How much does a quality inspector make?

In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, useful skills or certifications, and the employer or industry—for example, inspectors may check food, car parts, or aircraft components. Location matters too, and jobs with more complex checks, night or weekend shifts, or overtime may have different earnings.

Inspect, test, sort, sample, or weigh nonagricultural raw materials or processed, machined, fabricated, or assembled parts or products for defects, wear, and deviations from specifications. May use precision measuring instruments and complex test equipment.

What's a typical day like?

Inspectors read a blueprint, then check parts with calipers or electronic scanners to see whether measurements match the rules. They record results, set aside faulty items, and may ask for a production adjustment.

In the U.S., a high school diploma or equivalent is typical; many entry-level jobs need no related experience and provide on-the-job training. Later, workers can pursue ASQ certification, which requires three years of paid work and an exam.

High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

Some U.S. quality checks still test a product’s taste or texture—jobs automation cannot fully replace.

The US figure is the median and the Japan figure is the average, so it's not a perfect comparison. Prices differ too.