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The differences between test operators and quality control inspectors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a test operator has an average salary of $35,591, which is higher than the $35,018 average annual salary of a quality control inspector.
The top three skills for a test operator include test equipment, hand tools and test procedures. The most important skills for a quality control inspector are calipers, magnetic particle, and quality products.
| Test Operator | Quality Control Inspector | |
| Yearly salary | $35,591 | $35,018 |
| Hourly rate | $17.11 | $16.84 |
| Growth rate | -3% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 63,674 | 92,794 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.5 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 31% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
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 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.
Test operators and quality control inspectors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Operator | Quality Control Inspector | |
| Average salary | $35,591 | $35,018 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $48,000 | Between $25,000 And $47,000 |
| Highest paying City | Stratford, CT | Broomfield, CO |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Washington |
| Best paying company | Qorvo | Los Alamos National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a test operator and a quality control inspector in terms of educational background:
| Test Operator | Quality Control Inspector | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 31% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between test operators' and quality control inspectors' demographics:
| Test Operator | Quality Control Inspector | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 72.0% Female, 28.0% | Male, 59.2% Female, 40.8% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |