Choosing a career in quality engineering means asking, “How much will I earn?” You might be surprised to learn that the average Quality Engineer salary in the United States is more than $80,000 per year.
This article will guide you through what to expect financially if you take this path, from entry-level earnings to potential top paychecks.
The average annual pay for a Quality Engineer in the United States is $84,374 as of February, 2024. Entry level quality engineer positions start at $70,265 per year, while the most experienced can earn considerably more. The pay for quality engineers can vary over time and by state.
Discover your future paycheck today!
Key Takeaways
- Quality Engineers in the US have an average salary of $83,374, with entry – level positions starting around $70,265.
- Location and industry significantly impact earnings; for instance, top – paying cities like San Francisco may offer salaries up to $107,760.
- Additional qualifications such as a Master’s degree or certifications can lead to higher pay; certified Quality Engineers can make 8.47% more than the base salary.
- Top companies like Lockheed Martin and Boeing provide competitive salaries along with benefits like health insurance and professional development opportunities.
- Salary potential grows with experience, potentially reaching over $100,000 per year in late career stages.
The Average Quality Engineer Salary in the United States
The average quality engineer salary in the United States varies based on years of experience, location, and industry. With the right qualifications and expertise, you can expect a competitive base salary as well as additional benefits.
Base salary
When considering a career as a Quality Engineer, it’s essential to understand the base salary one might expect in this field. Salaries can vary widely depending on multiple factors such as location, experience, and education. Below is a simplified breakdown of the base salary for a Quality Engineer in the United States, structured to give you a clear picture of what to anticipate in terms of earnings.
| Experience Level | Base Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $70,265 per year |
| Mid-Level | $84,039 per year |
| Experienced | $83,374 per year |
| With a Master’s Degree | $91,186 per year |
| Certified Quality Engineers | $80,692 per year + 8.47% more |
Salaries reflect the value and demand for Quality Engineers in the marketplace. Keep in mind that these figures are subject to change with industry growth and economic shifts. Up next, let’s look into how salaries vary by years of experience and the highest paying cities for Quality Engineers, to give you a broader understanding of your potential earnings in different scenarios.
Salaries by years of experience
As you consider a future as a Quality Engineer, understanding how your potential earnings could grow with experience is crucial. Here’s a snapshot of the average Quality Engineer salaries in the United States based on years of experience:
| Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $70,265 per year |
| Early Career (3-5 years) | Approximately $80,000 per year |
| Mid-Career (6-9 years) | About $83,374 per year |
| Experienced (10-19 years) | Varies widely, up to $100,540 per year |
| Late Career (20+ years) | Can exceed $100,540 per year |
Your salary potential increases with each step you take in your career journey. Keep honing your skills, and you might see your earnings reflect your dedication and expertise. Note that variables like company, location, and industry can influence these figures.
Highest paying cities
Earning potential for Quality Engineers can significantly vary depending on the city they choose to work in. Let’s explore the locations where you, as a future quality engineer, might encounter the highest salaries. Below is a table detailing some of the top-paying cities in the United States for this profession based on available data.
| City | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $107,760 |
| New York, NY | $95,450 |
| Seattle, WA | $94,020 |
| Boston, MA | $92,840 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $88,490 |
| Houston, TX | $87,760 |
| Chicago, IL | $85,630 |
| San Diego, CA | $85,320 |
| Atlanta, GA | $83,500 |
| Dallas, TX | $82,560 |
Remember, these figures are average salaries. Actual compensation can be influenced by numerous factors, including your level of education, certifications, and experience. Your mileage may vary, but these cities offer promising potential for a lucrative career in quality engineering.
Top Companies for Quality Engineers
Discover the top companies in the US that offer competitive salaries and a great company culture for quality engineers. Learn about salary ranges, benefits, and what makes these companies stand out in the industry.
Overview of top companies in the US
Lockheed Martin offers a quality engineer salary. Another top company for quality engineers is Raytheon Technologies.
Salary ranges
Quality engineers in the United States can earn a base salary of $70,265 to $100,540 per year, with the most experienced professionals making up to $83,374 annually. Those with certification can expect an 8.47% increase over the average base salary of $80,692 per year. Additionally, quality engineers with a Master’s degree typically earn a median annual salary of $91,186. It’s important to note that these figures can vary based on factors such as location, industry, and level of education and experience.
Lockheed Martin is one of the companies offering competitive salaries for quality engineers. Other top companies in the U.S also provide attractive compensation packages within this field.
Company culture and benefits
Top companies for quality engineers offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits packages, and a supportive work environment. Lockheed Martin, for example, provides health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities to its employees.
Other leading companies also prioritize employee well-being by offering flexible work arrangements and opportunities for career advancement.
In addition to competitive pay scales, these companies often cultivate a positive company culture that values diversity and inclusion. They may also provide perks such as gym memberships or wellness programs to support the overall well-being of their employees in the industrial engineering field.
