Posting date:
14/08/2025
Quality control analysts play an important role in the drug and device development and manufacturing processes, ensuring products meet strict regulatory criteria. If you’re interested in a career as a QC analyst, this guide will show you what the role involves and how to get started. You’ll learn about the following:
- What is a quality control analyst?
- What does a quality control analyst do?
- Types of QC analyst employers
- How to become a quality control analyst
- Skills you need to become a quality control analyst
- Average quality control analyst salaries
- Quality control analyst career progression opportunities
What is a quality control analyst?
QC analysts make sure that products remain uniform and their quality remains consistent throughout the manufacturing process. They’re responsible for carrying out detailed inspections and tests on product samples taken from different stages during their production. Their main objective is to confirm that these samples meet the required design specifications and quality standards so that the product can move onto the next stage of the assembly line.
What does a quality control analyst do?
As a quality control analyst, you’ll carry out different tasks each day to make sure that products are fit for purpose. Some of your roles and responsibilities will include:
- Taking and analysing samples from all stages of manufacturing or handling to ensure they meet project standards
- Working at different stages in production, such as raw material extraction, in-process checks or final product testing
- Adhering to established procedures, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), Good Manufacturing Process (GMP), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) where applicable
- Applying methods specific to the industry you’re working in, often involving basic laboratory tasks and specialised testing equipment
- Recording findings in technical documents and laboratory reports
- Carrying out routine maintenance on equipment, including fault finding, calibration and minor repairs
- Helping to define assay criteria and assisting in drafting standard procedures
- Performing both standard and specialised tests on raw materials, in-process items, finished products, as well as environmental and stability samples
- Reviewing test outcomes, comparing them with set criteria and advising on whether results are suitable for release
- Keeping laboratory instruments calibrated and in good working order
- Conducting quality control checks throughout production, comparing results with standards outlined in SOPs
What to expect working as a quality control analyst
Your work environment
As a QC analyst, your work environment can vary depending on the company or industry. You may handle different types of samples and testing methods, or you might work with consistent procedures throughout your role. Most organisations operate under Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and internal quality guidelines. In regulated industries, you’ll also need to follow specific legislation and official standards, ensuring compliance through regular internal and external audits.
Your work schedule
QC analysts are often required to work shift patterns, which may include rotations, weekends, and unsociable hours. Flexibility is important, as production and testing schedules can vary to meet operational demands.
Challenges and rewards
QC analysts often face challenges such as shift work, varied or repetitive testing tasks and strict compliance with procedures and regulations. Regular audits also require consistent attention to detail and accurate documentation.
Working as a QC analyst also has many benefits, including the opportunity to develop technical expertise, problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of regulatory standards. Analysts often enjoy structured career progression, exposure to cross-functional teams and the satisfaction of maintaining high standards that impact end users positively.
Types of employers
Quality control analysts are in demand across a wide range of companies. Some of the many different employers looking to hire QC analysts include:
- Chemical manufacturers
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Environmental consultancies
- Waste management companies
- Materials manufacturers (plastics, resins, polymers etc)
- Chemical distribution companies
- Water/utilities companies
- Biopharmaceutical companies
- Medical device manufacturers
- Gene therapy developers
How to become a quality control analyst
Education
If you’re aiming to become a quality control analyst, the first step is to get a bachelor’s degree (or a higher-level qualification) in chemistry or a related field that’s related to the industry you want to work in. For instance, degrees in pharmaceutical sciences or biochemistry are common pathways.
Experience
Alongside your studies, seeking practical experience through internships or entry-level roles can help you gain skills and industry knowledge.
Additional qualifications
Pursuing certifications can also enhance your qualifications and make you a stronger candidate. Depending on the role, you may need to demonstrate expertise in techniques such as HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography), GC (gas chromatography), and MS (mass spectrometry).
Skills you need to become a quality control analyst
To become a quality control analyst, you need a combination of different skills. The main ones that you’ll need to be successful in the role include:
- Teamwork: collaborating with others to gather and analyse data
- Attention to detail: quickly spotting errors and taking corrective action
- Communication skills: effectively communicating across teams, both verbally and in writing
- Prioritisation skills: managing tasks and deadlines efficiently
- Performance monitoring: tracking how well people or systems are doing to make improvements
- Reading comprehension: understanding work-related documents and protocols
- Problem solving: identifying issues and determining effective solutions
- Systems awareness: understanding how systems work and how changes affect them
- IT and programming knowledge: understanding code and IT systems (especially relevant for QC analysts in tech)
- Critical thinking: analysing programs or processes to identify issues
- Creative problem-solving: thinking outside the box to resolve complex issues
- Big picture thinking: understanding how individual components affect the overall system or product
Average salaries of a quality control analyst
Quality control analyst salaries in the UK
In the UK, the average salary for an entry-level QC analyst is £30,350 per year. Whereas mid-level QC analysts can expect an annual salary of £38,590 per year. And, with experience, you could develop your career and earn up to £41,775 per year in a senior role, such as a QC stability coordinator.
Quality control analyst salaries in the US
Quality control analysts in the US can expect an average salary of $63,177 per year and with career progression, senior QC analyst roles can expect to earn an annual salary of around $85,627 per year.
Quality control analyst salaries in Europe
The country you work for in Europe and the type of organisation you're employed by will affect your salary. In Germany, a typical entry-level salary for a QC analyst is €41,228 per year. The average salary for the role in the country is €56,839 per year and with experience, senior quality control analysts in Germany can expect to earn around €69,851 per year.
Quality control analyst salaries in Australia
Those starting out in entry-level QC analyst roles in Australia will earn an average of $52,796 per year, which will rise to $65,000 per year with a few years of experience. Meanwhile, experienced quality control analysts in the country can expect to earn an average of $102,999 per year.
Quality control analyst career progression
A QC analyst position is a great starting point for building a career in the pharmaceutical, biotech or manufacturing industries. It offers a foundation that can support future endeavours across different sectors or working environments.
After gaining initial experience, you may choose to progress into more specialised roles such as a chemist or microbiologist or continue within the quality function. Within the quality department, potential career paths include:
- QA officer
- QC supervisor
- QA auditor
- QA manager
With further development, you may advance into leadership roles such as quality control manager or regulatory affairs manager. Over time, this could lead to senior positions like director of quality or chief quality officer, where you would be responsible for overseeing quality operations at an organisational level.
Career progression will depend on the industry and organisation you work for. It is recommended to research specific sectors and employers as part of your job search to help define your long-term career goals.
Explore quality control analyst opportunities with Proclinical
The Proclinical team connects life sciences professionals with impactful roles at companies driving global change. Use our job search tool to find your next opportunity or upload your CV and one of our team will contact you with exclusive roles and insights.
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