Quality Control Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Quality Control Technology equips students with the foundational engineering principles and hands-on technical expertise needed to ensure precision, reliability, and compliance across manufacturing and construction environments. This program focuses on the systematic evaluation and maintenance of product and process standards, enabling graduates to support engineering teams in delivering high-quality outcomes.
- Quality Control Systems Management: Core frameworks and methodologies for establishing, monitoring, and improving quality assurance processes within industrial and construction settings.
- Technical Standards and Compliance: In-depth study of industry-specific regulations, codes, and specifications that govern material performance, safety, and design integrity.
- Testing and Inspection Procedures: Practical techniques for evaluating materials, components, and finished products using standardized protocols to detect defects or deviations.
- Instrumentation and Equipment Operation: Training in the use, calibration, and upkeep of precision tools and diagnostic devices essential for accurate measurement and data collection.
- Report Preparation and Documentation: Skills in compiling clear, detailed technical reports that communicate findings, recommendations, and compliance status to stakeholders.
Quality Control Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Quality Control Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Quality Control Technology degrees, including Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 591,180 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers 51-9061 | $47,460 | $34,590 - $75,510 | 591,180 | $22.82 |
Quality Control Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $39,190 in Alabama to $98,800 in Alaska—a 152% difference. The highest-paying states include Alaska, District of Columbia, and Wyoming. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 591,180 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Quality Control Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 44 institutions offering Quality Control Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Quality Control Technology is found at Kennesaw State University (KSU) (76 graduates), San Jacinto Community College (57 graduates), Ferris State University (FSU) (42 graduates), California State University (CSUDH), Dominguez Hills (29 graduates), and Tri-County Technical College (TCTC) (22 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 422 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennesaw State University (KSU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Other Award
|
76 | Kennesaw, Georgia | Public | kennesaw.edu |
| San Jacinto Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
57 | Pasadena, Texas | Public | sanjac.edu |
| Ferris State University (FSU) |
Other Award
|
42 | Big Rapids, Michigan | Public | ferris.edu |
| California State University (CSUDH) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
29 | Carson, California | Public | csudh.edu |
| Tri-County Technical College (TCTC) |
Other Award
|
22 | Pendleton, South Carolina | Public | tctc.edu |
| Ogden-Weber Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
20 | Ogden, Utah | Public | otech.edu |
| Central Community College (CCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
13 | Grand Island, Nebraska | Public | cccneb.edu |
| Southeast Community College Area (SCC) |
Associate's
|
13 | Lincoln, Nebraska | Public | southeast.edu |
| Tarleton State University (TSU) |
Master's
|
13 | Stephenville, Texas | Public | tarleton.edu |
| Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
12 | Tulsa, Oklahoma | Private | spartan.edu |
| Eastern Michigan University (EMU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
11 | Ypsilanti, Michigan | Public | emich.edu |
| Universidad Ana G. Mendez (UAGM Gurabo) |
Associate's
|
11 | Gurabo, Puerto Rico | Private | uagm.edu |
| Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
8 | Appleton, Wisconsin | Public | fvtc.edu |
| Lakeshore Technical College (LTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
8 | Cleveland, Wisconsin | Public | gotoltc.edu |
| Gateway Technical College |
Other Award
|
7 | Kenosha, Wisconsin | Public | gtc.edu |
| Northcentral Technical College (NTC) |
Other Award
|
7 | Wausau, Wisconsin | Public | ntc.edu |
| Illinois State University (ISU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
6 | Normal, Illinois | Public | illinoisstate.edu |
| East Carolina University (ECU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
6 | Greenville, North Carolina | Public | ecu.edu |
| Tarrant County College District (TCCD) |
Associate's
|
6 | Fort Worth, Texas | Public | tccd.edu |
| Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) |
Other Award
|
6 | Pewaukee, Wisconsin | Public | wctc.edu |
| Sinclair Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
5 | Dayton, Ohio | Public | sinclair.edu |
| Macomb Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
4 | Warren, Michigan | Public | macomb.edu |
| Anoka Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
4 | Anoka, Minnesota | Public | anokatech.edu |
| University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College |
Residency
|
3 | North Little Rock, Arkansas | Public | uaptc.edu |
| Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | New Britain, Connecticut | Public | ccsu.edu |
| Illinois Central College (ICC) |
Other Award
|
3 | East Peoria, Illinois | Public | icc.edu |
| Herkimer County Community College |
Associate's
|
3 | Herkimer, New York | Public | herkimer.edu |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology |
Associate's
|
3 | Williamsport, Pennsylvania | Public | pct.edu |
| St Petersburg College (SPC) |
Other Award
|
2 | St. Petersburg, Florida | Public | spcollege.edu |
| Muskegon Community College (MCC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Muskegon, Michigan | Public | muskegoncc.edu |
| Hennepin Technical College (HTC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Brooklyn Park, Minnesota | Public | hennepintech.edu |
| Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) |
Other Award
|
2 | Joplin, Missouri | Public | mssu.edu |
| Tulsa Community College (TCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
2 | Tulsa, Oklahoma | Public | tulsacc.edu |
| De Anza College |
Other Award
|
1 | Cupertino, California | Public | deanza.edu |
| Palomar College |
Other Award
|
1 | San Marcos, California | Public | www2.palomar.edu |
| San Jose State University (SJSU) |
Master's
|
1 | San Jose, California | Public | sjsu.edu |
| Goodwin University |
Associate's
|
1 | East Hartford, Connecticut | Private | goodwin.edu |
| Danville Area Community College (DACC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Danville, Illinois | Public | dacc.edu |
| Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | ivytech.edu |
| Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSULA) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Natchitoches, Louisiana | Public | nsula.edu |
| Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Grand Rapids, Michigan | Public | grcc.edu |
| Edison State Community College |
Other Award
|
1 | Piqua, Ohio | Public | edisonohio.edu |
| Chattanooga State Community College |
Other Award
|
1 | Chattanooga, Tennessee | Public | chattanoogastate.edu |
| Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) |
Other Award
|
1 | California, Pennsylvania | Public | pennwest.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Quality Control Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Quality Control Technology degree?
Salaries for Quality Control Technology graduates vary by role and location. Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers earn a median of $47,460 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Alaska average $98,800 compared to $39,190 in Alabama. Approximately 591,180 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Quality Control Technology programs?
Currently 44 accredited institutions offer Quality Control Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Kennesaw State University (KSU) (76 graduates), San Jacinto Community College (57 graduates), and Ferris State University (FSU) (42 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Quality Control Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 492 in 2010 to a peak of 450 in 2020, before declining slightly to 422 in 2023-24. This represents a 14% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Quality Control Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers. Related occupations employ approximately 591,180 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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