Quality Assurance Technician
Conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products. May conduct stability sample tests.
Annual openings
236
BLS median wage
$63,760
Typical education
Training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
10-year growth
+9%
Career requirements
What does this career require?
The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.
Typical education
Training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Credential requirement
No specific credential listed yet
Credential detail
No credential is required. Some manufactured goods must meet special quality requirements, such as Aerospace Manufacturing meeting AS 9100 Certification standards. In those cases, those certifications will be valued.
Work experience
No previous work experience is required. However, jobs as an inspector can help you gain experience for this job.
Employer competency information
- Feedback from employers identified the following competencies as being critical to success: Effective communication with peers when a problem is found, the ability to read blueprints, and the use of hand and precision tools.
Is this work a fit?
What the work actually feels like
How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.
Automation exposure
Low exposure
Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.
A typical day
- Conduct routine and non-routine analyses of in-process materials, raw materials, environmental samples, finished goods, or stability samples.
- Interpret test results, compare them to established specifications and control limits, and make recommendations on appropriateness of data for release.
- Calibrate, validate, or maintain laboratory equipment.
- Ensure that lab cleanliness and safety standards are maintained.
- Perform visual inspections of finished products.
- Complete documentation needed to support testing procedures, including data capture forms, equipment logbooks, or inventory forms.