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The differences between quality control inspectors and quality control technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a quality control technician has an average salary of $40,337, which is higher than the $35,018 average annual salary of a quality control inspector.
The top three skills for a quality control inspector include calipers, magnetic particle and quality products. The most important skills for a quality control technician are lab equipment, quality control tests, and test results.
| Quality Control Inspector | Quality Control Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $35,018 | $40,337 |
| Hourly rate | $16.84 | $19.39 |
| Growth rate | -3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 92,794 | 98,407 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.5 | 4 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | - | 4 |
Quality control associate scientist roles require good observation, critical thinking, and communication skills, in addition to knowledge of procedures and chemistry. They assist in laboratory experiments and research, while working in a team or independently. Working with the lead scientist, associates may compile reports of their data findings.
Usually assigned in a manufacturing plant, a quality control technician's role focuses on testing and assessing materials before, after, and during a production process to ensure its efficiency. They also have responsibilities in implementing the policies and regulations of the company, all to maintain a safe and productive working environment for every employee. Furthermore, a quality control technician must produce necessary reports and documentation, coordinate with managers and supervisors, maintain accurate documentation, and oversee a team to secure quality standard outcomes.
Quality control inspectors and quality control technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Quality Control Inspector | Quality Control Technician | |
| Average salary | $35,018 | $40,337 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $47,000 | Between $31,000 And $51,000 |
| Highest paying City | Broomfield, CO | Baltimore, MD |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Los Alamos National Laboratory | Boehringer Ingelheim |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a quality control inspector and a quality control technician in terms of educational background:
| Quality Control Inspector | Quality Control Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 36% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Most common major | Business | Biology |
| Most common college | - | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between quality control inspectors' and quality control technicians' demographics:
| Quality Control Inspector | Quality Control Technician | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 59.2% Female, 40.8% | Male, 63.1% Female, 36.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 20.9% Asian, 8.6% White, 54.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 8.1% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 6% |