Best institutions to study Quality Control Technology/Technician
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in maintaining consistent manufacturing and construction standards.
49 U.S. institutions graduated 442 Quality Control Technology/Technician students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 15.0702, a specialization of Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.07), and leads most directly to the Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers occupation (BLS SOC 51-9061).
About Quality Control Technology/Technician programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in maintaining consistent manufacturing and construction standards. Includes instruction in quality control systems management principles, technical standards applicable to specific engineering and manufacturing projects, testing procedures, inspection procedures, related instrumentation and equipment operation and maintenance, and report preparation.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Quality Control Technology/Technician program prepares individuals to support engineers and other professionals in maintaining consistent manufacturing and construction standards. This program is ideal for those interested in applying engineering principles and technical skills in quality control and safety technologies. Students will gain the necessary knowledge to ensure products and processes meet established specifications.
Core coursework includes quality control systems management, inspection procedures, testing methodologies, and the operation and maintenance of related instrumentation. Students will also develop essential skills in critical thinking, mathematics, and effective communication.
Credentials awarded
What Quality Control Technology/Technician graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year224 graduates / yr · 28 institutions51%
- Associate's degree71 graduates / yr · 12 institutions16%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years65 graduates / yr · 10 institutions15%
- Master's degree53 graduates / yr · 3 institutions12%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate29 graduates / yr · 7 institutions6.6%
Graduates over time
Quality Control Technology/Technician completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 606 |
| 2013 | 681 |
| 2014 | 659 |
| 2015 | 687 |
| 2016 | 683 |
| 2017 | 637 |
| 2018 | 608 |
| 2019 | 546 |
| 2020 | 450 |
| 2021 | 440 |
| 2022 | 499 |
| 2023 | 477 |
| 2024 | 422 |
| 2025 | 442 |
Top 49 institutions for Quality Control Technology/Technician, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert. | 48 | 52% | — | — |
| 2 | San Jacinto Community College Pasadena, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 37 | 30% | — | — |
| 3 | California State University - Dominguez Hills Carson, CAPublicMaster's | 35 | 43% | — | — |
| 4 | Utah Valley University Orem, UTPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 30 | 45% | — | — |
| 5 | Tri - County Technical College Pendleton, SCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 25 | 42% | — | — |
| 6 | Fox Valley Technical College Appleton, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 25 | 65% | — | — |
| 7 | Tarrant County College District Fort Worth, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 22 | 34% | — | — |
| 8 | Ferris State University Big Rapids, MIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 20 | 47% | — | $67,753 |
| 9 | Ogden - Weber Technical College Ogden, UTPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 17 | 53% | — | $55,875 |
| 10 | Southeast Community College Area Lincoln, NEPublicAssociate's | 13 | 38% | — | $57,207 |
| 11 | Tarleton State University Stephenville, TXPublicMaster's | 11 | 48% | — | — |
| 12 | Central Community College Grand Island, NEPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 10 | 48% | — | — |
| 13 | Northcentral Technical College Wausau, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 45% | — | — |
| 14 | Universidad Ana G. Mendez - Gurabo Campus Gurabo, PRPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's | 10 | 31% | $9,370 | — |
| 15 | Illinois State University Normal, ILPublicPost-degree cert. | 9 | 65% | — | — |
| 16 | Tulsa Community College Tulsa, OKPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 9 | 28% | — | — |
| 17 | Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, MIPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 8 | 46% | — | — |
| 18 | Illinois Central College East Peoria, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 7 | 49% | — | — |
| 19 | Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, INPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 7 | 40% | — | — |
| 20 | Central Connecticut State University New Britain, CTPublicPost-degree cert. | 6 | 48% | — | — |
| 21 | Gateway Technical College Kenosha, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 51% | — | — |
| 22 | St Petersburg College St. Petersburg, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 38% | — | — |
| 23 | East Carolina University Greenville, NCPublicPost-degree cert. | 5 | 63% | — | — |
| 24 | Edmonds College Lynnwood, WAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 29% | — | — |
| 25 | Lakeshore Technical College Cleveland, WIPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 5 | 50% | — | — |
| 26 | Chippewa Valley Technical College Eau Claire, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 50% | — | — |
| 27 | Goodwin University East Hartford, CTPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's | 4 | 58% | $30,133 | — |
| 28 | Hennepin Technical College Brooklyn Park, MNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4 | 42% | — | — |
| 29 | Missouri Southern State University Joplin, MOPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4 | 42% | — | — |
| 30 | Chattanooga State Community College Chattanooga, TNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4 | 26% | — | — |
| 31 | Pennsylvania College of Technology Williamsport, PAPublicAssociate's | 4 | 53% | — | — |
| 32 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana Natchitoches, LAPublicPost-degree cert. | 3 | 43% | — | — |
