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Job outlook for quality engineers in the United States
Quality engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected quality engineer job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 30,600 new jobs for quality engineers are projected over the next decade.
Quality engineer salaries have increased 6% for quality engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 114,955 quality engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 96,838 active quality engineer job openings in the US.
The average quality engineer salary is $79,672.
Are quality engineer jobs in demand?
Quality Engineer job and salary trends over time
Quality Engineer jobs over time
Quality Engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 114,955 | 0.03% |
| 2020 | 111,860 | 0.03% |
| 2019 | 113,762 | 0.03% |
| 2018 | 109,825 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 104,434 | 0.03% |
Average quality engineer salary over time
Quality Engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $79,672 | $38.30 | +1.1% |
| 2024 | $78,839 | $37.90 | +1.1% |
| 2023 | $77,961 | $37.48 | +1.4% |
| 2022 | $76,922 | $36.98 | +1.9% |
| 2021 | $75,516 | $36.31 | +1.0% |
Quality Engineer jobs by state
Most common states for quality engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 271 | 39% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 384 | 29% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,673 | 24% |
| 4 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,295 | 23% |
| 5 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 721 | 23% |
| 6 | Delaware | 961,939 | 225 | 23% |
| 7 | California | 39,536,653 | 7,922 | 20% |
| 8 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,230 | 20% |
| 9 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 832 | 20% |
| 10 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 207 | 20% |
| 11 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,398 | 19% |
| 12 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,891 | 18% |
| 13 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,177 | 18% |
| 14 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,477 | 17% |
| 15 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 937 | 17% |
| 16 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 601 | 17% |
| 17 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 325 | 17% |
| 18 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 126 | 17% |
| 19 | Vermont | 623,657 | 105 | 17% |
| 20 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 909 | 16% |
Most common cities for quality engineers
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cupertino | 13 | 21% | $101,156 |
| 2 | Littleton | 7 | 15% | $74,162 |
| 3 | East Hartford | 7 | 14% | $80,613 |
| 4 | Huntsville | 11 | 6% | $69,104 |
| 5 | Irvine | 14 | 5% | $88,602 |
| 6 | Fremont | 11 | 5% | $101,151 |
| 7 | Rockford | 7 | 5% | $74,330 |
| 8 | Lansing | 6 | 5% | $76,854 |
| 9 | Saint Petersburg | 10 | 4% | $66,870 |
| 10 | San Diego | 22 | 2% | $87,288 |
| 11 | Atlanta | 8 | 2% | $68,818 |
| 12 | Chicago | 14 | 1% | $74,524 |
| 13 | Phoenix | 10 | 1% | $80,424 |
| 14 | Boston | 8 | 1% | $91,905 |
| 15 | San Jose | 7 | 1% | $101,045 |
| 16 | Baltimore | 6 | 1% | $82,657 |
Quality Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of quality engineer experts
Northern Illinois University
University of Washington
University of Minnesota - Duluth
Weber State University
University of Alabama at Huntsville
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
North Carolina State University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Xavier University
University of Delaware
East Tennessee State University
California State Polytechnic University - Pomona
University of Houston - Downtown
Wichita State University
University of California
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Liberty University
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
What general advice would you give to a Quality Engineer?
Ziteng Wang Ph.D.: If I could only give one piece of general advice to Industrial Engineering graduates beginning their career in the field, it would be to keep an open mind. One of the advantages for a student to have an IE degree is that they could apply their skills to almost any industry. As good as it sounds, this also means that the student must quickly learn to understand the organization they work for and the industry they choose to begin their career in. Doing this will allow the student to bridge their IE knowledge and skills with the reality and uniqueness of their job, and therefore, quickly adapt to the field and make an impact. Keeping an open mind also means to understand what they see in the field may be far different than what they learned in the classroom or from the textbooks because the real-world problems that Industrial Engineers are faced with are often complex for a variety of reasons. As someone who just begins their career, the student should anticipate adjusting the “perfect model” in their mind to a realistic version by using a combination of their IE skills.
