all about quality control jobs

Quality control workers ensure that an organization’s products and services meet the standard expected by customers, the industry, or government. Sometimes called quality assurance, workers in this field have a natural talent for seeing fine details, comparing objects, detecting faults, and making improvements.

As a quality control worker, you are the type of person who takes pride in your work and values your company’s products and services. You’re comfortable with doing calculations, keeping records, and working with a team. You use your skills and knowledge to have a positive impact.

what quality control jobs entail

Quality control jobs exist in many industries, so you could work in settings such as a warehouse, on an assembly line, in a lab, or at a loading dock, to name a few. Your hours depend on the type of work you do. If you take a quality control job in manufacturing, you might be assigned to a rotating shift in a production facility which operates 24/7. In an office or lab setting, you could work a regular daytime shift. You will likely report to a quality control manager or warehouse supervisor.

average quality control salaries

Entry-level quality control jobs range between $17 and $20 per hour. However, salaries for quality control jobs vary depending on location, industry, and level of experience or training. For example, some of the highest salaries are found in the construction industry. An experienced quality control worker can earn a salary of $25 per hour or about $52,000 annually.

Your salary in a quality assurance position will vary depending on your title and the qualifications needed. You could find a job offering a higher salary with a similar title, such as quality control technician, inspector, or specialist. These positions might require a college certificate or diploma related to your field.

your day to day tasks

In a quality assurance job, you spend your day examining products and determining whether they meet a certain standard. You’re also be involved in documenting your findings and creating reports. Your job could involve any of the following tasks:

updating standards or criteria for product acceptance or rejection
sampling products and checking colour, size, weight, quantity, purity, temperature
detecting, correcting, or reporting defects
recording and reporting dates or batch numbers of samples
calculating proportions or volumes
adjusting equipment to prevent defects
storing and cataloging samples
creating control sheets, inspection reports, charts or spreadsheets
updating quality control procedures

where you can work

Most quality control jobs are available in cities where there is a lot of industry or manufacturing. Quality control jobs can be found in Toronto, Oakville, Guelph, Vancouver, Richmond, and Saskatoon. A wide variety of industries need quality control workers, including:

food and beverage processing
automotive and transportation
manufacturing
technology and electronics
energy, oil, gas, and mining
pharmaceutical companies

what you bring to the table

To succeed in a quality control job, you’ll need to be a critical thinker with analytical and problem-solving skills that allow you to detect problems and take corrective action. Employers look for these attributes:

good vision and hand-eye coordination
attention to detail and accuracy
problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
accurate recording and data entry
proficiency with computer software related to the industry
experience using micrometers or other monitoring and measuring equipment

training and certifications

To become a quality control worker, you’ll need at least a high school graduation diploma. Some employers prefer candidates with a technical college or university education. Your industry may require special certification or licensing to obtain a quality control job. Prior experience in your industry will help you qualify, and some employers provide in-house training to promote you from the production line to a quality control job.

where your career is headed

Quality control workers with specialized skills are more likely to be promoted. You can advance your career by obtaining extra training or certifications regarding tools, equipment, production processes, computers or electronics. Seek out subjects that are related to your industry, such as math, engineering, technology, or industrial design.

You should also be well versed in industry codes and government regulations, making you an expert who can rise to the challenge of a senior position, such as quality control inspector or manager. After several years of experience, the combination of your skills, knowledge, and training could also position you for advancement to related positions, like production supervisor or plant manager.