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Quality Inspector Jobs in Salinas, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Manufacturing Quality Inspector

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Quality Control Inspector Location: Morgan Hill, CA About the job The Quality Control Inspector ensures incoming materials and finished products meet quality standards through inspections, testing ...

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How much do quality inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for quality inspector in Salinas, CA is $21.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a quality inspector do?

A Quality Inspector is responsible for examining products and materials for defects or deviations from specifications. They use various measuring tools and testing procedures to ensure that items meet required quality standards before they reach customers. Quality Inspectors document their findings, report issues to supervisors, and may recommend improvements to production processes. Their role is essential in maintaining product safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a quality inspector?

To thrive as a Quality Inspector, you need strong attention to detail, knowledge of quality standards, and experience with inspection techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, and quality management systems (QMS) like ISO 9001 is essential. Excellent problem-solving skills, effective communication, and a commitment to teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These qualifications ensure products consistently meet safety and regulatory standards, minimizing defects and supporting operational excellence.

How does a quality inspector typically collaborate with production and engineering teams to resolve quality issues?

Quality Inspectors work closely with production and engineering teams to identify, document, and address quality concerns as they arise. When an issue is detected, inspectors provide detailed reports and may participate in root cause analysis meetings with engineers and production supervisors. Their insights help implement corrective actions and prevent recurrence, ensuring that all products meet the required standards. This collaborative environment promotes continuous improvement and fosters strong communication between departments.

What is the difference between Quality Inspector vs Quality Control Technician?

AspectQuality InspectorQuality Control Technician
CertificationsISO 9001, ASQ certificationsISO 9001, ASQ certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, labsManufacturing facilities, labs
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, aerospace, automotiveManufacturing, electronics, pharmaceuticals
Primary FocusInspecting products for defects, ensuring standardsPerforming tests, measuring quality parameters

Both roles involve quality assurance in manufacturing settings and often require similar certifications. However, Quality Inspectors primarily focus on visual and dimensional inspection of products, while Quality Control Technicians perform testing and measurements to verify quality standards. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers identify the right role based on skills and responsibilities.

How much do quality inspectors earn?

Quality inspectors typically earn between $35,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Entry-level inspectors may start at lower wages, while experienced professionals or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries. Certifications and familiarity with inspection tools can also influence earnings.

What are the duties of a quality inspector?

A quality inspector is responsible for examining products and materials to ensure they meet specified standards and quality requirements. They perform inspections using tools like calipers and gauges, document findings, and identify defects or non-conformities to maintain product quality and safety. The role often requires attention to detail, knowledge of quality standards, and adherence to safety protocols.

What qualifications do I need to be a quality inspector?

To become a quality inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience or training in quality control, manufacturing, or a related field. Certifications such as Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) or training in inspection tools like calipers and gauges can enhance job prospects. Strong attention to detail, good communication skills, and familiarity with industry standards are also important.
More about Quality Inspector jobs

What cities near Salinas, CA are hiring for Quality Inspector jobs?

Cities near Salinas, CA with the most Quality Inspector job openings:

Quality Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Quality Inspector job openings in Salinas, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,573 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Quality Inspector, Incoming Inspector

Joby Aviation

Marina, CA

$25 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. Since 2009, our team has worked steadily to make this dream a reality. We’ve designed and tested many generations of prototype aircraft capable of serving in a network of electric air taxis. We’re looking for talented, committed individuals to join our team as we push onward toward certifying the Joby aircraft, scaling our manufacturing, and launching our initial commercial service.


Joby Aviation is seeking a highly organized, passionate individual to join our quality assurance team. As part of this team, you will perform quality incoming inspections on a variety of items, supplied to Joby from internal, and external, sources for VTOL electric aircraft. The inspection process is critical to the company’s success and paves the way for production. The Joby Aviation team is made up of extremely talented, hardworking, proactive, and hands-on individuals, operating in a very fast-paced and rewarding environment. We are looking to expand this team with like-minded individuals looking to make a mark in the transportation industry. We are hiring for our Marina location.


  • Perform Quality Incoming Inspection on supplied parts, materials, and other items as applies
  • Perform in-process inspection during the production process
  • Perform final inspection on dispositioned shipments
  • Perform final inspection, and confirmation, of Supplier provided documents to assure they are complete and accurate
  • Perform ad hoc part, process, and assembly inspections
  • Document and relay nonconformance information
  • Review and confirm the accuracy of First Article Inspection Reports in compliance with SAE AS9102 (as required)
  • Conduct Foreign Object Damage (FOD) inspections/audits
  • The ability to inspect to established criteria which may vary from one part/item to another

  • High-school diploma or GED plus three (3) years of on-the-job experience with a minimum (1) one year Quality Inspection experience
  • Proficient use of inspection tools or machinery (i.e. surface plate, thread gauges, pin gauges, micrometers, calipers, height master and height gauge, multi-meter, and other hand tools as applies)
  • Understand how to measure using surface plate layouts
  • Working knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and understanding the x, y, z coordinate system
  • Ability to read and interpret quality control specifications, blueprint drawings and engineering specifications including mechanical and electrical symbols and conventions, key, critical, major and minor characteristics
  • Must know basic quality terms, definitions and concepts.
  • Must understand types of measurement, measurement terminology and the different types of measurement scales
  • Must know the difference between accuracy and precision and be able to select the appropriate measuring tools and techniques
  • Must be able to identify/recognize inspection errors and nonconformances and initiate corrective action
  • Must understand sample size requirements for lots and pulling random samples
  • Understanding different testing methods
  • Understand traceability (product, material and calibration)
  • Ability to work within a team environment

  • General knowledge of ASME Y14.5M
  • IPC-620 Certification
  • Knowledge of AS9102 First Article Inspection Requirement
  • Understanding basic statistical terms and techniques, how to plot data and how to recognize out-of-control conditions
  • Ability to use inspection planning tools and perform a product audit; determine sample size for lots; pull random samples
  • Strong knowledge of basic mathematical operations and perform measurement conversions; be able to solve for x; add and subtract degrees, minutes, and seconds.
  • ASQ Certified Quality Inspector Certificate

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $25-$35/hr. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.


Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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