Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
Quality control inspectors examine products and materials for defects or deviations from specifications.
Is inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers a good career?
It scores 17/100 and ranks #422 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- High volume of openings — about 69,900 a year
- No college degree typically required to enter
Possible tradeoffs
- Pays below the U.S. median wage ($48,570 vs $61,390)
- Slower-than-average projected growth (0.0%)
What inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers earn between $39,890 and $61,440 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers jobs
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- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow little or no change through 2034.
Education
Quality control inspectors typically need a high school diploma for entry-level jobs. Postsecondary certificate programs are available for instruction on quality control concepts, such as inspection planning and auditing. Students in these programs also gain familiarity with tools and technologies that quality control inspectors use.
Some employers require or prefer to hire candidates who have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a field such as quality control management or engineering.
Training
Workers typically receive on-the-job training that lasts more than 1 month and up to 1 year.
In some industries, such as automobile and aerospace manufacturing, inspectors train for the occupation in an apprenticeship program. Apprentices typically receive paid on-the-job training and instruction. Requirements for entering these programs, which are typically sponsored by trade associations or businesses, may include having a high school diploma, related work experience, or relevant licenses.
Training for new inspectors may cover the use of special meters, gauges, computers, and other instruments; quality control techniques such as Six Sigma; blueprint reading; safety; and reporting requirements.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Although optional, certification may demonstrate a level of competence and professionalism that makes candidates more attractive to employers. It also may increase opportunities for advancement. Requirements for certification generally include a certain number of years of experience in the field and passing an exam.
Important qualities
Detail oriented. Quality control inspectors must be able to focus to notice flaws or deficiencies in finished products or materials.
Math skills. Knowledge of basic math is important for measuring, calibrating, and calculating specifications in quality control testing.
Mechanical skills. Quality control inspectors use tools and machinery when testing products.
Physical stamina. Some quality control inspectors must stand for long periods on the job.
Physical strength. Quality control inspectors may be required to lift or maneuver heavy production materials or finished products.
Technical skills. To ensure that products and parts meet quality standards, inspectors must understand the relevant blueprints, technical documents, and manuals.
Related occupations
How much do inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers make?
The national median wage is $48,570 a year, with the middle half earning between $39,890 and $61,440 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 17 of 100 and ranks #422 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change 0.0% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weigher?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent.
Where do inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers earn the most?
Among states, Alaska pays the highest median ($78,150). Local pay for every state and metro is below.