Why We Love It
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$39,410Potential Avg. Salary
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-0.2%Job Growth Rate
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Creativity FocusedCareer Attribute
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Dependable Daily WorkloadCareer Attribute
Quality assurance specialists are responsible for ensuring a product or service meets the established standards of quality, including reliability, usability and performance.
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What is a Quality Assurance Specialist (QA)?
The following responsibilities are common for Quality Assurance Specialists:
- Confirms and maintains audit procedures are properly carried out and assigned work schedules are maintained
- Determines overall product quality by conducting various product testing
- Resolves any major quality issues at production facilities, warehouses or markets
- Trains, educates and maintains other employees on recommended quality control testing, equipment safety and sanitizing procedures
- Consults with management and other personnel on better operational procedures to improve overall efficiency and product yields
A Day In The Life
A Quality Assurance Specialist develops and implements a companies quality assurance standards in a manufacturing facility. They are responsible for preforming quality tests through computer applications to isolate and solve any issues that may arise during production.
Depending on the industry the individual decides to go in to, their job description will entail inspecting, manually and computer testing of production equipment before, during and after the manufacturing process to ensure the set standards are met. They also operate and monitor inspection equipment as well as record and analyze quality data. Their role also involves determining the overall quality of a product by conducting and evaluating these various tests to ensure set specifications are met.
It is the responsibility of this individual to educate and instruct company personnel on the recommended quality standards, testing, methodologies, equipment, and resources in order to achieve the necessary standards of quality set for a certain product.
Typical Work Schedule
This is a full-time position, with shift work available due to the fact these individuals will be employed mostly in factory and office settings.
Projected Job Growth
A large part of this position is becoming automated, but a computer cannot replace an inspection by a human beings eyes and hands. Therefor, careers in this field are expected to grow faster that the national average over the next few years.
Typical Employers
Any business that provides wholesale or retail products and services, from electronics to clothing to pharmaceuticals, all require individuals to inspect the quality of their products.
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How To Become a Quality Assurance Specialist (QA)
A quality assurance specialist position requires at least a bachelor’s degree in business management or computer sciences fields. Coursework should include classes in chemistry, biology, mathematics, quality inspection, auditing and quality testing. Advanced positions are generally awarded to individuals with the most experience. On-the-job training is essential and imperative for individuals seeking employment in this career field. Competence and knowledge with technology and computer software is also an imperative skill to acquire for this position.
Quality Assurance Specialist (QA) Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
$26,980Average
$39,410High Range
$62,150National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$13/hrAverage
$19/hrHigh Range
$30/hrHow do Quality Assurance Specialist (QA) salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Quality Assurance Specialist (QA)'s can make an average annual salary of $39,410, or $19 per hour. This makes it an Above Average Salary. On the lower end, they can make $26,980 or $13 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
#539 Nationally for All Careers
Highest Education Among Quality Assurance Specialist (QA)s
- 0.4% Doctorate
- 2.8% Masters
- 13.4% Bachelors
- 10.4% Associates
- 27.3% College
- 35% High School
- 10.7% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
496,6002024 Est. Jobs
495,500Job Growth Rate
-0.2%Est. New Jobs
-1,100How does Quality Assurance Specialist (QA) job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of -1,100 jobs for a total of 495,500 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a -0.2% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Below Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
#617 Nationally for All Careers
What Companies Employ The Most Quality Assurance Specialist (QA)s
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary help services | 27,000 | 4,600 | 5% |
| Aerospace product and parts manufacturing | 20,900 | -1,200 | -1% |
| Plastics product manufacturing | 20,300 | -1,500 | -2% |
