Quality Control Systems Managers

SOC code 11-3051 · O*NET-SOC 11-3051.01 · Considerable preparation needed

Quality Control Systems Managers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$126,060

a year

Hourly

$60.61

per hour

10th$78,000Median$126,06090th$205,520

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$134,170

$64.50 per hour

Middle 50%

$98,160 – $161,880

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$78,000 – $205,520

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

246,250

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Industrial Production Managers”, not this job alone.

10th percentile: $78,000; $37.50/hr
25th percentile: $98,160; $47.19/hr
Median percentile: $126,060; $60.61/hr
75th percentile: $161,880; $77.83/hr
90th percentile: $205,520; $98.81/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+2%

Growing about as fast as average

241,900

jobs in 2024

246,500

projected for 2034

About 4,600 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What does a quality control systems manager do?

Plan, direct, or coordinate quality assurance programs. Formulate quality control policies and control quality of laboratory and production efforts.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Stop production if serious product defects are present.
Review and update standard operating procedures or quality assurance manuals.
Monitor performance of quality control systems to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.
Review quality documentation necessary for regulatory submissions and inspections.
Analyze quality control test results and provide feedback and interpretation to production management or staff.
Verify that raw materials, purchased parts or components, in-process samples, and finished products meet established testing and inspection standards.
Oversee workers including supervisors, inspectors, or laboratory workers engaged in testing activities.
Direct product testing activities throughout production cycles.

How to become a quality control systems manager

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 100% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

See all zone 4 occupations →

Common questions

How much does a quality control systems manager earn?

The national median is $126,060 a year. The full range runs from $78,000 at the 10th percentile to $205,520 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a quality control systems manager without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Is quality control systems manager in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 2% between 2024 and 2034 — growing about as fast as average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.0/5
Active Listening3.9/5
Writing3.9/5
Speaking3.9/5
Monitoring3.9/5
Critical Thinking3.8/5

Knowledge areas

Production and Processing4.1/5
Education and Training4.1/5
English Language4.1/5
Chemistry3.9/5
Customer and Personal Service3.8/5
Administration and Management3.7/5
Mathematics3.6/5
Engineering and Technology3.5/5

Transferable strengths: Quality Control Analysis, Judgment and Decision Making, Coordination, Complex Problem Solving.