The job market between May and November displayed significant variations, with monthly growth, occasional declines, and fluctuating weekly trends. Analyzing these movements offers insights into seasonal hiring patterns and specific industry dynamics, particularly in the Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) function.
May: A Modest Start with Steady Weekly Growth
May began with 566 total job listings, marking a steady but modest start to the observed period. Weekly QA/QC job postings showcased consistent demand, beginning at 190 in the week of May 11-17 and slightly dipping to 175 by May 18-26. However, the month ended on a high note with 201 postings during May 27-June 2, representing a 14.8% increase from the earlier weekly low. This gradual growth reflects a cautious yet steady hiring environment as companies prepared for more aggressive recruitment in subsequent months. May set a stable foundation for the sharp increases observed in the following months.
June: A Significant Hiring Surge with Weekly Volatility
June experienced a sharp increase in overall job listings, rising to 844—a 49.1% increase compared to May. This surge was fueled by mid-year hiring drives as businesses ramped up operations and recruitment to meet summer demands. Weekly QA/QC postings, however, displayed significant volatility. The month began with 182 postings during June 3-9, followed by a sharp decline to 100 in the week of June 10-16—a 45.1% drop. This dip likely stemmed from temporary hiring pauses or internal adjustments within specific sectors. By June 17-23, QA/QC postings rebounded to 194, and the month ended with 174 during June 24-30, reflecting overall recovery. Despite the fluctuations, June was a period of substantial growth in hiring activity.
July: A Moderate Decline with Stable QA/QC Demand
Job listings in July totaled 766, a 9.3% decrease from June. This decline aligns with seasonal trends, as hiring often slows in the summer months after mid-year expansions. Weekly QA/QC postings, however, demonstrated resilience, starting at 183 in the week of July 1-7 and gradually increasing to 199 by July 22-28, reflecting an 8.7% growth within the month. The steadiness in QA/QC roles underscores their critical importance to operations, providing job seekers with stable opportunities even during periods of broader market slowdown.
August: Gradual Recovery with Weekly Stability
August marked a slight recovery in job listings, reaching 771—a 0.7% increase from July. While overall growth was marginal, weekly QA/QC trends remained stable. Postings began at 196 during August 5-11, peaked at 201 in the week of August 12-18, and slightly declined to 186 by August 26-September 1. These figures highlight the consistent demand for quality-focused roles, as businesses maintained steady hiring efforts in preparation for the fall hiring surge. For job seekers, August offered a reliable period to explore opportunities in quality assurance functions.
September: A Peak in Activity with Accelerated Weekly Growth
September was the most active month, with job listings surging to 1055—a 36.8% increase compared to August. This substantial growth reflects the seasonal hiring peak as businesses scaled operations to meet year-end goals. Weekly QA/QC postings mirrored this trend, beginning at 194 during September 2-8 and sharply increasing to 275 by September 23-29, a 41.7% growth within the month. The demand surge in QA/QC highlights the strategic importance of quality assurance during periods of heightened activity, offering robust opportunities for professionals in this field.
October: Sustained Activity with a Slight Decline
October saw a slight decrease in job listings, totaling 1013—a 4% drop from September. This modest decline is typical as companies consolidate their hiring efforts after the peak activity in September. Weekly QA/QC postings followed a similar trend, starting at 222 during October 7-13 and rising to 240 in the week of October 14-20, before tapering off to 227 by the end of the month. Despite these fluctuations, demand for QA/QC professionals remained strong, with stable opportunities throughout the month.
November: Gradual Slowdown with Consistent QA/QC Demand
Job listings in November continued the downward trend, reaching 957—a 5.5% decrease from October. This slowdown reflects the seasonal dip in hiring activity as businesses shifted focus to year-end operations. Weekly QA/QC postings started at 219 during November 4-10, peaked at 259 in the week of November 11-17, and declined to 227 in the final week of the month. While overall hiring activity slowed, QA/QC roles maintained steady demand, offering professionals consistent opportunities even as the year drew to a close.
Most Common Job Titles
- Quality Assurance Specialist (5% of postings)
- Quality Assurance Technician (2.5% of postings)
- Quality Control Technician (2.5% of postings)
- Quality Assurance Analyst (1.8% of postings)
- Quality Assurance Manager (1.8% of postings)
These roles dominate the listings, indicating strong demand in the quality assurance and control domain.
Salary Trends
Out of the 1000+ job postings analyzed, 43.6% included salary information. The most frequently cited salary range was $50,000–$60,000 per year, reflecting the median for mid-level quality roles. While some roles offered higher compensation, the data suggests this range as a benchmark for the field.
Most Requested Certifications
- SAFe: Mentioned in 47.9% of descriptions, highlighting the demand for scaled agile professionals.
- ISO: Featured in 37.4% of postings, reflecting the emphasis on compliance and quality standards.
- Azure: Appeared in 5.5% of postings, showcasing the growing demand for cloud proficiency.
- AWS and SAP: Each appeared in 3.1% of postings, underlining their relevance in tech-integrated roles.
- Six Sigma: Included in 1.8% of descriptions, demonstrating its importance in process improvement roles.
This analysis highlights that certifications related to Agile practices and quality standards are particularly valuable, aligning with employers’ focus on efficiency, compliance, and technical adaptability.
From May to November, the job market displayed a dynamic yet predictable pattern of growth, decline, and stabilization. While hiring activity peaked in September, roles within the QA/QC function demonstrated consistent demand, underscoring their critical role across industries. For job seekers, understanding these trends provides a strategic advantage in timing applications and targeting industries during periods of heightened activity.