Quality control inspectors held about 574,000 jobs in 2018. The largest employers of quality control inspectors were as follows:
| Manufacturing | 62% |
| Administrative and support services | 10 |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 9 |
| Wholesale trade | 6 |
Work environments vary by industry and establishment size; some inspectors examine similar products for an entire shift, others examine a variety of items.
Inspectors in some industries may be on their feet all day and may have to lift heavy items. In other industries, workers may sit during their shift and read electronic printouts of data.
Workers in heavy-manufacturing plants may be exposed to the noise and grime of machinery. In other plants, inspectors work in clean, air-conditioned environments suitable for testing products.
Injuries and Illnesses
Some quality control inspectors may be exposed to airborne particles, which may irritate the eyes and skin. As a result, workers typically wear protective eyewear, ear plugs, and appropriate clothing.
Work Schedules
Although most quality control inspectors work full time during regular business hours, some inspectors work evenings or weekends. Shift assignments generally are based on seniority. Overtime may be required to meet production deadlines.
Although a high school diploma is enough for the basic testing of products, complex precision-inspecting positions are typically filled by more experienced workers.
Education
Candidates for inspector jobs can improve their chances of finding work by studying industrial trades in high school or in a postsecondary vocational program. Laboratory work in the natural or biological sciences also may improve analytical skills and increase the chances of finding work in medical or pharmaceutical labs, where many of these workers are employed.
Training
Education and training requirements vary with the responsibilities of the quality control worker. However, workers usually receive on-the-job training that typically lasts as little as 1 month or up to 1 year.
For inspectors who do simple pass/fail tests of products, a high school diploma and some in-house training are generally enough.
Training for new inspectors may cover the use of special meters, gauges, computers, and other instruments; quality control techniques such as Six Sigma; blueprint reading; safety; and reporting requirements. Some postsecondary training programs exist, but many employers prefer to train inspectors on the job.
As manufacturers use more automated techniques that require less inspection by hand, workers in this occupation increasingly must know how to operate and program more sophisticated equipment and utilize software applications. Because these operations require additional skills, higher education may be necessary. To address this need, some colleges are offering associate’s degrees in fields such as quality control management.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
The American Society for Quality (ASQ) offers various certifications, including a designation for Certified Quality Inspector (CQI), and numerous sources of information and various levels of certification for Lean Six Sigma. Certification can demonstrate competence and professionalism, making candidates more attractive to employers. It can also increase opportunities for advancement. Requirements for certification generally include a certain number of years of experience in the field and passing an exam.
Quality control inspectors typically have an interest in the Building , Thinking , and Organizing interest areas, according to the Holland Code framework. The Building interest area indicates a focus on working with tools and machines, and making or fixing practical things. The Thinking interest area indicates a focus on researching, investigating, and increasing the understanding of natural laws. The Organizing interest area indicates a focus on working with information and processes to keep things arranged in orderly systems.
If you are not sure whether you have a Building, Thinking, or Organizing interest which might fit with a career as a quality control inspector, you can take a career test to measure your interests.
Quality control inspectors should also possess the following specific qualities:
Dexterity . Quality control inspectors should be able to quickly remove sample parts or products during the manufacturing process.
Math skills . Knowledge of basic math and computer skills are important because measuring, calibrating, and calculating specifications are major parts of quality control testing.
Mechanical skills . Quality control inspectors must be able to use specialized tools and machinery when testing products.
Physical stamina . Quality control inspectors must be able to stand for long periods on the job.
Physical strength . Because workers sometimes lift heavy objects, inspectors should be in good physical condition.
Technical skills . Quality control inspectors must understand blueprints, technical documents, and manuals, ensuring that products and parts meet quality standards.
Most quality control inspectors need a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training that typically lasts as little as 1 month or up to 1 year.
Education & Training
Education and training requirements vary with the responsibilities of the quality control worker. For inspectors who do simple pass/fail tests of products, a high school diploma and some in-house training are generally enough. Workers usually receive on-the-job training that typically lasts for as little as 1 month or up to 1 year.
Candidates for inspector jobs can improve their chances of finding work by studying industrial trades in high school or in a postsecondary vocational program. Laboratory work in the natural or biological sciences also may improve a person’s analytical skills and increase their chances of finding work in medical or pharmaceutical labs, where many of these workers are employed.
Training for new inspectors may cover the use of special meters, gauges, computers, and other instruments; quality control techniques such as Six Sigma; blueprint reading; safety; and reporting requirements. Some postsecondary training programs exist, but many employers prefer to train inspectors on the job.
As manufacturers use more automated techniques that require less inspection by hand, workers increasingly must know how to operate and program more sophisticated equipment and utilize software applications. Because these operations require additional skills, higher education may be necessary. To address this need, some colleges are offering associate’s degrees in fields such as quality control management.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
The American Society for Quality (ASQ) offers various certifications, including a designation for Certified Quality Inspector (CQI), and numerous sources of information and various levels of Six Sigma certifications . Although certification is not required, it can demonstrate competence and professionalism, making candidates more attractive to employers. It can also increase opportunities for advancement. Requirements for certification generally include a certain number of years of experience in the field and passing an exam.
Employment of quality control inspectors is projected to decline 18 percent from 2018 to 2028.
Many manufacturers have invested in automated inspection equipment to improve quality and productivity. Continued improvements in technology allow manufacturers to automate inspection tasks, increasing workers’ productivity and reducing the demand for inspectors. In addition, three-dimensional (3D) scanners are reducing the amount of time it takes to inspect parts and finished goods for the correct measurement specifications.
Manufacturers increasingly are integrating quality control into the production process. Many inspection duties are being reassigned from specialized inspectors to fabrication and assembly workers, who monitor quality at every stage of production. Hand-held 3D scanners can provide a more accurate measurement of parts directly from the production floor. These factors are expected to decrease demand for quality control inspectors.
Despite technological advances in quality control in many industries, automation is not always a substitute for inspecting by hand. Personal inspections will continue to be needed for products that require testing of taste, smell, texture, appearance, complexity of fabric, or performance of the product. Automation will likely become more important for inspecting elements related to size, such as length, width, or thickness.
Job Prospects
Some job opportunities are expected to arise over the coming decade as quality control inspectors retire or leave the occupation for other reasons.
Those with certification and related work experience should have the best job prospects.
For more information about quality control inspectors, including certification, visit
American Society for Quality (ASQ)
For more information about quality control training, visit
International Society of Automation (ISA)