Quality Job Titles & Definitions

If you are unsure about your job title, here are suggested definitions. Some were compiled by an HR expert and have been revised throughout the years; others are based on input from respondents to the QP Salary Survey. All definitions are intended only as a guide and will continue to be analyzed and refined.

 

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More Job Titles in Quality

View job titles, definitions, and average salary based on the

Analyst

Description: Initiates and coordinates quality-related data from production, service or process improvement activities and reports these data using statistical techniques.

Average salary: $69,986

$69,986

Associate

Description: Involved in quality improvement projects but not necessarily full time. Does not necessarily have primary responsibility for traditional quality management, assurance or control activities.

Average salary: $59,036

Learn about Quality Improvement Associate Certification—CQIA

$59,036

Auditor

Description: Performs and reports on internal or external quality system audits.

Average salary: $76,979

• Average with certification: $79,264
• Average without certification: $71,555

Learn about Quality Auditor Certification—CQA

$76,979

Black Belt

Description: Six Sigma or quality expert. Often a full-time team leader responsible for implementing process improvement projects in the organization to increase customer satisfaction levels and productivity.

Average salary: 

$98,445

Learn about Black Belt Certification—CSSBB

Calibration Technician

Description: Tests, calibrates, maintains and repairs electrical, mechanical, electromechanical, analytical and electronic measuring, recording and indicating instruments and equipment for conformance to established standards.

Average salary: $52,921

Learn about Calibration Technician Certification—CCT

$52,921

Champion

Description: Business leader or senior manager who ensures resources are available for quality training and projects and is involved in project tollgate reviews. Often an executive who supports and addresses Six Sigma organizational issues.

Average salary: $91,333

Learn about Yellow Belt Certification—CSSYB

Consultant

Description: Provides advice, facilitation and training on the development, administration and technical aspects of an organization’s quality improvement efforts at any or all levels. Has expertise in some or all aspects of the quality field. This person can be from outside the organization or can be an employee of the organization.

Average salary: $118,541

$118,541

Coordinator

Description: Collects, organizes, monitors and distributes information related to quality and process improvement functions, possibly including but not limited to compliance to and documentation of quality management standards, such as ISO 9001. Typically generates reports using computer skills and distributes those reports to various users in the organization or among customers and suppliers.

Average salary: $58,287

$58,287

Director

Description: Oversees all aspects of an organization’s quality or business improvement efforts, such as developing and administrating the program, training and coaching employees, and facilitating change throughout the organization. Responsible for establishing strategic plans, policies and procedures at all levels so quality improvement efforts will meet or exceed internal and external customers’ needs and expectations.

Average salary: $130,926

$130,926

Educator/Instructor

Description: Instructs or trains others on quality-related topics, tools and techniques. This person may be an employee of an organization or teach in a university or college setting.

Average salary: $101,319

$101,319

Green Belt

Description: Operates in support of or under the supervision of a Six Sigma Black Belt, analyzes quality problems and is involved in quality improvement projects. Has at least three years of work experience.

Average salary: $79,749

Learn about Green Belt Certification—CSSGB

$79,749

Inspector

Description: Inspects, audits and reports on materials, processes and products using variable or attribute measuring instruments and techniques to ensure conformance with an organization’s quality standards.

Average salary: $48,672

Learn about Quality Inspector Certification—CQI

$48,672

Manager

Description: Ensures the administration of an organization’s quality, process or business improvement efforts within a defined segment of the organization. Might be responsible for dealing with customers and suppliers on quality or performance issues. Typically has direct reports.

Average salary: $96,585

• With certification: $102,172
• Without certification: $93,353

Learn about Manager of Quality/ Organizational Excellence Certification—CMQ/OE

$96,585

Master Black Belt

Description: Six Sigma or quality expert responsible for strategic implementations within an organization. Qualified to teach other Six Sigma facilitators the methods, tools and applications in all functions and levels of an organization. Is a resource for using statistical methods to improve processes.

Average salary: $125,093

Learn about Master Black Belt Certification—MBB

$125,093

Process/ Manufacturing/ Project Engineer

Description: Performs engineering work to evaluate manufacturing processes or performance improvement projects for optimization. Duties also may include the development of processes to ensure quality, cost and efficiency requirements are met.

Average salary: $85,798

$85,798

Quality Engineer

Description: Designs, installs and evaluates quality assurance process sampling systems, procedures and statistical techniques. Designs or specifies inspection and testing mechanisms and equipment. Analyzes production and service limitations and standards. Recommends revision of specifications. Formulates or helps formulate quality assurance policies and procedures. May conduct training on quality assurance concepts and tools. Interfaces with all other engineering functions within an organization and with customers and suppliers on quality-related issues.

Average salary: $84,007

Learn about Quality Engineer Certification—CQE

$84,007

Reliability/Safety Engineer

Description: Uses principles of performance evaluation and prediction to improve the safety, reliability and maintainability of products and systems. Plans reliability tests and conducts analyses of field failures. Develops and administers reliability information systems for failure analysis and performance improvement.

Average salary: $112,058

• With certification: $115,851
• Without certification: $105,678

Learn about Reliability Engineer Certification—CRE

$112,058

Software Quality Engineer

Description: Applies quality principles to the development and use of software and software-based systems. Designs and implements software development and maintenance processes. Designs or specifies test methods for software inspection, verification and validation.

Average salary: $105,701

• With certification: $106,938
• Without certification: $98,631

Learn about Software Quality Engineer Certification—CSQE

$105,701

Specialist

Description: As the primary assignment, performs a specific quality-related function within the organization’s quality program. Examples include management representative and testing expert. Has received direct training or has been performing the activity for a number of years.

Average salary: $70,143

$70,143

Statistician

Description: Specializes in the use of statistical techniques for process control and other quality-related methods. May design research and testing methods. Reports and interprets statistical data to management.

Average salary: $132,468

$132,468

Supervisor

Description: Administers the organization’s quality improvement efforts within a defined department. Has direct reports that implement some aspect of the policies and procedures of the quality functions.

Average salary: $71,324

$71,324

Supplier Quality Engineer/ Professional

Description: Responsible for all quality improvement issues related to vendors and suppliers of materials, products or services used in development or manufacture. Assesses potential new suppliers. Works with suppliers to develop and improve an entire supply chain. May be involved in purchasing.

Average salary: $90,843

$90,843

Technician

Description: Follows basic quality techniques, possibly including calibration, to track, analyze and report on materials, processes and products to ensure they meet the organization’s quality standards.

Average salary: $49,053

Learn about Quality Technician Certification—CQT

$49,053

Vice President/Executive

Description: Establishes the direction for the development and administration of the organization’s quality improvement efforts. Consults with other executives on the attitudes and practices of quality throughout an organization to develop an environment of continual improvement in every aspect of the organization’s products and services. Acts as a champion for quality.

Average salary: $169,350

$169,350

View job titles, definitions, and average salary based on the 2016 Salary Survey