Quality Inspector Jobs

Nobody wants to receive a defective espresso machine, office chair, or wireless keyboard. A watchful eye at the manufacturing level is what prevents poor-quality products from getting into the hands of consumers. These quality inspectors examine everything from clothing and food to motor vehicle parts, electronics, textiles, and glassware. It's no wonder many manufacturing companies hire skilled personnel to fill quality inspector jobs.

When you work as a quality inspector, you'll take on a significant role in a manufacturing facility. Your day-to-day duties will include ensuring that production standards are met, inspecting and testing materials, taking measurements, and removing items that don't meet safety or manufacturing standards.

Looking for more production jobs? Try clicking on these similar positions:

Quality Inspector Training and Skills

To become a quality inspector, you need a minimum of a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Job training in this field can last anywhere from one month to one year. However, you can boost your employability by obtaining an associate or vocational degree in quality assurance or a similar field. Many employers will also hire candidates who have experience working in a science lab.

You can also boost your value to employers by getting certified in quality inspection. The American Society for Quality has several certification options for quality inspectors, including the Certified Quality Inspector designation.

The skills and qualities needed for a quality inspector job are:

Excellent math and computer skills.
The ability to work with tools such as barcode scanners, calipers, and defect stickers.
Physical strength and stamina and the ability to stand for lengthy times.
The ability to understand instruction manuals, blueprints, and technical documents.
Good dexterity and the ability to dismantle items during the manufacturing process.

Update Your Quality Inspector Resume

Before applying, take some time to inspect the quality of your resume. Your career summary should be brief and to the point. You should also make sure your current skills and qualifications are up to date and fix any errors you encounter. If you don't already have a resume, no problem. Monster has several resume writing tips and resume samples to help you get started.

It's always best practice to submit a cover letter with your resume, even if an employer doesn't require it. When hiring managers get bombarded with resumes, a cover letter can make you stand out from other candidates. Learn how to write a successful cover letter by referring to our writing tips and cover letter examples.

Interviewing for Quality Inspector Jobs

So, an employer was impressed by your resume and cover letter. Now it's on to the final stage in the selection process. It's critical that you make a good first impression at your job interview and be prepared to answer any question that comes your way.

Monster has a vast list of commonly asked interview questions. We encourage you to read this list of questions and practice developing answers that demonstrate your competency. As a quality inspector, here are some questions hiring managers may ask:

Why should we hire you?
What can you do for us that other candidates can't?
What was your greatest failure and how did you overcome it?
What salary are you seeking?

How Much Do Quality Inspector Jobs Pay?

Quality inspectors in the U.S. typically earn $36,982 per year. But depending on how qualified you are or where you're located, expect your yearly salary to range from $26,897 to $78,677. The best way to find out how much your job pays in your area is to search the job title and location in Monster's Salary Tools. In addition, you'll also find a list of positions that you can move up to, such as materials tester and manufacturing production supervisor.

Want to Learn More About a Company You're Interested In?

There are tons of employers listed on Monster's company profiles looking for quality inspectors. Consider doing conducting some research on these employers before deciding to work for them—ensuring that an employer is the right fit for you is critical to having a healthy work environment.

When you use this tool, you may find:

photos and videos depicting the company culture.
the number of employees.
where the company's headquarters and locations are.
jobs posted by the company.
mission statements made by the company.

Join Monster to Find Quality Inspector Jobs

Are you ready to enter a career as a quality inspector? Create your profile at Monster for free to get your start. We have plenty of resources to assist in your job search, including resume matching, free job notifications, and career advice from our experts.