Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Government property inspectors and investigators examine facilities, equipment, and materials owned or managed by government agencies to verify compliance with contracts and regulations. They work for federal, state, or local government offices, conducting site visits, reviewing documentation, and documenting findings to ensure proper accountability and adherence to standards.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against government property inspectors and investigators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves scheduling and conducting inspections at government sites, reviewing contracts and regulatory requirements, photographing and documenting conditions, interviewing staff, and preparing detailed reports of findings. Inspectors may spend several days in the field visiting multiple locations, then return to an office to compile data, analyze results against standards, and communicate violations or compliance status to agency supervisors and contractors.
Who this work suits
Holland code CEI. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to do well in this role if you're detail-oriented and comfortable following established procedures and regulations. You're typically drawn to systematic problem-solving and ensuring compliance, and you value contributing to efficient government operations through thorough oversight and documentation.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold an associate degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Criminal Investigator · Veterans Health Administration · Phoenix, Arizona · $78117–$101558
- SUPERVISORY INVESTIGATOR (Director of Digital Forensics and Investigative Technologies) · U.S. Agency for International Development · Washington, District of Columbia · $169279–$197200
- Supervisory Equal Opportunity Investigator - Charge Receipt and Technical Information Unit (CRTIU) · Equal Employment Opportunity Commission · Washington, District of Columbia · $121785–$158322
- Entry Level Criminal Investigator - Northeast Area Field Office (NEAFO) · Office of the Inspector General, USPS · New York, New York · $67394–$96989
- Criminal Investigator - Northeast Area Field Office (NEAFO) · Office of the Inspector General, USPS · New York, New York · $88005–$163062
- Criminal Investigator (Reemployed Annuitant & CTAP/ICTAP/RPL) (Term Appointment) · Immigration and Customs Enforcement · Multiple Locations · $125776–$192694
- Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) · Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs · Keams Canyon, Arizona · $65545–$99774
- International Trade Analyst (Investigator) · U.S. International Trade Commission · Washington, District of Columbia · $85477–$111087
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $84,590 | $111,030 | $132,960 | 4,380 |
| Massachusetts | $78,390 | $102,060 | $130,230 | 13,190 |
| New Jersey | $76,180 | $100,000 | $128,790 | 13,310 |
| California | $71,240 | $96,980 | $127,380 | 49,880 |
| Connecticut | $71,810 | $91,810 | $109,990 | 3,610 |
| Delaware | $65,520 | $91,050 | $105,800 | 2,150 |
| Vermont | $68,220 | $90,420 | $108,510 | 1,960 |
| New York | $66,670 | $90,080 | $119,430 | 23,500 |
| Washington | $74,770 | $88,790 | $116,210 | 11,130 |
| Rhode Island | $74,550 | $87,620 | $110,090 | 970 |
| Minnesota | $68,200 | $85,920 | $109,010 | 6,140 |
| Pennsylvania | $63,280 | $85,580 | $130,990 | 19,810 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Erosion, Sediment and Storm Water Inspector (CESSWI) — EnviroCert International, Inc.
- Registered Environmental Property Assessor (REPA) — National Registry of Environmental Professionals
- Certified National Home Inspector (NHI) — Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors
- Rating Field Inspector — Residential Energy Services Network
- Certified Organized Retail Crime Investigator (CORCI) — McAfee Institute
- Certified Professional Property Specialist (CPPS) — National Property Management Association, Inc.
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 government property inspectors and investigators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 13-1041.04 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.