What Quality Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ziteng Wang Ph.D.: Stay relevant and up to date in the field as the IE field, just like other rapidly growing fields, is evolving very fast. Stay up to date of the latest developments and technologies in the industry. Take on big challenges and make an impact. Prove yourself and show your ability, skills, and potential. Learn from the best, and give your best advice to others. Get involved in the professional community to maximize your opportunities.
What will help Quality Engineers increase their earning potential?
Ziteng Wang Ph.D.: There are quite many, but I’d like to highlight two. The first is the data analytics skill. This argument is not new, but I think the skill becomes more and more important. Rather than a particular skill, data analytics skill is more like a toolbox because it involves a variety of abilities to use different software for data cleansing, visualization, statistical modeling, validation, and data-driven decision-making. One of the reasons why Industrial Engineering is one of the most exciting and coolest jobs is that we could deal with data of all sorts in terms of scale, industry, quality, and problems to solve. This requires IE students to prepare themselves for the challenge which only will be more prevalent as AI-enabled products and technologies rely on data and produce new data. The second is the skill to work in an interdisciplinary team and communicate to people from different backgrounds. Industrial engineering deals with processes and systems that could span widely in scale, from global supply chains to manufacturing plants. IE students must be able to understand the perspectives and “languages” of various departments and even different organizations, and make their work, results, and their IE perspective understood by the stakeholders. This might not be easy but is highly necessary and becoming more important than ever because the problems in the field are more and more complex, requiring collaborative effort and system-wide solutions.
What general advice would you give to a Quality Engineer?
Shuai Huang: An Industrial Engineer uses data analytics, simulation, operations research, optimization methods, human factors, and scientific management tools to develop an analytic perspective of business processes and production systems for optimal performance.
What Quality Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Shuai Huang: Industrial & Systems Engineers are in high demand across various industries such as logistics, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, robotics, and cyber-infrastructure, offering diverse roles with unique challenges and rewards.
What general advice would you give to a Quality Engineer?
Richard Davis: Likes: Engineers often enjoy working on cutting-edge technologies and solving challenging problems. For example, a biomedical engineer might find satisfaction in developing a new prosthetic limb that improves a patient's quality of life. The sense of accomplishment from seeing their designs come to life or their solutions implemented successfully can be gratifying. Engineers typically enjoy working in collaborative teams, where they can bounce ideas off colleagues. Engineering offers the chance to make a tangible difference in the world, whether it is through developing life-saving medical devices, improving infrastructure, or creating sustainable energy solutions. Dislikes: Like any profession, engineering has its share of challenges. It can sometimes involve long hours, especially when deadlines are approaching or projects hit unexpected roadblocks. Dealing with technical challenges and troubleshooting can be frustrating and mentally taxing, mainly when solutions are elusive. Depending on the industry and specific role, engineers may encounter bureaucracy or red tape that slows down project progress. Engineers may also face ethical dilemmas, such as balancing cost-effectiveness with safety or environmental concerns, which can be challenging to navigate.
What general advice would you give to a Quality Engineer?
Megumi Usui: Many individuals aspire to earn a substantial salary right from the beginning of their careers. However, this is not typically how the professional world operates. it is essential to demonstrate to your employer that you are a skilled, valuable, and irreplaceable asset. This process takes time and dedication. Avoid pressuring your employer for immediate rewards based solely on self-perception. While family may view you as exceptional, in the professional realm, you must distinguish yourself through your actions. Prove your worth by consistently arriving on time, working diligently, completing tasks swiftly and accurately, and exceeding expectations. Take a proactive approach to your projects and strive to impress your employer in every conceivable way. Continuously acquiring new skills that are valuable to the company is crucial. Additionally, building a strong network within your field by making professional connections and fostering friendships can significantly enhance your career prospects. By embodying these qualities, you can effectively demonstrate your value and potentially achieve the financial and professional rewards you seek.
What general advice would you give to a Quality Engineer?
