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QUALITY
CONTROL INSPECTORS
Overview
Quality control inspectors examine products to make sure they meet
standards.
Quality control inspectors monitor quality standards for products. They
make sure companies follow product manufacturing rules. Inspectors work at
all stages of production. Some inspect the materials that go into
products. Others check products when they are partially complete. Another
group of inspectors tests completed products.
Programs
Quality control inspectors read blueprints or work orders to learn about
products. They analyze the information to learn how to measure or test
products. Next, they collect product samples for testing. Inspectors take
measurements, look for visible defects, or perform tests. They may use
testing equipment such as thermometers, voltmeters, or moisture meters.
Some inspectors use their senses while testing products. For example,
fabric testers use touch to determine the grade of fabrics. After
measuring samples, inspectors compare their findings against government or
company standards. When there is a problem, inspectors suggest changes in
production methods. They keep records of their findings. They compile the
information and write reports for their supervisors.
Some jobs involve a quick visual check, while others may require a longer
inspection. Quality control inspectors may need to put together a product
before they can test it. They may attach an instrument to the part or to
the production line. They read gauges and dials to determine if the
equipment is running properly. Inspectors may mark an item to show whether
it has been accepted or rejected. When something has been rejected, they
may take it apart or throw it away. After testing is complete, inspectors
clean and repair equipment.
There are many types of quality control inspectors. Their titles reflect
what they inspect. Mechanical inspectors check to see if parts move
correctly or are greased properly. Electrical and electronic inspectors
test the flow of electricity. Others may inspect precision devices or
materials that make up other products. Quality control inspectors may work
by themselves. They may also work in teams, or under a more experienced
inspector. Some quality control inspectors supervise other testers. Others
write or install computer programs that do the testing for them.
Work
Activities
The following list of occupational
tasks is specific to this career.
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Read work
orders or blueprints to learn what the products are and how to inspect
them.
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Collect
samples for testing.
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Inspect
products and determine if they meet standards.
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Position or
connect parts or instruments for testing or operation.
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Use tools or
equipment.
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Read dials
and meters to see if equipment is running properly.
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Mark items
for acceptance or rejection. Record test results.
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Talk to
staff about inspection results and suggest ways to fix problems.
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Take apart
or discard products that are not acceptable.
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Prepare test
and inspection reports.
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Clean and
repair test equipment and machines.
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Supervise
testing staff or inspection teams.
People in this
career perform the following list of tasks, but the tasks are common to
many occupations.
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Inspect
equipment, structures, or materials.
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Monitor
processes, materials, and surroundings.
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Identify
objects, actions, and events.
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Get
information needed to do the job.
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Evaluate
information against standards.
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Analyze and
process data or information.
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Judge the
qualities of objects, services, or people.
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Update and
use job-related knowledge.
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Handle and
move objects.
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Document and
record information.
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Communicate
with supervisors and coworkers.
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Control
machines and processes.
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Implement
ideas, programs, systems, or products.
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Perform
administrative activities.
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Provide
advice and consultation to others.
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Perform
general physical activities.
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Repair and
maintain electronic and mechanical equipment.
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Draft, lay
out, and specify technical devices, parts, or equipment.
Working
Conditions
In a typical work setting, people in this career:
Interpersonal
Relationships
Physical Work
Conditions
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Often work
indoors. They rarely work outdoors, but it depends on what they
inspect or where they travel to inspect it.
-
May be
exposed to the noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable.
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Occasionally
wear safety attire. Sometimes wear attire to protect the product, such
as food, from contamination.
Work
Performance
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Must fully
complete and be exact in their work. Errors could result in unsafe
products that seriously endanger the public's health.
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Must keep up
with the pace of the machinery.
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Repeat the
same physical activities.
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Must be
aware of changes to the design of products.
Hours/Travel
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Usually work
full time.
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May work
evenings, nights, or weekends.
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May work
overtime to reach production goals.
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May travel
to other production sites, especially if working for large companies.
