Quality Control Analysts
Medium49.25%
Found in Industries:
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$36,650
Median$58,350
High (90th %)$100,550
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Conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products. May conduct stability sample tests.
The automation risk for the occupation "Quality Control Analysts" is assessed at 49.3%, only slightly below the base risk of 50.0%. This moderate risk reflects the dual nature of the tasks involved—many responsibilities are highly procedural or repetitive, making them suitable for automation, while others require critical thinking and subjective judgment, which are currently less amenable to automation. Tasks such as conducting routine and non-routine analyses of materials or products, interpreting test results in accordance with established parameters, and calibrating or maintaining laboratory equipment are highly structured. Advances in laboratory automation technology, artificial intelligence, and robotics have made it increasingly feasible to automate these activities, especially as routine analyses involve standardized steps that can be pre-programmed and repeated with minimal human intervention. However, several core duties performed by Quality Control Analysts resist automation, thus lowering the overall risk. Tasks like evaluating new technologies and methods, coordinating testing with various external partners, and developing as well as qualifying new testing protocols, require a significant degree of creativity, adaptability, and specialized domain knowledge. These activities involve not only a deep understanding of scientific methodology but also the ability to make nuanced judgments and recommendations—a capability that remains difficult for AI and automated systems to replicate. Therefore, while machines can handle the rote aspects of testing, the strategic and innovative elements of the job remain largely dependent on human expertise. A key bottleneck in fully automating the occupation lies in the "Originality" skill, reflecting the ability to develop new ideas, approaches, or methodologies. The skill level scores—2.9% and 3.1%—indicate that while not the predominant skill in the occupation, originality is sufficiently important to act as a brake on full automation. This quality is essential for tasks like devising new testing methods or evaluating unfamiliar technologies, which do not follow pre-established routines. As long as these creative and integrative skills are essential to the role, the complete automation of quality control analysis remains unattainable, maintaining the risk of automation at just below the baseline.
Filter by Automatable Status
Conduct routine and non-routine analyses of in-process materials, raw materials, environmental samples, finished goods, or stability samples.
Partially Automatable
Interpret test results, compare them to established specifications and control limits, and make recommendations on appropriateness of data for release.
Partially Automatable
Calibrate, validate, or maintain laboratory equipment.
Non-Automatable
Ensure that lab cleanliness and safety standards are maintained.
Partially Automatable
Perform visual inspections of finished products.
Automatable
Complete documentation needed to support testing procedures, including data capture forms, equipment logbooks, or inventory forms.
Partially Automatable
Compile laboratory test data and perform appropriate analyses.
Partially Automatable
Identify and troubleshoot equipment problems.
Partially Automatable
Write technical reports or documentation, such as deviation reports, testing protocols, and trend analyses.
Partially Automatable
Investigate or report questionable test results.
Partially Automatable
Identify quality problems and recommend solutions.
Partially Automatable
Participate in out-of-specification and failure investigations and recommend corrective actions.
Partially Automatable
Receive and inspect raw materials.
Partially Automatable
Train other analysts to perform laboratory procedures and assays.
Partially Automatable
Supply quality control data necessary for regulatory submissions.
Partially Automatable
Serve as a technical liaison between quality control and other departments, vendors, or contractors.
Partially Automatable
Write or revise standard quality control operating procedures.
Partially Automatable
Participate in internal assessments and audits as required.
Partially Automatable
Evaluate analytical methods and procedures to determine how they might be improved.
Partially Automatable
Prepare or review required method transfer documentation including technical transfer protocols or reports.
Partially Automatable
Review data from contract laboratories to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.
Partially Automatable
Develop and qualify new testing methods.
Partially Automatable
Coordinate testing with contract laboratories and vendors.
Partially Automatable
Monitor testing procedures to ensure that all tests are performed according to established item specifications, standard test methods, or protocols.
Partially Automatable
Perform validations or transfers of analytical methods in accordance with applicable policies or guidelines.