Ana Wooley Ph.D.: People skills for sure. Industrial engineers collaborate and interact with so many other areas. The biggest trait you could have is to be able to effectively communicate and interact with peers.
What general advice would you give to a Quality Engineer?
Todd Allen: - take jobs where you can build new skills while proving your professional competence. This philosophy, throughout your career, will lead to further growth opportunities
What will help Quality Engineers increase their earning potential?
Todd Allen: -work hard to develop professional networks
- get the details right
- the way you present is as important as your technical knowledge
What Quality Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Todd Allen: - analyzing systems, including technical and social implications, of engineering solutions
Dr. Gregory Buckner Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor
Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate ProfessorNorth Carolina State University
Manufacturing Engineering
What will help Quality Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Gregory Buckner Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor: I'd encourage students to embrace new technical challenges and opportunities to learn and collaborate in an industrial setting, which can be quite different from the academic setting. I'd emphasize the importance of developing communication and team working skills, and building professional relationships. I'd also encourage students to join professional societies related to their field and keep updated on new manufacturing trends.
Michael Buechler
Professor Manufacturing TechnologyWhat will help Quality Engineers increase their earning potential?
Michael Buechler: I would suggest beginning career individuals maintain an open mind as to where their carrer leads, they may find interest in areas of manufacturing not previously known or explored by them. Also work especially hard early in your career and try and find an employer that gives you the best opportunity to grow professionally and learn new skills.
What general advice would you give to a Quality Engineer?
Asad Salem Ph.D: To optimize your engineering salary potential, meticulously delve into industry salary benchmarks. Beyond excelling in your academic pursuits, acquire hands-on experience through research, internships, or co-op opportunities. Exhibit relevant skills and project accomplishments, consider pursuing advanced areas of expertise or certifications, and approach job offers with confidence during negotiations. Moreover, augment this strategy by actively engaging in networking, staying attuned to market inclinations, and showcasing a willingness to take on demanding projects. By emphasizing your dedication and proactively contributing, you can fortify your commitment and bolster your long-term earnings prospects in the dynamic field of engineering.
Jianyu Liang
Director of Materials and Manufacturing Engineering Program, Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, WPIWorcester Polytechnic Institute
Materials Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Quality Engineer?
Jianyu Liang: At the start of your career, actively engaging in the manufacturing professional communities to develop an in-depth understanding of the current high-demand areas and the trends in the industry will help you position yourself in high-demand areas. This proactive approach allows you to make informed decisions on obtaining relevant certifications or advanced education, tailoring your skill set to meet the evolving needs of the industry. Proactively engaging in projects and practices to grow your experience. Building a strong professional network and finding mentors in the industry can provide guidance, expose you to new opportunities, and offer insights on navigating your career path effectively. Embracing continuous learning and staying abreast of technological advancements in manufacturing, such as automation, robotics, and digital manufacturing technologies, will ensure you remain a valuable asset to employers. Demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to adapt to new methods and technologies can set you apart in a competitive job market.
What will help Quality Engineers increase their earning potential?
Jianyu Liang: Get Your Hands Dirty: There's no substitute for hands-on experience. The lessons learned through direct involvement are invaluable, offering insights and skills that theoretical knowledge alone cannot provide. Embrace every opportunity to participate in projects, volunteer for tasks, and experiment within your role. This proactive approach not only accelerates your learning but also showcases your work ethic and dedication to potential mentors and leaders.
Be Mindful and Intentional in Your Job: While immersing yourself in your work, adopt a reflective practice. Actively seek feedback and analyze your experiences. This intentional approach to learning from every task helps to grow your skills rapidly.
Be Open-Minded and Adaptable: The landscape of nearly every industry is rapidly evolving, particularly with the integration of automation and artificial intelligence (AI). These technologies are not just changing the way we work; they are reshaping the skills and roles in demand. Stay open to new ideas, technologies, and methodologies. Continuous learning and adaptability are key to remaining relevant and thriving in a tech-driven workplace. Attend workshops, webinars, and courses on emerging technologies and trends in your field to keep your skills sharp and your perspective fresh.