| 33 | Herkimer County Community College Herkimer, NYPublicAssociate's | 3 | 35% | — | — |
| 34 | Sinclair Community College Dayton, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 3 | 41% | — | — |
| 35 | Waukesha County Technical College Pewaukee, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 3 | 44% | — | — |
| 36 | Palomar College San Marcos, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 38% | — | — |
| 37 | Connecticut State Community College New Britain, CTPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 24% | — | — |
| 38 | Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KYPublicPost-degree cert. | 2 | 56% | — | — |
| 39 | Macomb Community College Warren, MIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 2 | 18% | — | — |
| 40 | Muskegon Community College Muskegon, MIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 28% | — | — |
| 41 | Anoka Technical College Anoka, MNPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 2 | 66% | — | — |
| 42 | Antelope Valley Community College District Lancaster, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 34% | — | — |
| 43 | Broward College Fort Lauderdale, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 39% | — | — |
| 44 | Purdue University Fort Wayne Fort Wayne, INPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 36% | — | — |
| 45 | Barton County Community College Great Bend, KSPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 33% | — | — |
| 46 | Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids, MIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 21% | — | — |
| 47 | Edison State Community College Piqua, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 38% | — | — |
| 48 | Lorain County Community College Elyria, OHPublicAssociate's | 1 | 31% | — | — |
| 49 | Northwest State Community College Archbold, OHPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1 | 46% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians field (CIP 15.07) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 25 states & territories
Where Quality Control Technology/Technician graduates come from. Each state links to all Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 51-9061, Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers, and its national outlook.
Graduates can pursue careers as Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers. The job outlook indicates little or no change in employment opportunities, with approximately 69,900 annual openings. The median wage for this occupation is $47,460, and a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 15.0702
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighersprimary SOC 51-9061 | $48,570 | 0.0% Little or no change | ~69,900 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Quality Control Technology/Technician programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Discard or reject products, materials, or equipment not meeting specifications.
- Mark items with details, such as grade or acceptance-rejection status.
- Measure dimensions of products to verify conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as rulers, calipers, gauges, or micrometers.
- Notify supervisors or other personnel of production problems.
- Inspect, test, or measure materials, products, installations, or work for conformance to specifications.
- Write test or inspection reports describing results, recommendations, or needed repairs.
Tools and technology used
Other Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians specializations
The 5 other 6-digit CIP codes under Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.07).
- Occupational Safety and Health Technology/CIP 15.0701
Technician 3,546 graduates / yr58 institutions - Industrial Safety Technology/CIP 15.0703
Technician 268 graduates / yr19 institutions - Quality Control and Safety Technologies/CIP 15.0799
Technicians partial data121 graduates / yr9 institutions
Show 2 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Hazardous Materials Information Systems Technology/
Technician15.0704 - Process Safety Technology/
Technician15.0705
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
See all Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians programs →
Common questions
What is the duration of the program?+
The program typically awards credentials ranging from at least 12 weeks to less than 2 academic years.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, mathematics, active listening, and effective communication.
What kind of jobs can I get after graduation?+
You can work as an Inspector, Tester, Sorter, Sampler, or Weigher.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
There are approximately 69,900 annual openings with little or no change in growth expected.
What is the CIP code for Quality Control Technology/Technician?+
Quality Control Technology/Technician is CIP 15.0702 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.07). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in maintaining consistent manufacturing and construction standards. Includes instruction in quality control systems management principles, technical standards applicable to specific engineering and manufacturing projects, testing procedures, inspection procedures, related instrumentation and equipment operation and maintenance, and report preparation.
How many institutions offer Quality Control Technology/Technician programs?+
49 U.S. institutions reported Quality Control Technology/Technician graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 25 states & territories, awarding 442 credentials in the year. That is 10.1% of all Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians graduates.
How much do Quality Control Technology/Technician graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers occupation, which Quality Control Technology/Technician most directly leads to, pays a median of $48,570 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians field report median earnings of $57,207 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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