Quality Professionals See Salary Upswing, ASQ Survey Finds

The 24th annual salary survey by Quality Progress, the flagship publication of the American Society for Quality (ASQ), confirms a positive shift in the quality profession. U.S. full‑time quality professionals now command an average salary of $85,289—up from $83,442 in 2009 and $81,064 in 2008—reflecting growing demand for quality expertise. For full survey details, visit the QP website at qualityprogress.com.

As in prior surveys, 2010 data also show that compensation rises with experience:

• Quality professionals with more than 20 years of experience earned an average of $94,756.
• Those with 10 to 20 years earned $86,993 on average.
• Those with 10 or fewer years earned $71,129 on average.

Specific job titles combined with tenure also drive significant salary differentials. For instance, quality managers boasting over 20 years of experience earn, on average, $4,000 more than managers with 10–20 years, and more than $12,000 more than those with 10 or fewer years.

A comprehensive four‑year analysis reveals encouraging labor trends. Only 3.1% of 2010 respondents reported being unemployed, retired, or laid off—down from 4.9% in 2009. Moreover, a larger share of 2010 participants said their organizations avoided furloughs, layoffs, or hiring freezes amid the sluggish economy.

Certifications Can Mean Cash

This year, 59% of survey respondents held at least one ASQ certification, and 25% held two or more. Certifications not only broaden skill sets but also translate into higher earnings.

Managers who are ASQ Certified Managers of Quality/Organizational Excellence earn, on average, $7,938 more in the U.S. and $3,274 more in Canada than their non‑certified peers.

Certified Quality Auditors receive a salary premium of $15,451 on average in the U.S., and $12,839 in Canada.

The most valuable ASQ certifications remain the Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) and Certified Quality Engineer (CQE).

Six Sigma expertise continues to pay off. U.S. professionals with Master Black Belt training earned a premium exceeding $20,000 compared to those capped at Black Belt.

“We are encouraged that quality professionals are gaining ground in terms of the recognition they are receiving for contributions to improving their organizations’ bottom lines,” said Paul Borawski, CEO of ASQ. “It’s clear that ASQ certifications and training provide a professional credibility and marketability that is helping quality professionals to gain a competitive edge in a volatile economy.”

While the quality profession weathered the recession, the survey underscores an expanding array of growth opportunities for practitioners.

For 24 years, ASQ has published this annual salary survey—an industry benchmark that reflects the health of the profession. The 2010 survey aggregated 5,348 responses, predominantly from the United States and Canada, and dissected salaries by job title, education, experience, and geography.

About ASQ
ASQ (www.asq.org) is a global community of quality professionals dedicated to sharing ideas and tools that make our world work better. With millions of individual and organizational members in 150 countries, ASQ has the reputation and reach to bring together diverse champions who are transforming corporations, organizations, and communities to meet tomorrow’s critical challenges. ASQ is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., with national service centers in China, India and Mexico.