Cultivate a Professional Network: Building relationships within your industry is crucial. Networking isn't just about finding job opportunities; it's about learning from peers, gaining insights into industry trends, and establishing a support system. Attend industry conferences, join professional organizations, and engage in communities related to your field. These connections can provide guidance, mentorship, and support as you navigate your career path.
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer
Professor and ChairXavier University
Department Of Physics
What skills stand out on Quality Engineer resumes?
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer: Programming languages, numerical design and simulation tools, knowledge of various measurement equipment.
What soft skills should all Quality Engineers possess?
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer: Communication, teamwork.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Quality Engineers?
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer: Depends on the engineering career, but in general, an ability to know how to use design software, measurement/testing, and analysis equipment, in addition to prototyping and fabrication tools
What skills will help Quality Engineers earn the most?
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer: Problem-solving, troubleshooting, independent learner.
Ashutosh Khandha Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Director, Clinical and Corporate OutreachUniversity of Delaware
Department of Biomedical Engineering
What skills will help Quality Engineers earn the most?
Ashutosh Khandha Ph.D.: About 2/3rd of our students seek and obtain employment in business and industry (while 1/3rd pursue higher education) immediately after graduation. Biomedical engineering students at the University of Delaware get hired for the most common positions: associate scientists, quality engineers, test engineers, field engineers, process engineers, and clinical specialists. Salaries tend to vary by location, but anecdotally, compensation in the pharmaceutical and medical device spaces tends to be the highest. Biomedical engineering graduates employed in those spaces are skilled in quantitative modeling of biological processes, computer-aided design, electrical design, biomechanics, biomaterials, and cellular engineering. Exposure to manufacturing and regulatory processes, design of experiments, testing standards and protocols, quality management systems, as well as FMECA (failure mode, effects, and criticality analysis), are a huge plus for biomedical engineers. Finally, regardless of the engineering field, programming and data analysis skills will be extremely important.
Jared Wilson
Assistant Professor and Faculty CoordinatorEast Tennessee State University
Surveying and Mapping
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Quality Engineers to find work opportunities?
Jared Wilson: Within the field of land surveying and related employment opportunities, work is available. However, in my experience, work may not be in the exact location a person wishes to live. So, a move may be necessary, or potentially traveling to where the work is located. Should a graduate, or person for that matter, want to work, work is available.
Jonathan Puthoff
Associate ProfessorCalifornia State Polytechnic University - Pomona
Chemical and Materials Engineering
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Quality 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.
Dr. Maria Benavides Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Chemistry Program Coordinator, Assistant ChairUniversity of Houston - Downtown
College of Sciences and Technology
What skills stand out on Quality Engineer resumes?
Dr. Maria Benavides Ph.D.: Apart from a good foundation in the chemistry discipline, skills that will stand out on resumes include: experience in various analytical techniques, excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing, ability to work collaboratively (team player), and the ability to think critically to find solutions to problems (problem solving). Another valuable skill nowadays would be to be competent in the use of technology for communication purposes (Zoom, etc.).
Dr. Atul Rai Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorWichita State University
School of Accountancy, Barton School of Business
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Quality Engineers?
Dr. Atul Rai Ph.D.: The enduring impact of this pandemic on graduates will be directly related to how this pandemic has affected the society at large.
Any cataclysmic event like this tests the resilience of societies to the limit. These events highlight the best and the worst of the society that we live in. Like Spanish Flu more than one hundred years ago, we can learn from this crisis. For example, a lack of the public health facilities in 1918, at the time Spanish flu pandemic spread, led to a significant improvement in public health in subsequent decades. Similarly, coronavirus has highlighted that our society suffers from great inequalities. The differential impact of this pandemic shows that our society has big economic, racial, and digital divides. Because of these inequalities, some members of the society have been minimally affected, while others have paid a much greater cost. The coronavirus pandemic focuses spotlight on these issues. I hope that in subsequent years, we, as a society, will spend our energies on solving these problems.
