do.
What general advice would you give to a Quality Control Engineer?
Julie Brandis: Oregon State University provides support in salary negotiation, also students can work with mentors who are familiar with company hiring practices and wage structures. If you have internship experience, that can help to boost your starting salary.
Christopher Misorski FASM
Brunswick Technical Fellow-Materials Product Development & EngineeringWhat will help Quality Control Engineers increase their earning potential?
Christopher Misorski FASM: Maximizing salary potential at the start of your career is not a clear pathway generally. One way that you can be considered more valuable, and hence worth a better salary, is to have participated in a co-op or internship program with a company in your field. This experience gives employers some confidence that you were able to carry out assignments and thrive in a workplace environment. The employer that you worked for may be inclined to offer you a position upon graduation and you are now worth more because you have already proven to them your abilities. Even if they don’t offer you a job (no appropriate open position may be available) your ability to discuss your experiences with the HR recruiter or hiring manager at another company can instill confidence in your selection as a hire. Just remember, if you tell them you did a project, be prepared to explain it so it doesn’t appear you were just in the background of this project, just going along for the ride.
Professor Winncy Du
Professor, PhD, PE, ASME FellowSan Jose State University
Mechanical Engineering
What Quality Control Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Professor Winncy Du: Mechatronics and system engineering. Almost everything around us is a mechatronics system (*mech*anicia+elec*tronics*+programming): iphones (vibrates and displays, senses); refrigerators, cars, etc. Mechatronics is an *integrated *system, thus a system engineer is very important -- ensure all the subsystems interact properly and work together as a whole system efficiently. Be emotional intelligence (EQ) -- one of today's most in-demand human power skills. Not only be an engineer, but be a leader. Leaders who excel at EQ will be the most sought after by, and indispensable to, organizations, industry, and academia.
What Quality Control Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Thomas Congedo PhD: That comes from your ability to focus on technical product of the highest quality, always seeking to truly understand the customer’s needs. For example, often a customer will phrase a problem by stating the solution he or she assumes. Taking the time to respectfully draw out the thinking further can make you the customer’s hero, and this makes you the person likely to be selected for the challenging and most rewarded assignments.
Jhon Smith
Associate Professor and Director of MS in Structural EngineeringSeattle University
Civil Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Quality Control Engineer?
Jhon Smith: Do not be afraid to ask questions to your supervisors (although do not take it to an extreme and become demanding—show initiative). You get the fundamentals of engineering at school and you are equipped to use them but it takes a few years to feel comfortable. Engineering is a profession of practice and it is only through practice that you best learn it.
What Quality Control Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jhon Smith: Expand your network, join professional organizations and committees, become valuable in whatever company you work for, never stop learning, seek for opportunities for professional work, get your PE license. After these you will become more valuable naturally and could comfortably ask for a promotion or a salary increase because you’d know you deserve it.
What will help Quality Control Engineers increase their earning potential?
Jhon Smith: Professional skills such as being able to communicate clearly, being flexible, open-minded, eager to take on challenges, adept and working with others and taking ownership of the projects tasks given to you. Staying grounded to the fundamental concepts you learn in school so every time you run a sophisticated piece of software to do design you must be able to use those fundamentals to check the results.
What Quality Control Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Richard Davis: Engineers engage in various daily activities that are intellectually stimulating and rewarding. Every task is a step toward a tangible accomplishment, from innovating, designing, testing, and implementing new technologies to troubleshooting and optimizing existing systems to reduce costs, increase productivity, and improve quality. They may spend time in meetings discussing project progress, collaborating with colleagues, and planning future steps, all of which contribute to the sense of achievement. Engineers often use software tools to create designs, analyze data, and simulate systems, further enhancing their productivity and satisfaction. Depending on the field, they might spend time in labs conducting experiments, on-site overseeing construction or manufacturing processes, or in offices working on plans and reports, all of which are opportunities to see their work come to fruition. Entry-level Engineers: A bachelor's degree in engineering trains engineers with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Entry-level engineers might start with tasks like data collection and analysis or assisting senior engineers with projects. Entry-level engineers might also spend time shadowing more experienced colleagues, attending training sessions, and gradually taking on more responsibility and management as they gain experience.
What will help Quality Control Engineers increase their earning potential?