Physical
Demands
People in this
career frequently:
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Use hands to
handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
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May stand
throughout their shift in some industries, and may sit in others.
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Repeat the
same motions.
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Walk during
inspections.
It is important
for people in this career to be able to:
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See details
of objects that are less than a few feet away.
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See
differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
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Make quick,
precise adjustments to machine controls.
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Use fingers
or hands to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
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Hold the arm
and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
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Speak
clearly so listeners can understand.
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Make fast,
simple, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
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Hear sounds
and recognize the difference between them.
It is not as
important, but still necessary, for people in this career to be able to:
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Focus on one
source of sound and ignore others.
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See details
of objects that are more than a few feet away.
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Move two or
more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and
one arm) while remaining in one place.
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Determine
from which direction a sound came.
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Bend,
stretch, twist, or reach out with the body, arms, and/or legs.
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Recognize
and understand the speech of another person.
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React
quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
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Use muscles
to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
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Use stomach
and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without
getting tired.
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Choose
quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to
different signals.
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Adjust body
movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of
moving objects.
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Move arms
and legs quickly.
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Determine
the distance between objects.
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Use muscles
for extended periods without getting tired.
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Use muscles
to jump, sprint, or throw objects.
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Coordinate
movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while
the body is moving.
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While
looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
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Keep or
regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable
position.
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Be
physically active for long periods without getting out of breath.
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Quickly and
repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with the body, arms,
and/or legs.
Skills
& abilities
People in this career need to:
Communicate
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Understand
spoken information.
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Express
ideas clearly when speaking or writing.
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Read and
understand work-related materials.
Reason and
Problem Solve
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Notice when
something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
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Identify
problems and review information. Analyze options and apply solutions.
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Follow
guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
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Use
reasoning to discover answers to problems.
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Develop
rules that group items in various ways.
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Combine
several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
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Concentrate
and not be distracted while performing a task.
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Remember
information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
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Make sense
of information that seems without meaning or organization.
Use Math and
Science
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Add,
subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.
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Use math and
science skills to solve problems.
Manage
Oneself, People, Time and Things
Work with
Things
-
Test and
inspect products or processes. Evaluate quality or performance.
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Watch
gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Operate and
control equipment.
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Determine
the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
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Determine
the tools and equipment needed to do a job.
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Maintain
equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of
maintenance is needed.
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Install
equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
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Analyze
needs and requirements when designing products.
Perceive and
Visualize
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Quickly and
accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
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Imagine how
something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
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Identify a
pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in
distracting material.
Knowledge
People in this career need knowledge in the following areas:
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Mechanical:
Knowledge of designing, using, and repairing machines and tools.
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Production
and Processing: Knowledge of how products are made and supplied.
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Mathematics:
Knowledge of the rules and uses of numbers. Areas of knowledge include
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics.
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Engineering
and Technology: Knowledge of how to build machines, buildings, and
other things. Also includes knowledge of how to use computers,
machines, and tools to do work more usefully.
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Design:
Knowledge of making and using plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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English
Language: Knowledge of the meaning, spelling, and use of the English
language.
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Computers
and Electronics: Knowledge of computer hardware and software.
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Telecommunications:
Knowledge of the equipment that is used to send messages as electronic
impulses. Examples include radio, television, telegraph, and cable.
Interests
People in this career are people who tend to:
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Consider
support from their employer important. They like to be treated fairly
and have supervisors who will back them up. They prefer jobs where
they are trained well.
-
Consider
good working conditions important. They like jobs offering steady
employment and good pay. They want employment that fits their
individual work style. They may prefer doing a variety of tasks,
working alone, or being busy all the time.
-
Consider
achievement important. They like to see the results of their work and
to use their strongest abilities. They like to get a feeling of
accomplishment from their work.
-
Consider
independence important. They like to make decisions and try out ideas
on their own. They prefer jobs where they can plan their work with
little supervision.
