Quality Control at Del Mar College
with a mid-sized student body of 9,038 in Corpus Christi, TX.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $34,991 place Del Mar College below the $51,188 national median for Quality Control — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
With a 53.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Quality Control career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
With first-year pay of $34,991 far exceeding the $5,250 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
A #6 ranking among 11 Quality Control programs places Del Mar College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
The 31 apprenticeship pathways connected to Quality Control reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Quality Control graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupational health and safety specialists | $83,910 | +12.5% | 67% |
| Industrial engineering technologists and technicians | $64,790 | +1.7% | 61% |
| Environmental engineering technologists and technicians | $58,890 | +1.2% | 59% |
About Quality Control Careers
Your work is the backbone of a safe and efficient operation. One day, you might be on a factory floor with calipers and gauges, meticulously checking that machined parts meet blueprint specifications. The next, you could be walking a construction site as a safety specialist, using an air quality monitor to test for hazards and ensuring the crew follows proper protocols. You’ll be the person who documents findings, calibrates equipment, and communicates directly with engineers and production managers to solve problems.
Compare & Explore
Quality Control Overview
Quality Control at Other Schools
Other Majors at Del Mar College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.