Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers examine raw materials, parts, and finished products to identify defects and verify they meet specifications. They work in manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and quality control departments across industries, using precision instruments and test equipment to assess quality and consistency.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves visually inspecting items for defects, operating measuring instruments to verify dimensions, and documenting results. Workers may sort materials into categories, collect samples for testing, or use scales and gauges to check weights and specifications. They follow established procedures, record data, and report findings to supervisors or quality teams.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You do well in this work if you're detail-oriented and comfortable following precise procedures and standards. You prefer structured, hands-on tasks where the standards are clear, and you're satisfied seeing concrete results from systematic, methodical work.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Engineering Technician (Aerospace) (QC Inspector) · Federal Aviation Administration · Oklahoma City, Oklahoma · $90547–$140335
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 | $63,640 | $78,150 | $116,510 | 300 |
| Washington | $49,190 | $64,420 | $106,080 | 12,010 |
| Maryland | $46,760 | $61,790 | $82,820 | 4,600 |
| Hawaii | $41,600 | $59,740 | $68,930 | 650 |
| District of Columbia | $50,140 | $59,730 | $72,180 | 70 |
| Colorado | $48,210 | $58,350 | $70,850 | 5,220 |
| Montana | $47,080 | $58,070 | $76,920 | 580 |
| Wyoming | $44,880 | $57,900 | $73,880 | 990 |
| Delaware | $41,180 | $57,190 | $62,850 | 1,020 |
| Minnesota | $48,060 | $57,170 | $62,910 | 9,710 |
| Connecticut | $45,440 | $57,090 | $75,740 | 7,460 |
| Rhode Island | $44,520 | $54,940 | $77,830 | 1,790 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Coating Inspector Program - Level 1 (CIP) — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance
- Coating Inspector Program - Level 3 Peer Review — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance
- Commercial Mechanical Inspector (CMI) — International Code Council
- Pressure Vessels Inspector Certification (API 510) — American Petroleum Institute
- Piping Inspector Certification (API 570) — American Petroleum Institute
- Coating Inspector Program Level 2 - Bridge 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
and 10 more
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Four short assessments and your background, scored against inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-9061.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.