Richard Davis: Engineering offers career opportunities across various industries, from technology and healthcare to infrastructure and environmental sustainability. With technological advancements and the increasing complexity of global challenges, such as climate change, food and clean water, and urbanization, engineers are in high demand to develop innovative solutions. For example, environmental engineers are crucial in developing sustainable solutions to reduce pollution and conserve resources. Engineering provides opportunities for creativity and problem-solving, making it a rewarding career choice for those who enjoy tackling complex problems. The global focus on sustainability and renewable energy presents exciting prospects for engineers to contribute to meaningful projects that positively impact society and the environment.
What general advice would you give to a Quality Control Engineer?
Mishah Salman Ph.D.: An underappreciated skill that I think will become more sought-after is the ability to validate computer-made decisions and their shortcomings. With the growing prominence of AI use in design, problem solving, and decision making, the engineering field will need experts to error-check decisions made using these technologies. Sometimes there are unexplored gaps that these technologies overlook, and sometimes there are biases or inappropriate assumptions baked into AI-based results. Humans are inherently imaginative and creative. We excel at picking up on things that computer algorithms may miss. Talented experts that recognize and address these issues will remain invaluable in the workforce. Another indispensable skill that is often overlooked in engineering is effective interpersonal communication. Whether in a teamwork context, a leadership role, or a client interaction, competent communication is crucial. This can take the form of conversation, live presentations, written correspondence, and beyond. People that hone their communication skills are often recognized, and tend to be the individuals that are promoted to more senior roles.
What Quality Control Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mishah Salman Ph.D.: To maximize salary potential, I recommend growing your professional network and being flexible within your career. Attending professional gatherings and rubbing shoulders goes a very long way. It’s amazing how you can casually bump into some well-respected team leader that’s trying to fill an opening or glean information about a new project that needs fresh talent. Network with people in diverse fields and roles. You never know who knows who. Making a positive impression and having someone recognize your name down the line can go a very long way!
What will help Quality Control Engineers increase their earning potential?
Mishah Salman Ph.D.: My advice to recent graduates is to be open to non-conventional roles. Taking on responsibilities beyond one’s official discipline provides broader value to employers. Many students that graduate with degrees in mechanical engineering (or similar disciplines) find great success by stepping outside of their expected job title. Sometimes exploring roles with titles like “analyst” or “manager” or “designer” can provide interesting opportunities to apply one’s engineering skillset in an alternate context. The real strength of your degree is the transferable skillset that you developed along your educational journey. Keep your options open!
What general advice would you give to a Quality Control Engineer?
Mansooreh Mollaghasemi Ph.D.: Build skills in high demand areas such as data analytics, supply chain management, and automation. Certification such as Project Management Professional (PMP) can make a candidate more attractive and justify a higher starting salary. Internships can also provide valuable industry experience and can often lead to higher starting salaries.
What Quality Control Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mansooreh Mollaghasemi Ph.D.: Concurrent with building technical skills, they must build soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. These skills are often the differentiators between good and great engineers.
What will help Quality Control Engineers increase their earning potential?
Megumi Usui: Even after obtaining a degree, it is crucial to recognize that continuous learning is a fundamental aspect of professional development in the workplace. One must cultivate an open-minded attitude and demonstrate a willingness to acquire new knowledge and skills at any time and in any context. Effective communication with colleagues and clients is essential for successful collaboration and project execution. It is important to understand that the professional environment is significantly different from the academic setting. In a company, the focus is delivering work that meets the expectations and standards set by the employer and satisfies the needs of clients, rather than merely fulfilling personal criteria. Furthermore, it is imperative to produce high-quality work consistently. Mediocre performance is unacceptable, and organizations will not hesitate to seek replacements if the work delivered does not meet their standards. Ensuring that your work is thorough, precise, and aligns with the company's objectives is critical for maintaining the position and advancing their career.
What general advice would you give to a Quality Control Engineer?
Michael Denn: 1. Become the expert in whatever you do. 2. Understand how your work fits into the bigger picture and keep that in mind when you do your work. 3. Keep learning! Your engineering degree is not the end of your education! 4. Take stretch assignments and opportunities whenever you can.
What Quality Control Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Denn: 1. The time needed to progress from an idea to a quality prototype is continually decreasing. That trend will likely continue. Skills that support short development times, such as computer modeling, simulations and rapid prototyping, will continue to be valued. 2. One skill that will always be valuable is the ability to acquire new knowledge and apply it to the task at hand.
What will help Quality Control Engineers increase their earning potential?
Michael Denn: The answers to this question are largely the same as the answer to question 1. However, here are some additional points: 1. Excel in your job. Become the person everyone goes to for whatever type of work you do. 2. Develop and maintain a career plan. Make sure your assignments and tasks align with your plan. When you have the opportunity to change positions, keep you plan in mind.