Factors that Affect Quality Engineer Salary
Certification, location, industry, and education/experience all play a role in determining a quality engineer’s salary. Understanding these factors can help you negotiate for the compensation you deserve.
Read on to learn more about how these factors influence your potential earnings as a quality engineer.
Certification
Obtaining a certification as a quality engineer can increase your average base salary by 8.47%. The average annual pay for quality engineers with certification is $80,692 per year.
Employers highly value certified professionals, making it a crucial factor in boosting your earning potential. This investment in gaining certification can duly pay off and set you apart in the job market.
Now let’s delve into the various factors influencing the salaries of quality engineers.
Location
Quality engineer salaries can vary by location. The average salary for a quality engineer in the United States is $100,540 as of December 27, 2023. Location plays a significant role in determining salaries, with certain cities offering higher pay due to cost of living and demand for quality engineers.
Salaries can also differ based on state regulations and industry demands. For instance, quality engineers may find higher paying opportunities in states such as California or Texas compared to other regions.
Moreover, the type of industry can impact salary ranges; for example, the technology sector often offers higher compensation compared to other industries like manufacturing or healthcare.
Industry
When considering the industry in which quality engineers work, it’s important to note that the type of industry can significantly impact salary levels. For instance, quality engineers working in the aerospace and defense industry tend to earn higher salaries compared to those in other industries.
Similarly, pharmaceutical and medical device industries also offer competitive pay for quality engineers due to the stringent regulations and standards they must adhere to. On the other hand, industries such as food and beverage manufacturing or consumer goods may offer slightly lower average salaries for quality engineers.
The differences in demand for quality engineers across various industries can also influence their salary potential. Industries experiencing rapid growth or technological advancements are likely to have a higher demand for skilled quality engineers, thereby leading to more competitive compensation packages.
Education and experience
To become a quality engineer, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree for advanced positions.
Gaining experience through internships or co-op programs during your studies can also give you an edge in the job market. Additionally, pursuing relevant certifications, such as Six Sigma or Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), can significantly boost your earning potential and career advancement opportunities.
Now let’s delve into the average quality engineer salary in the United States and explore how it varies based on different factors.
Comparisons to Similar Professions
Explore how the salary of a Quality Engineer compares to other similar professions in the field, such as Quality Assurance Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Controls Engineer, Test Engineer, Quality Assurance Manager, and Quality Assurance Analyst.
Quality Assurance Engineer
A Quality Assurance Engineer earns an average yearly salary of $58,986 in the United States. The pay for these professionals can fluctuate depending on factors like location, certification, and experience.
An entry-level Quality Assurance Engineer may start at around $50,000 per year while highly experienced workers can make up to $89,000 annually. It’s essential to note that gaining certifications can lead to an 8.47% increase in the base salary for quality engineers.
Lockheed Martin is one of the companies known for offering a competitive salary to Quality Assurance Engineers. Additionally, Glassdoor has revealed that having proficiency in Python and JavaScript skills could significantly influence a quality engineer’s earning potential and career growth opportunities.
Manufacturing Engineer
A Manufacturing Engineer focuses on improving the efficiency of production processes. They work to streamline manufacturing systems, troubleshoot issues, and optimize workflow to reduce costs and improve product quality.
With an average annual salary of $84,093 as of February 10, 2024, a career as a Manufacturing Engineer can be financially rewarding.
Manufacturing Engineers play a critical role in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and consumer goods. Their expertise in process improvement and design ensures that products are manufactured effectively while maintaining high standards.
Pursuing this career path provides an opportunity to contribute significantly to the success of manufacturing businesses through continual process enhancement and innovation.
Controls Engineer
Controls engineers design, develop, and maintain control systems and machinery. They ensure that these systems operate efficiently and safely. The average salary for a controls engineer in the United States is $78,169 per year as of February 10, 2024.
With experience, this figure can rise to over $90,000 annually. Obtaining relevant certifications can increase your earning potential by up to 8%. Lockheed Martin is among the companies known for offering competitive salaries to controls engineers.
Entry level positions start at around $65,000 annually while highly experienced workers can earn up to $98,000 per year. The industry you work in also impacts your earning potential as some sectors are willing to pay higher wages than others for controls engineering expertise.
Test Engineer
Moving from Controls Engineer, let’s look at the role of a Test Engineer. As a student interested in quality engineering, it’s essential to understand that Test Engineers play a crucial role in ensuring products and systems meet specific standards.
Test Engineers are responsible for designing and implementing tests, troubleshooting issues, and improving overall product quality. They use their technical skills to identify defects and ensure that products meet customer requirements.
According to recent data, the average salary for a Test Engineer is $78,509 per year in the United States, making it another promising career path within quality engineering.
