The average salaries of quality professionals in the United States increased for the fourth year in a row in 2018, according to the latest ASQ Quality Progress Salary Survey.
The report showed an average salary increase of 1.64 percent to $94,561. This result is the largest increase since 2015, when salaries rose 2.78 percent, and exceeds the average salary increase of 1.5 percent from 2008 to 2017 year over year.
ASQ Chair Elmer Corbin said it is encouraging to see the average salary of quality professionals increase for the fourth year in a row.
“It demonstrates that organizations continue to value the important work of quality professionals,” Corbin said. “Furthermore, the research results continue to illustrate a connection between ASQ certifications and training and the potential for higher salaries for certain individuals.”
The survey also shows a coloration between the number of ASQ certifications earned and a higher potential salary, with quality professionals with one certification earning $7,670 more than those with none, and those with two certifications earning $11,127 more than those with one. However, this is only true to a point. For those with four or more ASQ certifications earnings tend plateau at an average of $113,111—a premium of $3,175 over those with three certifications.
In addition to the number of certifications earned, the survey results show Six Sigma training significantly impacts average salaries. For example:
- Quality professionals who complete at least one level of Six Sigma training make more than $17,000 more than those with no training.
- While the difference between those who complete Yellow Belt training and those with no training is minimal—a difference of $569—Green Belts earn more than $10,000 more than Yellow Belts.
- Master Black Belts earn an average $134,981, compared to $86,696 for those without any Six Sigma training—a difference of more than $48,000.
Now in its 32nd year, Quality Progress’ annual Salary Survey outlines the health of the quality profession. The survey organizes the results into 26 sections and sorts the data by variables, which include job title, education, years of experience, and location.