Life, Physical & Social Science
Quality Control Analysts
Also called: Lab Analyst, Lab Technician (Lab Tech), Laboratory Analyst, Microbiology Lab Analyst
US median pay
$62,280
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+4.4%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
11,200
89,500 employed
Typical entry education
Associate's degree
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
Conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products. May conduct stability sample tests.
What they do day to 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.
- Compile laboratory test data and perform appropriate analyses.
- Identify and troubleshoot equipment problems.
- Write technical reports or documentation, such as deviation reports, testing protocols, and trend analyses.
- Investigate or report questionable test results.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Quality Control Analysis4.0/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.4/5
- Operations Monitoring3.2/5
- Troubleshooting3.0/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Systems Evaluation3.0/5
- Systems Analysis3.0/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.0/5
Knowledge
- Mathematics4.2/5
- Production and Processing4.0/5
- Chemistry3.7/5
- English Language3.7/5
- Administrative3.3/5
- Computers and Electronics3.3/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): Associate's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma38%
- Bachelor's degree28%
- Associate's degree10%
Who this job suits
Mostly Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.