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The differences between test operators and quality 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 $33,197 average annual salary of a quality inspector.
The top three skills for a test operator include test equipment, hand tools and test procedures. The most important skills for a quality inspector are calipers, micrometers, and quality standards.
| Test Operator | Quality Inspector | |
| Yearly salary | $35,591 | $33,197 |
| Hourly rate | $17.11 | $15.96 |
| Growth rate | -3% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 63,674 | 70,978 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 31% | High School Diploma, 37% |
| 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.
A Quality Control Inspector is responsible for making sure that the manufactured products in a particular company or organization are up to standard and adheres to the rules and regulations. They continuously monitor production operations where they manually inspect products, accepting and rejecting those that do not meet the standard quality, and provide recommendations should it be necessary. Moreover, the Quality Control Inspectors coordinates with workers to ensure improvements, and with management to report the results.
Test operators and quality inspectors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Operator | Quality Inspector | |
| Average salary | $35,591 | $33,197 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $48,000 | Between $25,000 And $42,000 |
| Highest paying City | Stratford, CT | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Washington |
| Best paying company | Qorvo | Nabors Industries |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a test operator and a quality inspector in terms of educational background:
| Test Operator | Quality Inspector | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 31% | High School Diploma, 37% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between test operators' and quality inspectors' demographics:
| Test Operator | Quality Inspector | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 72.0% Female, 28.0% | Male, 53.5% Female, 46.5% |
| 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, 11.6% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.2% Asian, 8.5% White, 57.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |