What This Job Is
A quality inspector (质检员, or QC) checks textile products at various production stages to ensure they meet specifications and buyer standards. You'll catch defects before products ship — wrong dimensions, color mismatches, stitching flaws, fabric defects. This role is the last line of defense between the factory and the customer.
What You'll Do Each Day
- Inspect finished products against quality standards and buyer specifications
- Check dimensions, color consistency, stitching quality, and fabric integrity
- Use AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) sampling tables to determine pass/fail
- Document defects with photos and written reports
- Communicate defect findings to production line supervisors
- Review incoming raw materials (fabric rolls, trims, packaging)
- Conduct in-line inspections during production runs
- Prepare quality reports for management and buyers
Most QC inspectors work day shifts (8:00 AM – 5:30 PM). During shipment deadlines, you may need to stay late to finish final inspections.
Skills & Requirements
Self-assessment: check the skills you have
0/9Education: High school diploma or vocational certificate preferred. Many factories accept candidates without formal education if they have production experience. Third-party inspection companies (SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek) typically require a college diploma.
Physical requirements: Standing and walking for extended periods, good eyesight (color vision important), ability to lift fabric rolls (10-20 kg).
Salary Data
| Region | Entry Level | Mid Level | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guangdong (广东) | ¥5,000–6,000 | ¥6,000–8,000 | ¥8,000–12,000 |
| Zhejiang (浙江) | ¥4,500–5,500 | ¥5,500–7,500 | ¥7,500–11,000 |
| Shanghai (上海) | ¥5,500–7,000 | ¥7,000–10,000 | ¥10,000–15,000 |
| Third-party QC (SGS, Intertek) | ¥6,000–8,000 | ¥8,000–12,000 | ¥12,000–20,000 |
Note: Third-party inspection companies pay higher but require more travel. Factory QC positions are more stable with standard benefits (housing, meals). QC managers at large factories can earn ¥15,000–25,000/month.
Career Progression
Junior QC
初级质检员0–2 years
Learning inspection standards, working under a senior QC
QC Inspector
质检员2–4 years
Independent inspection, handling buyer audits
Senior QC
高级质检员4–6 years
Leading inspection teams, training junior QCs
QC Supervisor
质检主管5–8 years
Managing factory QC department, setting quality standards
Quality Manager
品质经理7–12 years
Cross-department quality systems, supplier quality management
Quality Director
品质总监10+ years
Company-wide quality strategy, compliance, buyer relations
Work Environment
Setting: Split between factory floor and office. Inspection happens on the production floor and in the QC room. Report writing and data entry happen at a desk.
Day Shift (白班)
8:00 AM – 5:30 PMLunch 12:00–1:00 PM
Pre-shipment Rush
8:00 AM – 8:00 PMLunch 12:00–1:00, Dinner 5:30–6:00
Standard hours are 5.5 days/week. Pre-shipment deadlines may require overtime 2-3 times per month. Third-party QC inspectors travel 60-80% of the time.
What sets this role apart:
- More autonomy than production roles — you decide pass/fail
- Direct contact with international buyers (at larger factories)
- Cleaner work environment than sewing/cutting operations
- Path to management is clearer than from production operator roles
How to Get Started
- From the production floor: If you're already working in a factory, ask to transfer to QC — your production knowledge is valuable
- Learn AQL basics: Free resources are available online. Understanding AQL 2.5 and AQL 4.0 sampling is the most important technical skill
- Get certified: Some training centers offer QC certification courses (质检员资格证) — helpful but not always required
- Target third-party companies: SGS, Bureau Veritas, and Intertek hire entry-level inspectors regularly — higher pay, more travel
- Browse quality inspector jobs on TexHire
Browse open positions for this role on TexHire
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