Quality Engineer Salary in USA 2025
Six Sigma certification premium and manufacturing breakdown
Quality Engineer Salary Range
How Much Do Quality Engineers Earn in 2025?
Quality engineers are manufacturing and quality professionals who ensure products meet quality standards through process control, testing, inspection, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies.
2025 quality engineer salaries show strong variation: average $92,748–$115,864, with entry-level starting around $50,000 and top performers earning $170,000–$179,000. Six Sigma Engineers (Black Belt, Master Black Belt) earn $115,864 average, with top earners reaching $179,000.
Experience and certifications dramatically impact pay—quality engineers can increase earnings significantly through Six Sigma, ASQ certifications, and specialized industry expertise. Senior quality engineers reach $100K+ with Six Sigma certification. For context, see the average salary in the US.
Quality Engineer Salary by Experience Level
Experience drives significant salary progression:
| Experience Level | Salary / Percentile | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (0–2 years) | $50,000 | Learning, support, data collection |
| Early career (3–5 years) | $72,500 (25th) | Independent projects, RCA, improvement |
| Mid-level (5–9 years) | $92,748 avg | Leading initiatives, supplier quality |
| Senior (10+ years) | $128,000 (75th) | Leadership, systems management |
| Top / Six Sigma Expert | $170K–$179K (90th+) | Black Belt, transformation, consulting |
Entry-Level Quality Engineer (0–2 Years)
Salary: ~$50,000 (10th percentile)
Focus: Learning quality systems, supporting inspections, data collection.
Early Career (3–5 Years)
Salary: $72,500 (25th percentile)
Focus: Independent quality projects, root cause analysis, process improvement.
Mid-Level Quality Engineer (5–9 Years)
Average: $92,748
Focus: Leading quality initiatives, supplier quality, advanced problem-solving.
Senior Quality Engineer (10+ Years)
Salary: $128,000 (75th percentile)
Focus: Department leadership, quality systems management, strategic initiatives.
Top Quality Engineers / Six Sigma Experts
Salary: $170,000–$179,000 (90th percentile)
Focus: Black Belt/Master Black Belt projects, enterprise transformation, consulting.
Six Sigma Certification Salary Premium
Six Sigma certifications significantly increase quality engineer compensation:
Six Sigma Engineer Salary Data
Average annual salary: $115,864
Hourly wage: $55.70
Top earners (90th percentile): $179,000 annually
75th percentile: $151,500 annually
25th percentile: $83,000 annually
| Six Sigma Level | Typical Salary Range | Premium vs Non-Certified |
|---|---|---|
| No certification | $70,000–$95,000 | Baseline |
| Yellow Belt | $75,000–$100,000 | +$5K–$10K |
| Green Belt | $80,000–$105,000 | +$10K–$18K |
| Black Belt | $105,000–$145,000 | +$20K–$35K |
| Master Black Belt | $130,000–$180,000 | +$35K–$55K |
Six Sigma Belt Levels
Yellow Belt: +$5,000–$10,000 premium. Project team member, basic improvement tools.
Green Belt: +$10,000–$18,000 premium. Lead small improvement projects, part-time quality focus.
Black Belt: +$20,000–$35,000 premium. Full-time quality professional, lead major projects, mentor Green Belts.
Master Black Belt: +$35,000–$55,000 premium. Enterprise transformation, train Black Belts, strategic quality initiatives.
Certification ROI
Black Belt certification cost: $3,000–$5,000 (training + exam)
Time investment: 200–300 hours study/project work
Career earnings increase: $400,000–$700,000 over career
Break-even: 6–12 months after certification
Quality Engineer Salary by Industry
Industry significantly impacts quality engineer compensation:
| Industry | Typical Salary Range | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Aerospace/Defense | $95K–$140K | High-criticality, tight tolerances |
| Pharmaceuticals/Medical | $90K–$135K | FDA compliance, validation |
| Automotive | $85K–$125K | APQP, PPAP, high volume |
| Semiconductors | $85K–$130K | Precision, cleanroom |
| Industrial Manufacturing | $75K–$110K | Diverse products |
| Food & Beverage | $70K–$105K | HACCP, food safety |
| Consumer Goods | $65K–$95K | Cost-focused |
Highest-Paying Industries
Aerospace/Defense ($95K–$140K): Tight tolerances, high-criticality work, AS9100 requirements.
Pharmaceuticals/Medical Devices ($90K–$135K): FDA compliance, validation expertise required.
Automotive ($85K–$125K): APQP, PPAP methodologies, high volume production.
What Quality Engineers Do: Role and Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities
Developing quality plans, conducting inspections/audits, root cause analysis (8D, 5 Why, Fishbone), statistical process control (SPC), supplier quality management, continuous improvement projects, and regulatory compliance.
Methodologies
Six Sigma (DMAIC), Lean Manufacturing, ISO 9001, APQP/PPAP (automotive), FDA QSR (medical).
Essential Tools
Minitab, statistical analysis, measurement systems analysis (MSA), control charts, and inspection equipment.
Job Outlook and Career Growth
Strong Outlook
Manufacturing automation, quality standards, and regulatory compliance drive sustained demand. Companies increasingly require Six Sigma certifications.
Career Progression
Management track: Quality Engineer → Senior Quality Engineer → Quality Engineering Manager → Director of Quality → VP Quality/Chief Quality Officer
Six Sigma track: Quality Engineer → Six Sigma Black Belt → Master Black Belt → Quality Consultant
How to Increase Your Quality Engineer Salary
Earn Six Sigma Black Belt
Increases salary by $20K–$35K immediately.
Gain Experience
Top earners make $179K versus $50K entry-level—a 3.6x increase.
Target High-Paying Industries
Aerospace, pharma, and automotive pay 30–50% premiums over consumer goods.
Pursue Master Black Belt
Adds $35K–$55K over baseline quality engineer salary.
Get ASQ Certifications
CQE (Certified Quality Engineer), CQA (Certified Quality Auditor) add credibility and earning potential.
Specialize in Regulated Industries
Pharma, medical devices, and aerospace require quality expertise that commands premium pay.
Develop Technical Skills
Statistical software (Minitab), programming (Python), and data analysis increase value.
See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average quality engineer salary in 2025?
Quality engineers earn $92,748 average. Entry-level earns $50,000, mid-level $92,748, senior $128,000, and top performers $170,000–$179,000. Six Sigma certified engineers average $115,864.
How much do Six Sigma Black Belts earn?
Six Sigma Black Belts earn $105,000–$145,000 typically, representing a $20,000–$35,000 premium over non-certified quality engineers. Master Black Belts earn $130,000–$180,000. Six Sigma Engineers average $115,864 with top earners reaching $179,000.
Do quality engineers need Six Sigma certification?
Not required, but highly valuable. Six Sigma certification adds $10,000–$55,000 to salary depending on belt level. Companies increasingly require or prefer Six Sigma certification, especially for senior roles. Black Belt certification pays for itself within 6–12 months.
Which industries pay quality engineers the most?
Aerospace/Defense ($95K–$140K), Pharmaceuticals/Medical Devices ($90K–$135K), and Automotive ($85K–$125K) pay the highest. These industries require specialized quality expertise and regulatory compliance.
Is quality engineering a good career in 2025?
Yes. Strong demand driven by manufacturing automation and quality standards. Competitive salaries ($50K–$179K across levels), clear certification-based advancement (Six Sigma), and opportunities across all manufacturing industries. Six Sigma certifications provide excellent ROI.