Quality Control Technician
Engineering Technology
Apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in maintaining consistent manufacturing and construction standards.
What Quality Control Technicians Do
Apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in maintaining consistent manufacturing and construction standards.
Common Tasks
- 1Discard or reject products, materials, or equipment not meeting specifications.
- 2Mark items with details, such as grade or acceptance-rejection status.
- 3Measure dimensions of products to verify conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as rulers, calipers, gauges, or micrometers.
- 4Notify supervisors or other personnel of production problems.
- 5Inspect, test, or measure materials, products, installations, or work for conformance to specifications.
What You'll Learn
Types of Quality Control Technicians
Work Environment
Locations
- • Manufacturing plants
- • Warehouses and distribution centers
- • Construction sites
- • Testing laboratories
- • Machine shops
Schedule
Work is usually on a set schedule aligned with production shifts, with moderate time pressure to keep materials and products moving.
Physical Demands
The job often involves a mix of standing, walking, and frequent handling of parts, with some sitting for documentation. Repetitive motions and occasional bending or crouching are common during inspections.
Salary & Job Outlook
National Employment: 598,000 jobs
Top Paying States
Why Demand May Grow
Manufacturers and builders may increase inspection and testing to reduce defects, recalls, and warranty costs. Tighter customer and regulatory standards can also drive more quality documentation and audits.
Skills You'll Need
Pros & Cons
Pros
- • Clear, measurable work standards and procedures
- • Skills transfer across many industries
- • Steady openings due to turnover and shift coverage
- • Hands-on work with tools and test equipment
- • Direct impact on product safety and customer satisfaction
Cons
- • Repetitive inspections and detailed paperwork
- • Standing and walking for long periods on some shifts
- • May need to work evenings, nights, or weekends
- • Can be stressful when production problems occur
- • Work may be in noisy or industrial environments
Common Questions About the Quality Control Technician Trade
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