Edmund Spencer
Associate ProfessorUniversity of South Alabama
Electrical, Electronics, And Communications Engineering
What Quality Control Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Edmund Spencer: Look for jobs that have the highest technical content, and try to develop entrepreneurial skills early.
What will help Quality Control Engineers increase their earning potential?
Daniel Armentrout: Salary is one aspect of success but there are many others. To maximize your salary do not start by looking for whatever is the highest-paid position in your field. Start by identifying what you do best and what gives you the most satisfaction. Cultivate these strengths and become as indispensable as you can to your employer. As they start to recognize your value, it is time to look for a new employer. When you are proficient enough to come up with your own marketable idea, start your own company and find other competent people to leverage your weaknesses who can help you grow your business.
Dr. David Grewell Ph.D.
Department Chair and ProfessorNorth Dakota State University
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department
What soft skills should all Quality Control Engineers possess?
Dr. David Grewell Ph.D.: Communication, problem-solving abilities, leadership, and organizational skills are all key in allowing IE's to be successful in the workplace and to build teams that can collaborate and adapt to unexpected changes, challenges, and setbacks in the workplace. These skills also help them to leverage the resources to solve problems quickly with low costs allowing them to move on to the next challenge facing the world today in today's complex economy, in particular when facing a pandemic.
What skills will help Quality Control Engineers earn the most?
Dr. David Grewell Ph.D.: Good communication and leadership skills that are embedded in their curriculum enable IE's to quickly move up the corporate ladder and become the CEO of the nation's leading companies.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Quality Control Engineers?
Karen Bursic Ph.D.: Right now, the Lean Six Sigma certifications as well as certifications or coursework in Supply Chain Management.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Quality Control Engineers?
Edward Pines Ph.D.: I believe there will be long-term changes in the job market but mostly in the way students will work when they get a job. Remote work is here to stay for many engineers. Commuting to work and all the lifestyle activities that go with commuting to work will continue to decrease. Developing communication skills and developing teaming skills will become even more important for students and new graduates. As the technology improves, it will likely seem more like traveling to meet with colleagues in other locations. Recruiting will change as well so it will be helpful for students to learn how that area evolves.
What technical skills for a Quality Control Engineer stand out to employers?
Tracy Farrell: Technical skills that employers are seeking include "real" computer skills like Microsoft Office Suite tools, proper communication skills via email and website development and postings, developing proper document format that is appropriate to send to stakeholders (i.e., letter formatting, report writing, email formatting); strong communication skills that include speaking professionally and respectfully to stakeholders as well as writing professionally (i.e., making eye contact when speaking, proper handshake, respectful dialogue including questioning); project management - knowing how to organize work and develop a timeline that includes who will be responsible for what and follow through; data analysis - being able to not only present data in an organized and understandable manner; but, be able to interpret data correctly offering the justification behind what they are interpreting and why.
Respectfully, today's graduates do not understand that being able to text and use social media does not prepare them for "real" computer skills. Many students that I have in high school and in college do not have proper writing skills, document formatting skills, or document management skills to know how to save documents properly and where to save to.
Jonathan Puthoff
Associate ProfessorCalifornia State Polytechnic University - Pomona
Chemical and Materials Engineering
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Quality Control Engineers to find work opportunities?
Jonathan Puthoff: I always encourage students to look as far afield as their personal circumstances and skill set can accommodate. Geography is a relatively minor constraint in a world with well-developed travel and telework options. I also anticipate that early- and mid-career relocation will be an option or requirement at some point for most tech workers. For these reasons, I think that associating particular opportunities with particular regions might not be a good strategy in an entry-level job search. Graduates should rather identify opportunities and ask "Can I see myself working in this region for the opening years of my career?", understanding that the location will likely change depending on factors both internal and external to their employer.
What Quality Control Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Charles Purdum: Certification, certification, certifications! Lean or Six Sigma green belt (e.g., ASQ.com), project management (e.g., PMI.com), and leadership skills.
Dr. Lance Sherry Ph.D.
Director, Center for Air Transportation Systems Research Assoc. Professor, System Engineering and Operations Research Dept.George Mason University
What experience really stands out on Quality Control Engineer resumes?
Dr. Lance Sherry Ph.D.: Projects: capstone projects and summer intern projects. Not busy work but intellectual work that shows you can design, build, and test a system. This shows that the candidate really understands what it takes to do work in the real world, that the graduate can persevere, and that the graduate can overcome obstacles.