Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation
O*NET 53-6051.07 · SOC 53-6051
Transportation Vehicle 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 commercial trucks and buses for mechanical safety defects
- →Check vehicle brakes, lights, and tires for regulatory compliance
- →Examine railroad cars and track equipment for safety hazards
- →Document equipment defects and order vehicles out of service
- →Verify that vehicle weight and load limits are not exceeded
Education & How to Get In
Transportation Vehicle roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Transportation Vehicle involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Transportation Vehicle?
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 Vehicle Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation is projected to grow 2.2% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·47% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·42% 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 Vehicle make?
The median Transportation Vehicle 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 Vehicle jobs?
Our model puts Transportation Vehicle at 57 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 47% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 42% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Transportation Vehicle 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 Vehicle?
Most Transportation Vehicle roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become a Transportation Vehicle?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Transportation Vehicle 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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