Quality Control Analysts
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-generatedKey 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
| 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
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Adobe AcrobatAtlassian JIRACExtensible markup language XMLHypertext markup language HTMLJavaScriptMicrosoft ASP.NETMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft SQL ServerMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft Visual BasicMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft WordSAP softwareSeleniumStructured query language SQLThe MathWorks MATLAB
Technology Skills
Borland SilkTestCode profilersDatabase softwareEkoFileMaker ProHewlett Packard LoadRunnerHewlett Packard QuickTest ProfessionalIBM Notes
Tools & Equipment
Absorbance spectrophotometersAdhesion testersAutosamplersBolt tension metersCoating thickness gaugesCopy machinesDew point metersDurometers