Aviation Inspectors
Aviation inspectors examine aircraft, maintenance work, navigation systems, and control equipment to verify compliance with Federal safety rules. They work at airports, maintenance facilities, and aviation organizations, conducting inspections and reviewing procedures to prevent safety violations.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against aviation inspectors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
An aviation inspector's week involves physical aircraft inspections, reviewing maintenance records and documentation, testing navigation and communication systems, and interviewing maintenance staff about procedures. Inspectors may spend time in hangars examining aircraft components, at control towers reviewing equipment logs, or in offices writing inspection reports and noting violations or corrective actions needed.
Who this work suits
Holland code CRI. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely excel at this work if you prefer hands-on technical problem-solving and following established procedures carefully. You work well with concrete systems and details, enjoy ensuring things meet exact standards, and are comfortable with both independent inspections and rule-based documentation.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Aviation Safety Inspector (General Aviation Operations) (Principal Operations Inspector - Flight Program) · Federal Aviation Administration · FAA Flight Standards Duty Locations Nationwide · $107446–$139684
- Supervisory Aviation Safety Inspector - All Specialties (Front Line Manager) · Federal Aviation Administration · Albuquerque, New Mexico · $112992–$175172
- Aviation Safety Inspector (General Aviation Operations) · Federal Aviation Administration · Multiple Locations · $107446–$139684
- Aviation Safety Inspector (General Aviation - Operations) · Federal Aviation Administration · Multiple Locations · $90925–$118204
- Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations), Assistant Principal Operations Inspector · Federal Aviation Administration · Multiple Locations · $90925–$118204
- Aviation Safety Inspector (AW-ACV) (Principal Avionics Inspector - Air Carrier) · Federal Aviation Administration · Anchorage, Alaska · $142216–$184886
- Aviation Safety Inspector (ACM), Principal Maintenance Inspector · Federal Aviation Administration · Irving, Texas · $115711–$150426
- Aviation Safety Inspector (General Aviation-Avionics) · Federal Aviation Administration · Orlando, Florida · $125776–$163514
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $100,190 | $123,120 | $146,950 | 170 |
| Iowa | $89,340 | $116,850 | $150,630 | 60 |
| Oklahoma | $109,990 | $111,070 | $111,070 | 470 |
| Hawaii | $65,980 | $108,270 | $138,670 | 150 |
| Alabama | $101,440 | $108,140 | $108,140 | 670 |
| North Dakota | $79,440 | $106,330 | $122,930 | 60 |
| Washington | $81,520 | $104,250 | $147,430 | 490 |
| Kansas | $47,220 | $103,380 | $106,780 | 210 |
| Florida | $67,800 | $101,470 | $134,600 | 1,630 |
| Texas | $74,500 | $101,440 | $129,570 | 2,290 |
| Maryland | $71,990 | $100,700 | $124,590 | 250 |
| Georgia | $61,620 | $95,030 | $117,620 | 880 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) — National Business Aviation Association
- Coating Inspector Program - Bridge Specialty — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance
- Coating Inspector Program Level 1 - Marine Specialty — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance
- Coating Inspector Program - Nuclear Specialty — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against aviation inspectors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 53-6051.01 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.