Quality Control Analysts
19-4099.01
Updated 2024

Conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products. May conduct stability sample tests.

Sample of reported job titles: Lab Analyst, Lab Technician (Lab Tech), Laboratory Analyst, Microbiology Lab Analyst, QA Auditor (Quality Assurance Auditor), QA Lab Tech (Quality Assurance Lab Technician), QA Tech (Quality Assurance Technician), Quality Control Analyst (QC Analyst), Quality Control Lab Technician (QC Lab Tech), Quality Control Technician (QC Tech)

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceCategoryTask
84
 
Core
Conduct routine and non-routine analyses of in-process materials, raw materials, environmental samples, finished goods, or stability samples.
84
 
Core
Interpret test results, compare them to established specifications and control limits, and make recommendations on appropriateness of data for release.
82
 
Core
Calibrate, validate, or maintain laboratory equipment.
80
 
Core
Ensure that lab cleanliness and safety standards are maintained.
80
 
Core
Perform visual inspections of finished products.
80
 
Core
Complete documentation needed to support testing procedures, including data capture forms, equipment logbooks, or inventory forms.
79
 
Core
Compile laboratory test data and perform appropriate analyses.
79
 
Core
Identify and troubleshoot equipment problems.
78
 
Core
Write technical reports or documentation, such as deviation reports, testing protocols, and trend analyses.
77
 
Core
Investigate or report questionable test results.
75
 
Core
Monitor testing procedures to ensure that all tests are performed according to established item specifications, standard test methods, or protocols.
72
 
Core
Identify quality problems and recommend solutions.
72
 
Core
Participate in out-of-specification and failure investigations and recommend corrective actions.
72
 
Core
Receive and inspect raw materials.
70
 
Core
Train other analysts to perform laboratory procedures and assays.
69
 
Core
Supply quality control data necessary for regulatory submissions.
69
 
Core
Serve as a technical liaison between quality control and other departments, vendors, or contractors.
66
 
Core
Write or revise standard quality control operating procedures.
66
 
Core
Participate in internal assessments and audits as required.
66
 
Core
Perform validations or transfers of analytical methods in accordance with applicable policies or guidelines.
60
 
Core
Evaluate analytical methods and procedures to determine how they might be improved.
65
 
Supplemental
Prepare or review required method transfer documentation including technical transfer protocols or reports.
64
 
Supplemental
Review data from contract laboratories to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.
63
 
Supplemental
Develop and qualify new testing methods.
54
 
Supplemental
Coordinate testing with contract laboratories and vendors.
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Worker Requirements

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:

  • 38%
     
    High school diploma or equivalent required
  • 28%
     
    Bachelor’s degree required
  • 10%
     
    Post-secondary certificate required

Worker Characteristics

Interests Save Table: XLSX CSV

Occupational InterestInterest
81
 
Conventional — Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
66
 
Investigative — Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
51
 
Realistic — Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Workforce Characteristics

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wage data for Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other.
Employment data for Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other.
Industry data for Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other.
Median wages (2022)
$24.18 hourly, $50,290 annual
State wages
Local wages
Employment (2022)
80,000 employees
Projected growth (2022-2032)
Average (2% to 4%)
Projected job openings (2022-2032)
10,200
State trends
Top industries (2022)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022 wage data and 2022-2032 employment projections . “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2022-2032). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

Job Openings on the Web

State job openings
Local job openings