Our graduates will experience at a personal level what is happening at the society level. Most of our graduates today were young kids when the Great Recession impacted their parents' jobs. Some were too young when 9/11 happened nineteen years ago. The coronavirus pandemic is the first big crisis many of them have faced as adults. They will see the issues mentioned earlier in their own jobs, families, and friends. It will change the way they look at the world. They will be more motivated to be a part of the solution to the problems they see in the society. They will be more socially active and realize that people must work together. They will be more proactive to make changes in the world we live in, whether to improve economic, social, and racial justice or to deal with climate change. For employers, this means that to retain a talented workforce they will have to align their actions more towards what benefits the society than just shareholders.
What type of skills will young Quality Engineers need?
Dr. Atul Rai Ph.D.: The work environment has changed drastically over the past three decades due to the faster pace of innovation and shorter product lifecycles. This has a direct impact on what young graduates need to succeed in the future. The primary skill needed is the ability to learn quickly. The skills that a graduate acquires in college will become obsolete in a few years, so they should not count on those skills as a means for financial security for life. In this environment, flexibility is the key to success: flexibility to learn new skills, flexibility to work in a new and different business environment, and flexibility to work with others. We face very complex problems, and to solve these problems, we need teams rather than individuals to solve them. This highlights the importance of critical thinking, multi-disciplinary vision, and communication skills.
What experience really stands out on Quality Engineer resumes?
Dr. Atul Rai Ph.D.: Employers are looking for people who can integrate in multi-disciplinary environments to solve complex problems. They are looking for resumes that show quick learning. Such resumes will permanently be in great demand. Because the world is interconnected much more than it ever was, employees today will deal with customers, supply-chains, and fellow employees who are spread all over the world. It means that an experience that showcases the global perspective will be in demand over the long-term.
What type of skills will young Quality Engineers need?
Diran Apelian: Talent will be the most in-demand asset in the 21st century. It is not about capitalism or socialism - the 21st century is all about "talentism".
Those graduates who will succeed and lead will have:
an understanding of the human dimension;
the ability to harvest the data revolution;
skills in line with the Industry 4.0 pathways; and
commercial and business acumen.
What experience really stands out on Quality Engineer resumes?
Diran Apelian: Graduates who have never had industry experience are at a disadvantage. Those who stand out have taken risks and have exposed themselves to various engineering venues through summer jobs and various internships. Theory and practice stands out.
Dr. Sohrab Asgarpoor
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, Professor of Electrical and Computer EngineeringUniversity of Nebraska–Lincoln
College of Engineering
How do you envision technology impacting Quality Engineers in the next 5 years?
Dr. Sohrab Asgarpoor: Adopting new technology should be an exciting (and expected) reality for those with an engineering degree. The virtual space will continue to grow as folks seek jobs and work online more. But what holds paramount, no matter what particular technological changes arise, is the ability to adapt-and to demonstrate that critical aptitude in their application documents and through their interviews, always highlighting those moments they've done so and articulating their propensity for learning.
What experience really stands out on Quality Engineer resumes?
Robert Rich: -Certification such as green belt, black-belt, machine learning, Lean Manufacturing, and APICS supply chain/inventory
-Specialized undergraduate research projects that go deep into various leading-edge topics like integrating AI with manufacturing and logistics
-Consulting experience/real projects within areas of undergraduate research
Dr. Galen Duree
Head of the Department of Physics and Optical Engineering and ProfessorRose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Department of Physics and Optical Engineering
What experience really stands out on Quality Engineer resumes?
Dr. Galen Duree: It depends on what you are applying for. If you are working on product development, then internships or co-ops provide a definite advantage. If you are working on developing new ways of doing things, research experiences in academia or companies are advantageous. Either case, this shows a certain maturity in your career path - you have participated in an activity related to the career you are currently pursuing.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Quality Engineers in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Galen Duree: People with knowledge, even introductory experience, in quantum effects, quantum computing, optics in general (communication, measurements, imaging, illumination, detection), material science and engineering, biotechnology, and nanotechnology, will be in high demand.