Footwear quality control laboratory technician

About this occupation

Footwear quality control laboratory technicians perform all laboratory tests of footwear and materials or components according to the national and international standards. They analyse and interpret their results, and prepare the report for the quality manager, advising on rejections or acceptances. They apply previously defined quality management tools aiming for achievement of the objectives stated in the quality policy. They participate in monitoring and control of the quality system, namely internal and external auditing. They collaborate in the preparation of documents related to quality and in the linkage with outsourced laboratories for the tests which cannot be performed inside the company.

A specialisation of quality engineering technician.

• Conduct routine and non-routine analyses of in-process materials, raw materials, environmental samples, finished goods, or stability samples.
• Interpret test results, compare them to established specifications and control limits, and make recommendations on appropriateness of data for release.
• Calibrate, validate, or maintain laboratory equipment.
• Ensure that lab cleanliness and safety standards are maintained.
• Perform visual inspections of finished products.
• Complete documentation needed to support testing procedures, including data capture forms, equipment logbooks, or inventory forms.

Typical education (US)

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)

Preparation

Job Zone 3 of 5

Interests

Conventional, Investigative, Realistic

Top skills: Quality Control Analysis, Reading Comprehension, Monitoring, Active Listening, Complex Problem Solving, Writing

US median pay: US$62,280 a year (2025), 73,910 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Subjects this work relies on

How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).

• Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (4.2)
• ChemistryO*NET: ChemistryVery important (3.7)
• English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.7)
• Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.3)

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

Preparation needed

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most common education (US)

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.