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Science

Quality Control Analysts

Conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products. May conduct stability sample tests.

Median salary (BLS)

$62,280

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$39k – $103k

Job outlook

+4% (faster than average)

AI exposure

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports one wage for this occupational group, which covers 2 related roles — so read the median as an approximate group figure, and the range as the truer picture for this specific title. BLS source.

Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $119,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Plan a path to Quality Control Analysts

Qualification costsStack incomeBest cities/statesSchool ROIJob-posting fitTailored resume

Education

Typical entry: Associate degree

Plan my path to this →

How to qualify

Estimate

Cost to qualify

$8,000–$22,000

Time to qualify

2 yr

Renewal

—

  1. 1

    Associate degree (community college)

    Degree

    Two years at in-district rates — average published tuition & fees ≈ $4,050/yr, plus ~$1,200/yr books & supplies.

    $8,000–$22,000 · 2 years source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Quality Control Analysts" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Quality Control Analysts

    Entry / Junior

    $39,000

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Quality Control Analysts

    Established

    $62,280

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Quality Control Analysts

    Senior

    $82,485

Key skills

A typical day

  • •Conduct routine and non-routine analyses of in-process materials, raw materials, environmental samples, finished goods, or stability samples.
  • •Interpret test results, compare them to established specifications and control limits, and make recommendations on appropriateness of data for release.
  • •Calibrate, validate, or maintain laboratory equipment.
  • •Ensure that lab cleanliness and safety standards are maintained.
  • •Perform visual inspections of finished products.

Fields of study

Any field

Top colleges for Science

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.