by Whether you are looking for a QA testing job or need to know the details of the position to write an accurate description for a potential applicant, you can find the information about the quality assurance professional in this article.
We will explore skills, salary, outlook, career prospects, and other aspects of the job.
Article Table of Contents
Career Outlook
Unfortunately, the job outlook for quality assurance professionals doesn’t look positive.
It is projected to decrease by -11% through 2026.
Compared to other occupations, this industry is in decline.
The main reason for the negative job outlook is the advancing automation companies are implementing to perform quality assurance.
At the moment, such positions are available in various industries such as consumer goods, healthcare, and manufacturing.
What Does a Quality Assurance Professional Do
Quality assurance professionals play a significant role in the production companies offering goods and services.
They are performing a variety of inspections to ensure that the goods produced by the company meed quality standards.
If they find a flaw in a product, they will flag it, so the item isn’t shipped to the store or another company using these goods for manufacturing or other purposes.
People who work in the quality assurance area are known by different titles, such as testers, samplers, inspectors.
Professionals in the food industry test the food to ensure the taste is right and the products are safe for consumption.
Some qualifications of the QA pros are determined by the industry they work in.
Engineering and scientific companies require some degree of scientific or technical expertise.
Therefore, the candidates need a college or an associate’s degree.
In the job where inspectors are pass/fail, they may need only a high school diploma.
Other educational requirements may include vocational training or a certification from the American Society for Quality.
The Six Sigma certification can set you above the competition.
Good dexterity can be essential for the QA professionals since they often have to pull the product off of assembly for inspection.
To make calculations, calibrate machines, and perform measurements, QAs need math skills.
It is also necessary to read and understand blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals.
The job can be physically demanding since they have to stand for long periods.
They may also have to lift heavy items.
Salary Details
The average salary of QA inspectors is $52,363 per year.
It can range between $35,000 at the lowest end and $86,000 at the highest.
These numbers don’t include bonuses, benefits, or profit-sharing.
The bonuses QA pros can receive range from $255 to $5000, with the profit-sharing ranging from $245 to $5,000.
The average hourly rate is $16.94, with the highest being $26.15, and the lowest, $11.70 per hour.
The hourly rate can be also determined by the location, experience, and type of industry as well.
The industries where QA professionals make the most include scientific, technical, and professional services.
The average salary there is $41,370.
The lowest-paying industry is administrative and support services with a salary of $30,210.
Advancement Opportunities
Quality assurance inspectors can advance to senior-level inspectors.
Depending on the company, they can supervise and manage a team of quality assurance employees.
Conclusion
This guide features essential details about the job of a quality assurance inspector, including qualifications, salary, and a career path.
Despite the purpose that you need this information for, now you know everything you need about this position and the opportunities that come with it.