QC Technician Salary in the US
QC Technician Salary Range
$51,100
$64,100
Low Range
High Range
Midpoint
This salary range represents a national benchmark in USD. Regional salary adjustment factors can be applied below to estimate how compensation may shift by state.
Salary benchmarks are based on a mix of TQR internal data and external market research for specialized manufacturing and technical roles in the U.S.
QC Technician salaries in the Packaging Manufacturing industry typically range from $51,100 to $64,100, with a midpoint of $57,600. Compensation varies based on quality inspection experience, testing expertise, ISO and regulatory knowledge, manufacturing environment, audit participation, and overall responsibility for maintaining product quality and quality control processes.
What the Salary Percentiles Mean
The following range has been generated based on real salary data across North America.
$51,100
$64,100
$51,100
25th percentile
Employees in this section often have a lower level of experience or skills and
are still growing into their role. This role may also be at a small to medium-sized business.
$57,600
50th percentile
Employees in this section typically demonstrate the required level of experience plus many skills that are deemed an asset. This role is likely at a medium-sized business.
$64,100
75th percentile
Employees in this section typically demonstrate a higher-level of expertise and/or enhanced qualifications. They should also have a proven track record and cultural fit. This role is likely at a larger business.
Regional Salary Adjustments
Salary ranges can vary by region based on cost of living, labor competition, industry concentration, and talent availability. The map below shows regional adjustment factors that can be applied to the national salary benchmark as a directional guide.
Factors That Affect a QC Technician Salary
QC Technician compensation can vary based on manufacturing experience, inspection and testing expertise, regulatory knowledge, product complexity, shift responsibility, and quality system requirements. Employers may need to adjust compensation when the role includes advanced testing methods, GMP, FDA, HACCP, SQF, ISO compliance, statistical process control (SPC), or specialized inspection equipment.
QC Technician Job Description:
A QC Technician is responsible for inspecting, testing, and monitoring raw materials, in-process production, and finished packaging products to ensure compliance with customer specifications, quality standards, and regulatory requirements. This role helps companies maintain product quality, process consistency, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction by performing inspections, documenting results, identifying defects, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
QC Technicians often work closely with Production, Quality Assurance, Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, Supply Chain, customers, and suppliers. Their work may include conducting incoming, in-process, and final inspections, performing dimensional and functional testing, monitoring manufacturing processes, collecting quality data, maintaining inspection records, supporting root cause analysis, verifying equipment calibration, and assisting with audits. In a manufacturing environment, the role combines technical inspection skills with attention to detail, analytical thinking, and cross-functional collaboration.
QC Technicians are expected to understand how product quality impacts customer satisfaction, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and business performance. Strong candidates typically combine quality inspection expertise with problem-solving ability, data accuracy, communication skills, and continuous improvement knowledge to identify quality issues, reduce defects, and support manufacturing excellence.
Common Responsibilities:
Performing incoming, in-process, and final inspections to verify compliance with customer specifications, quality standards, and production requirements.
Conducting dimensional, visual, physical, and functional testing using established inspection procedures and measurement equipment.
Identifying, documenting, and reporting product defects, nonconformances, and process deviations while supporting timely corrective actions.
Collecting samples, recording inspection results, and maintaining accurate quality records, test reports, and inspection documentation.
Monitoring manufacturing processes to ensure consistent product quality and compliance with quality management system requirements.
Supporting root cause analysis (RCA), corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce defects and improve process performance.
Assisting with first article inspections, product validations, process changeovers, and new product introductions.
Verifying calibration and proper operation of inspection, testing, and measurement equipment.
Ensuring compliance with ISO, GMP, FDA (where applicable), HACCP, SQF, customer requirements, and company quality procedures.
Explore Current Openings
TQR recruits for specialized roles across packaging, industrial automation, manufacturing, food production, life sciences, and related technical markets. Current openings may include engineering, operations, maintenance, quality, supply chain, and plant leadership roles.
View current opportunities or submit your resume to be considered for future roles that match your background.
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