Quality control inspectors
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$47,460
~$23/hr · ~$3,955/mo
US Jobs
598K
Little or no change
AI & Automation Risk
5/10
Moderate
AI & Automation Risk
Moderate 5/10
This occupation is a hybrid of physical inspection and data analysis. While AI-powered computer vision systems are rapidly automating the visual detection of defects, the role still requires significant physical presence to handle materials, operate manual gauges, and perform mechanical tests that robots cannot yet fully replicate in diverse manufacturing environments.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Charles, LABEST VALUE | $85,920 | Below avg (87.1) | $98,662 |
| Lexington Park, MD | $89,040 | Average (102.7) | $86,681 |
| Wichita, KS | $67,880 | Below avg (89.4) | $75,911 |
| Billings, MT | $68,000 | Below avg (90.3) | $75,263 |
| Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT | $73,520 | Average (100.7) | $73,013 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $60,590 | Below avg (86.1) | $70,408 |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS | $62,380 | Below avg (88.9) | $70,185 |
| Lima, OH | $61,440 | Below avg (87.6) | $70,107 |
| Bismarck, ND | $61,840 | Below avg (89.4) | $69,208 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | $60,670 | Below avg (88.0) | $68,926 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $62,400 | Below avg (91.2) | $68,396 |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $62,800 | Below avg (91.9) | $68,369 |
| Lawton, OK | $60,110 | Below avg (88.0) | $68,322 |
| Cheyenne, WY | $61,780 | Below avg (91.6) | $67,429 |
| Topeka, KS | $57,630 | Below avg (85.8) | $67,137 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
High school diploma or equivalent
10-Year Growth
0% (Little or no change)
Hourly Rate
~$23/hr
Monthly Income
~$3,955/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)