Conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products. May conduct stability sample tests.
SOC: 19-4099.01
Common Job Titles
Lab Technician (Lab Tech)
QA Auditor (Quality Assurance Auditor)
QA Tech (Quality Assurance Technician)
Quality Control Technician (QC Tech)
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeEvaluate raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods against quality specifications in laboratory settings using analytical instrumentation, following regulatory requirements.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate chromatography systems, spectrophotometers, and mass spectrometers to perform chemical and physical testing, ensuring accurate measurements.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply production and processing knowledge to quality control protocols in manufacturing environments, working independently within established procedures.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply chemistry principles and mathematical calculations to validate analytical methods and troubleshoot testing procedures.
Proficient
KnowledgeAnalyze test data and stability sample results using mathematical and statistical methods to determine product compliance.
Developing
Hands-onPerform routine and stability testing procedures using laboratory information management systems (LIMS) to document and track results.
Developing
KnowledgeInterpret chemical analysis results and test specifications to communicate compliance findings to production teams and supervisors.
Developing
MindsetEngage with interdisciplinary teams to resolve quality issues when deviations or non-conformances are identified during testing.
Developing
Hands-onCalibrate laboratory instruments and precision measurement devices following standard operating procedures to ensure measurement accuracy.
Developing
KnowledgeDiscuss quality control standards and regulatory compliance requirements with team members to support training and continuous improvement initiatives.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Quality Control Analysts (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
71,400
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $37,310. 25th percentile: U.S. $46,270. 50th percentile: U.S. $60,130. 75th percentile: U.S. $77,990. 90th percentile: U.S. $101,870. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$37,310
10% of workers earn the following or more
$101,870
Workers on average earn
$64,640
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Mathematics4.2/5
Production and Processing4.0/5
Chemistry3.7/5
English Language3.7/5
Administrative3.3/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