Quality Assurance Manager
As a student, you might be interested in pursuing a career as a Quality Assurance Manager. This role involves overseeing the quality control process and ensuring that products meet specified standards.
With an average salary of $107,400 per year in the United States, this position offers competitive compensation. The salary range for Quality Assurance Managers can vary based on experience and location, with the potential to earn up to $158,000 annually.
Holding relevant certifications and having significant industry experience can significantly impact your earning potential in this field. Additionally, top-paying cities for Quality Assurance Managers include San Francisco, Seattle, and New York City.
Working as a Quality Assurance Manager at renowned companies like Amazon or Apple not only offers attractive salaries but also provides opportunities for career growth and development.
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analysts play a crucial role in ensuring that products and software meet quality standards. The average salary for a Quality Assurance Analyst in the United States is $58,986 per year, slightly lower than some other roles within the quality engineering field.
However, with experience and specialized skills such as automation testing or specific programming languages like Python or JavaScript, you can increase your earning potential significantly.
Moving on to our next point, let’s delve into the factors that affect Quality Engineer salary.
Salary Satisfaction and Career Insights
Discover insights on the satisfaction of quality engineers with their salaries, as well as valuable career advice and tips for success in the industry. Explore high paying career paths and strategies to protect your professional reputation on platforms like Glassdoor.
Read more to gain a deeper understanding of this rewarding career path.
Insights on Python skills in the job market
Python skills are highly sought after in the job market. Companies value candidates who can demonstrate proficiency in Python programming due to its versatility and wide range of applications across different industries.
By mastering Python, you can enhance your career prospects and command a higher salary, as it is used extensively for data analysis, web development, artificial intelligence, and automation.
Employers often prioritize candidates with strong Python skills for roles in software development, data science, and machine learning.
As a student aspiring to enter the job market as a quality engineer or related profession, acquiring proficiency in Python will undoubtedly give you a competitive edge. Many companies seek professionals who possess this valuable skill set and are willing to offer attractive compensation packages to those with expertise in Python programming.
The importance of documentation in the workplace
Clear and concise documentation is crucial in the workplace. It ensures that processes are well-documented, enabling anyone to understand and follow them easily. Proper documentation also helps maintain consistency, improves efficiency, and reduces errors, ensuring smooth operations for projects or tasks.
Documenting your work allows you to track progress and provide evidence of completion when necessary. This not only helps you stay organized but also contributes to the overall success of the team.
Moving forward to explore the high paying JavaScript career paths..
High paying JavaScript career paths
If you’re looking for high-paying career paths involving JavaScript, there’s good news. With the increasing demand for tech talent, skilled JavaScript developers are in high demand.
According to recent data, experienced JavaScript developers can earn upwards of $100,000 annually. The opportunities range from front-end development to full-stack engineering roles within diverse industries such as finance, healthcare, and e-commerce.
Alongside competitive salaries, a career in JavaScript offers the potential for continuous learning and professional growth.
Keep in mind that mastering advanced frameworks and libraries like React or Angular can significantly boost your earning potential. Many reputable companies actively seek professionals with extensive knowledge of JavaScript and its related technologies.
Glassdoor’s impact and how to protect it
Glassdoor provides valuable insights into companies, salaries, and employee satisfaction. It is essential to protect Glassdoor’s credibility by providing honest and constructive feedback about your work experience.
Be mindful of the information you share as it can influence job seekers and impact employers’ reputations. Your reviews on Glassdoor can help others make informed career decisions while also encouraging companies to maintain positive working environments.
Understanding the power of your input on Glassdoor ensures that accurate and fair representations are available for everyone in need of workplace information. As a student exploring potential careers, use Glassdoor to gain realistic expectations about roles, companies, and compensation packages.
Conclusion: Is a Career as a Quality Engineer Worth It?
In conclusion, a career as a Quality Engineer offers significant earning potential. The average salary of $100,540 reflects the financial rewards that come with this profession. By obtaining certification and gaining experience, you can boost your income by 8.47% above the average base salary of $80,692 per year.
With opportunities for growth and lucrative salaries in top companies like Lockheed Martin, a career as a Quality Engineer is both financially rewarding and promising for your future.
Aim high and pursue excellence in this dynamic field!
FAQs
1. What is the average salary for a quality engineer?
A quality engineer usually earns between $60,000 and $90,000 annually on average.
2. Can a quality engineer make more money with experience?
Yes, experienced quality engineers often earn higher salaries than those just starting out.
3. Do quality engineers in big cities get paid more?
Quality engineers in large cities tend to have higher salaries due to the higher cost of living.
4. Does having certifications affect how much a quality engineer makes?
Having relevant certifications can lead to better pay for a quality engineer.
5. Will getting an engineering degree change my salary as a quality engineer?
Obtaining an engineering degree can increase your earning potential as a quality engineer.