Also called: QC Analyst, Lab Tester
Tests products like paint, food, or medicine to make sure each batch meets specifications.
You pull samples from the factory line, measure things like thickness, pH, and color, and flag anything out of spec before it ships.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 1 year after high school. High school diploma or associate degree; trained on the job.
Ways in: On-the-job training, 2-year college. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Chemical Technology (2-year), Chemistry.
Growing about average (about 2% over 10 years).
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. Inline sensors and automated testers check batches on the line; fewer QC tech jobs.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply to food, paint or chemical plants for QC lab technician jobs; many train high-school grads
Classes: Chemistry, Algebra, Manufacturing CTE.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-4031.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.