How to Become a Quality Engineer

Yes, you typically need a degree to be a quality engineer. Quality engineers usually study mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or industrial engineering.

The higher the degree, the more pay you may be offered. A master's degree can make an average salary of about $90,000 compared to a bachelor's degree that makes about $81,000.

Having certifications too can help you stand out, such as the Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) by the American Society for Quality.

Yes, a quality engineer is a real engineer. There is the misconception that quality engineers are simply inspecting products to see if it works or not. However, quality engineers do more than just check work.

They ensure that the manufacturing processes are efficient and accurate, documenting findings that would raise concerns, conducting quality tests while observing parameters, and implementing changes as necessary to meet the highest quality standards. There is complex work involved in ensuring quality processes and final products.

Yes, quality engineering is typically a good career. This evaluation is due to its high salary range and general demand for employment. A quality engineer usually makes about $74,328 a year or $35.73 per hour. As most jobs go, location, industry, and experience can factor into your salary.

Higher-paying companies have to do with technology (which pays an average of $85,000), health care (about $82,000), and manufacturing (around $73,000). Especially for senior-level quality engineering positions, significant companies can boast a six-figure salary.

Because quality engineers will always be needed in many industries to make processes and products the best they can be for consumers, the demand for employment should be steady. In the technology industry, especially, as more innovative products are produced, quality engineers will be needed to ensure quality and eliminate wasteful processes.