Transportation Inspectors
O*NET 53-6051.00 · SOC 53-6051
Transportation Inspector is a solid career choice. Median pay is $92k a year with +2.2% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 2,300 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Inspect transportation vehicles for compliance with safety regulations
- →Review shipping documents and manifests for accuracy and completeness
- →Investigate transportation accidents to determine causes and violations
- →Issue citations or warnings for regulatory violations found
- →Write detailed inspection reports documenting findings and required corrections
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Transportation Inspector roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Structured, offices, data centers, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Transportation Inspector involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Transportation Inspector?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Transportation Inspector Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Transportation Inspectors is projected to grow 2.2% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·44% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·32% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Transportation Inspector make?
The median Transportation Inspector earns $92k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Transportation Inspector jobs?
Our model puts Transportation Inspector at 47 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 44% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 32% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Transportation Inspector a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 2.2% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 2,300 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Transportation Inspector?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Transportation Inspector roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Transportation Inspector?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Transportation Inspector career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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