what is a quality inspector?

Many products that you use underwent a quality inspection before they arrived on store shelves. Quality inspectors examine and test the product to ensure that consumers can use it safely. Consumers still have some level of responsibility — if they misuse the product, the judge might not find your business liable. However, you'll ensure that it's safe for them to use the product appropriately.

Quality inspectors work in dozens of industries, including construction, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, electronics, textiles, healthcare, and aerospace. Your job essentially keeps your manufacturer in business. For example, milk lasts in the fridge for seven days. Since you tested dairy products before they left the factory, spoiled food never reaches grocery stores.

Safety starts on the factory floor. You'll work with colleagues so that they adhere to the strictest standards. If you work as a team, most items will pass inspection, giving you more time for documentation, training, and perfecting your techniques. Sometimes, you'll perform surprise inspections to ensure consistent quality.

Occasionally, class-action lawsuits appear in the news because defective products injured people, made them sick, or damaged property. With your help, your company never has to worry about legal troubles, potentially saving them millions of dollars.

Would working as a quality inspector suit your attention to detail? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a quality inspector role.

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average quality inspector salary

Would you like to know what a quality inspector earns? Where the highest salaries are paid to a quality inspector? Then check out this quality inspector salary page and find out all about the salary of a quality inspector in the USA.

Womale wearing safety glasses and gloves watching a process closely.
Womale wearing safety glasses and gloves watching a process closely.
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types of quality inspector

Some quality inspectors work in factories, reviewing products during manufacturing. Your tests make production safe for factory workers as well as consumers. Others check construction sites alongside local building codes. Basic structures, HVAC systems, plumbing, electricity, and more appear on your checklist.

If you enjoy working in healthcare, you could test prescriptions and medical devices, such as syringes, stents, wheelchairs, and catheters. The FDA imposes strict standards to protect people during medical procedures. Similarly, automotive inspectors prevent thousands of accidents every year. You could also inspect everyday household goods, such as clothing, toys, and appliances.

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working as a quality inspector

Successful quality inspectors can work in the industry until they retire. Learn about the education and qualifications you'll need before you apply.

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quality inspector skills and education

Quality inspection is an entry-level job with many employers requiring only a GED or high school diploma. Large corporations may request an associate's or bachelor's degree, but managers often prioritize experience over formal education. Once you get started, your supervisor provides on-the-job training. You could also complete an apprenticeship through a vocational program.

American Society for Quality (ASQ) certifications highlight your experience and knowledge. When HR managers see a certification on your resume, they know that you've worked for a certain number of years, performed extensive research, and passed challenging exams, making you qualified for the job.

To earn a certification, you'll complete an apprenticeship or work for a few years, then submit your application. Once you receive approval, you'll purchase books, online courses, and question banks. You'll reference this material when you take the exam and earn your certification, which you can add to your resume and social media profiles.

You'll also need certifications if you operate heavy machinery, such as forklifts and order pickers. Your employer may perform tests on-site or recommend an OSHA-certified program. After training and written tests, you'll pass a practical test and earn your license.

skills and competencies

Quality inspectors are detail-oriented, understanding that a single flaw can ruin a product. For example, a centimeter-long tear in a sweater could become a massive hole that leads to customer complaints. You never accept "good enough" — if you find an issue, you remove the item for consumers' safety. Over time, you'll learn about common flaws and increase your efficiency.

Likewise, quality inspectors have strong manual dexterity skills. You'll make precise measurements with delicate tools that require a steady touch. Quality inspectors also need physical stamina because they spend lots of time standing, lifting packages, moving items, and operating machinery. You should use safe lifting techniques so that you don't injure yourself on the job.

Quality inspectors need to find issues as soon as possible before the company ships damaged products to the store. Once you find a defect, your job is to locate the source before the company produces more defective products. Afterward, you will need to solve the issue and get manufacturing back on track with minimal downtime.

Math skills are important for reading measurements, solving formulas, and making quick calculations. Quality inspectors also read charts, blueprints, diagrams, and technical manuals and use data-entry software. Some inspectors write training materials for colleagues.

woman checking in the warehouse
woman checking in the warehouse
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FAQs about working as a quality inspector

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about quality inspectors.

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