Transportation Inspectors
Transportation inspectors examine equipment, cargo, and vehicles to ensure safe transport of goods and people. They work for railroads, shipping companies, government agencies, and transportation departments, conducting inspections at yards, terminals, docks, and along routes to identify safety hazards and regulatory violations.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against transportation inspectors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A transportation inspector's week includes physical inspections of vehicles, cargo containers, and track conditions, reviewing maintenance records and safety documentation, and writing detailed inspection reports. Work may involve walking through rail yards, climbing onto equipment, examining brake systems and cargo securing, and interviewing operators or dock workers. Inspectors also coordinate with maintenance teams on compliance issues and may testify about violations.
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 prefer concrete, hands-on work and following established procedures and regulations. You're detail-oriented, methodical, and comfortable making objective judgments about safety and compliance—qualities that suit someone drawn to conventional and realistic work.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- Supervisory Transportation Security Inspector (Surface) · Transportation Security Administration · Houston, Texas · $145052–$188573
- Supervisory Transportation Security Inspector-Surface · Transportation Security Administration · Arlington, Virginia · $143913–$187093
- Supervisory Transportation Security Inspector (Surface) · Transportation Security Administration · Multiple Locations · $90925–$118204
- Supervisory Transportation Security Inspector - Surface · Transportation Security Administration · Denver, Colorado · $118675–$154280
- TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANT (PERSONAL PROPERTY INSPECTOR) · Air Education and Training Command · Lackland AFB, Texas · $51201–$66563
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
- 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 transportation inspectors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 53-6051.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.