Quality Assurance Inspector

A quality assurance inspector must have at least a high school diploma or GED to begin work. Training is typically done for the position of quality control inspector on the job by the employer, although there are situations where more knowledge will be required. In addition to on the job training there are vocational programs available to provide the skills required to work as a quality assurance inspector. Through technological advances more and more companies are automating factories but the need for people to perform the tasks of quality assurance inspectors still exists.

Quality assurance inspectors must familiarize themselves fully with the field which they wish to enter since there are a number of industries that require people to inspect the quality of the goods and services provided to the public. There are also degree programs that can give those in the field of quality assurance a boost in their careers. The more experience and knowledge that is acquired the better the chances of advancing to management in the field of quality assurance.

The tasks of the quality assurance inspector are varied depending on the field in which they work. The main function of a quality assurance inspector is to test the products that are being manufactured to assure they meet the company's standards. There are specific job requirements depending on the field that they are working in. For example food inspectors will do inspections not only of the appearance, but the taste of the food as well, along with the quality of the packaging that it's in.

When a quality assurance inspector works in the manufacturing industry they will check products that have been assembled for quality and safety. The International Organization for Standardization is what is followed around the world as a guideline for these inspectors. These inspectors will check welding, and various aspects of the product while keeping records of each inspection.

In order to complete the job at hand the quality assurance inspector must be familiar with the specifications of the product and actually sample them to be sure that specifications are met. When a quality assurance inspector finds something wrong with a product they must oversee the correction as well as analyzing data and making recommendations for improving the products. They are also responsible for training and assisting in the carrying out of quality control functions by operators. The details of assemblies are checked and reports compiled by a quality assurance inspector.

Quality assurance is also required in the areas of banking, administration and consulting along with several other industries and occupations. The specific job tasks will vary depending on the actual industry or occupations the quality assurance inspector is responsible for.

While training is provided on the job for quality assurance inspectors there are things that are specific to the job that one has to learn. Computers, gauges, special meters, along with blueprints are all part of training for a quality assurance inspector. The ability to read and interpret blueprints is a must for those working in this field.

Testing methods and the interpretation of blueprints are taught in vocational programs. They must also have the ability to pay attention to detail in order to find imperfections in the items being manufactured and sold to the public. It helps if those wishing to enter into the field of quality assurance inspector enjoy both clerical and administrative work and have adequate skills in the area of communication.

Quality assurance inspectors must be flexible enough to work alone or as part of a group. They have to be safety conscious, have an eye for detail and approach solving problems in a methodical manner. There is also a need to analyze and interpret blueprints, data, and materials to get manufacturing specifications.

Associate degrees can be obtained for quality control management. Additional information about inspecting can be gotten from the American Society for Quality located in Milwaukee, WI.

The average wage for quality assurance inspectors was $15/hour. When the skill levels increase so does the pay such as with management and supervisor positions in the field. Searching job postings you will find positions that have pay scales ranging from $15.00 to $25.00 an hour. The quality assurance inspectors in the lowest ten percent of the pay scale earned less than $9 an hour while those in the highest ten percent earned over $24 per hour.

The actual salary of a quality assurance inspector will vary depending on the field of industry that they work in as well. When management and supervisory positions are held the pay increases as it does with additional training and education.

The most experienced consultants are leaders in the field of quality assurance inspectors such as those employed by CMMI, Six Sigma, Advance Product Quality Planning (APQP), and Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA).

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) is a leader when it comes to the devotion it has for quality. The goal is to provide companies with the tools needed to ensure that products are of the highest quality. CSCI Professional is a quality assurance organization that oversees the quality assurance assessments of those caring for the elderly. These along with Six Sigma, Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), CMMI and Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) are also among the leading organizations for quality assurance inspectors setting the standards for quality.

Even though the workplace is being filled with automated systems the need for quality assurance inspectors is still increasing.

Currently the top cities for jobs as a quality assurance inspector are Houston, Texas, first followed by Los Angeles, California. Tied for third are Philadelphia, PA and Wichita, KS. Due to the constant need for quality the prospects for jobs in quality assurance seem to have a good outlook.