- Median salaries for U.S. quality professionals decreased by 2.54% in 2024, marking the first decline in a decade, attributed partly to a demographic shift toward younger professionals.
- Younger respondents comprise 44.1% of the survey base, up from 35.5% in 2023, leading to lower representation in higher-paying positions.
- Salary satisfaction levels remain lower than benefits or non-financial job aspects, with global respondents generally less satisfied than their U.S. counterparts.
The 2024 ASQ Salary Survey revealed a 2.54% decline in the median salary for U.S. full-time quality professionals, dropping to $115,000 from $118,000 in 2023. This is the first drop in a decade and the largest in absolute and percentage terms recorded by the survey. Historical comparisons show such declines are rare, previously occurring during periods of economic instability, such as the recovery from the 2008 financial crisis. The decrease reflects broader economic shifts following COVID-19 disruptions, including supply chain issues and workforce changes associated with the Great Resignation.
A significant demographic shift in the respondent base is a key factor influencing the decline. Younger professionals now account for 44.1% of survey participants, up from 35.5% in 2023, while representation among older age groups has decreased. This younger workforce often occupies lower-paying roles, contributing to the overall drop in median salaries. The data suggest that while pay cuts are uncommon, younger professionals entering the field and those transitioning jobs may accept lower salaries.
Salary satisfaction remains a point of contention, with only 61.3% of U.S. respondents expressing positive sentiments about their pay. This contrasts with higher satisfaction rates regarding benefits and non-financial job aspects. Outside the U.S. and Canada, satisfaction levels are significantly lower across all metrics. The survey also highlights a continuing trend where inflation outpaces salary increases, further fueling dissatisfaction among quality professionals. Additional sections of the report explore factors affecting salaries, including certifications, industry, geographic location, and education level.
[Editor’s note: Our review previous year’s results could indicate that 2024 was a correction year, so looking at 2025 results will help determine if this downward spiral is a continuing trend.]
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