Partially Automatable
Evaluate new technologies and methods to make recommendations regarding their use.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningWritingSpeakingCritical ThinkingLearning StrategiesComplex Problem SolvingEquipment MaintenanceQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationMathematicsScienceActive LearningMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingPersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsEducation and TrainingTherapy and CounselingCustomer and Personal Service
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentControlling Machines and ProcessesCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Microsoft SQL ServerMicrosoft Internet ExplorerHewlett Packard QuickTest ProfessionalMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft Visual BasicCode profilersMicrosoft WindowsIBM Rational Functional TesterMinitabLabWare LIMSMicro Focus TestPartnerThe MathWorks MATLABJavaScriptParasoft SOAtestMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft WordSAP softwareSmugMug FlickrDatabase softwareCEkoMicrosoft AccessStructured query language SQLFileMaker ProHypertext markup language HTMLHewlett Packard LoadRunnerSeleniumSpreadsheet softwareExtensible markup language XMLLaboratory information management system LIMSBorland SilkTestIBM Rational RobotWatirdBASEMicrosoft Internet ExplorerMicrosoft Visual BasicMicrosoft WindowsMinitabThe MathWorks MATLABCode profilersJavaScriptIBM Rational Functional TesterCLabWare LIMSMicro Focus TestPartnerParasoft SOAtestFileMaker ProMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft SharePointSAP softwareSmugMug FlickrDatabase softwareEkoIBM NotesAtlassian JIRASAP BusinessObjects Crystal ReportsHewlett Packard LoadRunnerSeleniumSpreadsheet softwareRelational database management softwareExtensible markup language XMLMicrosoft ExcelLaboratory information management system LIMSMicrosoft ASP.NETBorland SilkTestIBM Rational RobotWatirdBASETest automation softwareAtlassian JIRAHypertext markup language HTMLSAP BusinessObjects Crystal ReportsWord processing softwareWord processing softwareNational Instruments LabVIEWNational Instruments LabVIEWMicrosoft ASP.NETMicrosoft Internet Information Services (IIS)Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS)Test automation softwareRelational database management softwareAdobe AcrobatAdobe AcrobatIBM NotesSmartBear Software AutomatedQA TestCompleteSmartBear Software AutomatedQA TestCompleteHewlett Packard QuickTest ProfessionalMicrosoft Visual Studio Test ProfessionalMicrosoft Visual Studio Test ProfessionalMicrosoft SQL ServerMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordMicrosoft AccessStructured query language SQL
Quality Control Systems Managers
Medium50.15%
Plan, direct, or coordinate quality assurance programs. Formulate quality control policies and control quality of laboratory and production efforts.
Software Developers
Medium51.32%
Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Medium51.71%
Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.
Penetration Testers
Medium51.14%
Evaluate network system security by conducting simulated internal and external cyberattacks using adversary tools and techniques. Attempt to breach and exploit critical systems and gain access to sensitive information to assess system security.
Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
Medium45.53%
Promote worksite or product safety by applying knowledge of industrial processes, mechanics, chemistry, psychology, and industrial health and safety laws. Includes industrial product safety engineers.
Industrial Engineers
Medium52.84%
Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.
Validation Engineers
Medium45.72%
Design or plan protocols for equipment or processes to produce products meeting internal and external purity, safety, and quality requirements.
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Medium35.83%
Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium50.78%
Apply engineering theory and principles to problems of industrial layout or manufacturing production, usually under the direction of engineering staff. May perform time and motion studies on worker operations in a variety of industries for purposes such as establishing standard production rates or improving efficiency.
Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium51.17%
Implement production processes and operate commercial-scale production equipment to produce, test, or modify materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition. Operate advanced microscopy equipment to manipulate nanoscale objects. Work under the supervision of nanoengineering staff.
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium48.38%
Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
Automotive Engineering Technicians
Medium49.22%
Assist engineers in determining the practicality of proposed product design changes and plan and carry out tests on experimental test devices or equipment for performance, durability, or efficiency.
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Medium50.00%
Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.
Chemists
Medium51.25%
Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.
Food Science Technicians
Medium63.32%
Work with food scientists or technologists to perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products. Includes technicians who assist in research and development of production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and use of foods.
Chemical Technicians
Medium50.77%
Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for research and development of new products or processes, quality control, maintenance of environmental standards, and other work involving experimental, theoretical, or practical application of chemistry and related sciences.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Medium47.65%
Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.
Histotechnologists
Medium47.76%
Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Medium43.59%
Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
Medium63.83%
Inspect, test, sort, sample, or weigh nonagricultural raw materials or processed, machined, fabricated, or assembled parts or products for defects, wear, and deviations from specifications. May use precision measuring instruments and complex test equipment.
Regulatory Affairs Specialists
Medium50.05%
Coordinate and document internal regulatory processes, such as internal audits, inspections, license renewals, or registrations. May compile and prepare materials for submission to regulatory agencies.
Food Scientists and Technologists
Medium47.16%
Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food.