Quality Control Analysts

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

Also called: Lab Analyst, Lab Technician (Lab Tech), Laboratory Analyst, Microbiology Lab Analyst, QA Auditor (Quality Assurance Auditor), QA Lab Tech (Quality Assurance Lab Technician), QA Tech (Quality Assurance Technician), Quality Control Analyst (QC Analyst), Quality Control Lab Technician (QC Lab Tech), Quality Control Technician (QC Tech), Chemistry Quality Control Analyst (Chemistry QC Analyst), Chemistry Quality Control Technician (Chemistry QC Technician), Data Quality Analyst, IT Quality Control Analyst (Information Technology Quality Control Analyst), Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech), Microbiology Quality Control Technician (Microbiology QC Tech), Performance Quality Auditor, QA Analyst (Quality Assurance Analyst), QA Associate (Quality Assurance Associate), QA Lab Tech (Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician), QA Specialist (Quality Assurance Specialist), QA Testing Analyst (Quality Assurance Testing Analyst), QC Clerk (Quality Control Clerk), QC Lab Analyst (Quality Control Laboratory Analyst), QC Microbiology Analyst (Quality Control Microbiology Analyst), Quality Analyst, Quality Assurance Coordinator (QA Coordinator), Quality Auditor, Quality Control Associate (QC Associate), Quality Control Auditor (QC Auditor), Quality Control Checker (QC Checker), Quality Control Expert (QC Expert), Quality Control Specialist (QC Specialist), Quality Control Tester (QC Tester), Quality Controller, Quality Coordinator, Quality Improvement Analyst, Quality Improvement Specialist, Quality Process Auditor, Quality Specialist, Quality Systems Specialist

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

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.
Complete documentation needed to support testing procedures, including data capture forms, equipment logbooks, or inventory forms.
Compile laboratory test data and perform appropriate analyses.
Identify and troubleshoot equipment problems.
Write technical reports or documentation, such as deviation reports, testing protocols, and trend analyses.
Investigate or report questionable test results.

Skills, machines and equipment

Quality Control Analysis
Reading Comprehension
Monitoring
Active Listening
Complex Problem Solving
Writing
Critical Thinking
Operations Monitoring
Speaking
Active Learning
Mathematics
Social Perceptiveness

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) (37.77% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

O*NET Job Zone 3: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

48,030–79,780 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 19-4099.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Develop metrology, statistical process control, root-cause analysis, and audit skills; explore senior inspection, quality systems, or quality-lead responsibilities.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) (37.77% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
O*NET Job Zone 3: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Quality Control Analysts