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Have
realistic interests. They like work activities that include practical,
hands-on problems and solutions. They like to work with plants,
animals, and physical materials such as wood, tools, and machinery.
They often prefer to work outside.
-
Have
conventional interests. They like work activities that follow set
procedures, routines, and standards. They like to work with data and
detail. They prefer working where there is a clear line of authority
to follow.
Preparation
Many quality control inspectors learn
their skills on the job. The training varies by the amount of
responsibility the inspector will have. Employees who conduct simple tests
learn to use meters, gauges, and computers. They also take classes on
blueprint reading, safety, and reporting rules.
Some formal training is available at community colleges or vocational
schools. However, many employers prefer to train staff in their own way of
inspecting.
Experienced inspectors conduct the most complex tests. Many of these
inspectors have been assemblers, machine operators, or mechanics. They
receive training in statistical process control and quality assurance
policies.
High school courses in math and computer skills provide a good background
for this occupation. Courses in shop and electronics are also helpful.
Summer or temporary jobs as assemblers or machine operators are good ways
to gain experience in the field.
Hiring
Practices
Most employers prefer to hire quality control inspectors who have a high
school degree or GED. Employers who need more complex inspecting hire
experienced production workers. They may hire assemblers or machine
operators because they know the product and how it is made.
Employers look for applicants who have good math and computer skills. They
also look for good hand-eye coordination and vision.
Licensing
& Certification
No State of Minnesota license requirements are found for this career.
Wages
In Minnesota, the median wage for quality control inspectors is $15.31 per
hour, which works out to $2,653 per month for a full time worker. Half
of all quality control inspectors earn between $12.35 and $18.68 per hour,
or between $2,141 and $3,238 per month.
Nationally, the median wage for quality control inspectors is $2,350 per
month. Half of all quality control inspectors earn between $1,800 and
$3,150 per month.
Pay varies by the type of inspecting. Work that requires more skill pays
more than jobs that involve routine tasks. Pay also varies by location. In
general, wages are higher in large cities than in small towns.
Quality control inspectors who work full time usually receive benefits.
Typical benefits include health insurance, sick leave, and paid vacation.
Employment
In Minnesota, about 7,985 quality control inspectors work in this
medium-sized occupation.
Separate employment numbers for quality control inspectors are not
available. However, this occupation is included in the larger group of
"precision inspectors, testers, and graders." Nationally, about
515,400 people work in this medium-sized occupation group. Two out of
three inspectors work in manufacturing.
Major employers:
Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturers
Plastic Products Manufacturers
Semiconductor Manufacturers
Temporary Worker Agencies
Outlook
In Minnesota, the employment for
quality control inspectors is expected to decline through the year 2012.
Separate outlook information for quality control inspectors is not
available. However, this occupation is included in the larger group of
"precision inspectors, testers, and graders." Nationally,
employment for this group is expected to decline through the year 2008.
American manufacturers are working to increase the quality of their
products. Thus, more companies are investing in computerized testing. This
testing equipment helps inspectors complete more work. As a result,
employers do not need to hire as many workers as they once did. As the
cost for this new technology goes down, more firms will be able to
purchase the equipment. In addition, many companies are having production
workers do more inspection of the products they produce.
However, humans are better than computers at evaluating some aspects of
product quality. For example, humans are better at inspecting the texture
and appearance of items. Thus, there will continue to be a need for
quality control inspectors in some industries.
Most job openings will occur as current workers transfer to other jobs or
retire. Most jobs will be given to workers who have advanced skills and
experience.
Advancement
Opportunities
Beginning inspectors start by performing basic tests. To advance to more
complex precision inspecting, experienced workers may need more training.
Advancement for quality control inspectors often is in the form of higher
pay. Experienced inspectors may move up to inspecting more complex
products. Those with leadership skills may become supervisors. Others may
move to related positions, such as purchasing agent.
Page
last updated in August 2006.
Source: Minnesota
Department of Children, Families & Learning (MCIS) Minnesota
Career Information System
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