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Quality Control Employment

Quality control employment remains strong throughout the US, despite recent negative economic cycles.  By 2012 the quality control employment rate is expected to increase by 7.9 percent for quality control engineers, analysts, inspectors, and technicians due to anticipated demographic and economic changes. Evolving technologies may improve the employment outlook as skilled and knowledgeable quality control specialists are required in the quality process.

Quality control employment statistics for 2002 reveal that health and safety engineers held approximately 34,160 jobs. Compensation for quality control employment varied significantly depending upon the size and nature of the employer, its geographic location, and economic conditions. In 2002, most health and safety engineers earned between $46,580 and $71,980. The lowest 10 percent of the profession earned less than $37,230, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $87,250. Most inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers earned between $20,470 and $36,320, with the lowest 10 percent of the profession earning less than $16,240, and the highest 10 percent earning more than $49,010.

Quality control professionals are responsible for ensuring goods and products produced in a facility meet all customer requirements and demands.  As employers attempt to reduce wastes and increase product excellence, quality control processes are becoming increasingly important.  QC Associates may be utilized in practically any phase of the production process including inspecting, testing, sorting, or sampling goods.  Quality Professionals must have the ability to detect problems, and if the problems are substantial or recurring, suggest actions for correcting and/or improving the production process.  Approximately 67% of all quality control jobs are within manufacturing plants, and will primarily focus on manufactured goods in coming years as well. 

In 2004, approximately 503,000 professionals were employed in quality control positions, but experts are not projecting high demands for these careers.  Although employers are investing additional funds in QC departments, the majority of progress has been made through automated systems that are replacing general laborers, and decreasing employer hiring demands.  Although the average growth rate for all occupations is approximately 14%, quality control careers are expected to decline through 2014.  Not only have positions been lost due to technological advances, but many employers are requiring machine operators and assemblers to take on the duties of quality professionals.  Openings will be available due to various turnovers, but will most likely require experience and skill, which offers little hope for entry level positions. 

For the entry level positions that will be available, a high school diploma or equivalent education is needed.  Most employers offer company specific training, which covers the necessary functions of each position.  Associates entering the quality control industry will generally handle basic testing, or work on machines that are easiest to automate.  More specialized and experienced associates will be needed for running quality systems; in which candidates should possess mathematic and mechanical aptitudes.  Pay for quality control positions commonly ranges from $10.45 to $18.20 per hour, depending on the complexity of the responsibilities involved and the knowledge required in order to carry out specific duties. 

For more information on employment in the quality control industry, please visit the following sites:

• Praxiom Research Group, Ltd.
• Quality Works
• SixSigma.us
• Stat-A-Matrix
• World Technology Evaluation Center

If you are searching for quality control employment, or looking to hire qc or qa professionals, please visit iHireQualityControl.  We are a niche job board focusing only in quality control and assurance positions and candidates.