Science · SOC 19-4099.01
Routine data verification is increasingly automatable, but quality judgment and protocol oversight keep humans in the loop.
Parts of the job are exposed, but judgment and context still matter.
Timeline: AI-driven anomaly detection will take over routine QC data review within 3-5 years, but the audit, equipment validation, and exception-handling roles will sustain demand for experienced analysts.
Tap a skill to find courses on Coursera.
Some links are affiliate links — if you sign up or buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
$100,590 median pay
$99,240 median pay
$64,910 median pay
$139,380 median pay
$93,330 median pay
$166,290 median pay
AI job-risk card
Quality Control Analysts is watch on AIFear. Parts of the job are exposed, but judgment and context still matter.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Quality Control Analysts is 52/100 (Watch). Parts of the job are exposed, but judgment and context still matter.
52 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Compiling and analyzing laboratory test data, Writing deviation reports and testing documentation, Interpreting results against established specifications, Conducting routine in-process material analyses. Harder to automate: Calibrating and validating lab equipment, Performing visual inspections of finished products, Monitoring adherence to safety and cleanliness standards, Investigating anomalous or questionable test results.
Lean into Quality management systems (GMP, ISO), Statistical process control, Laboratory instrumentation, Root cause analysis, Regulatory documentation. Consider roles such as Quality assurance manager or Regulatory affairs specialist or Validation engineer.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.