Inspect, test, sort, sample, or weigh nonagricultural raw materials or processed, machined, fabricated, or assembled parts or products for defects, wear, and deviations from specifications. May use precision measuring instruments and complex test equipment.
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
SOC: 51-9061 O*NET: 51-9061.00
Median Salary
$48,570
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 2.5%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
66.7
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Inspect, test, sort, sample, or weigh nonagricultural raw materials or processed, machined, fabricated, or assembled parts or products for defects, wear, and deviations from specifications. May use precision measuring instruments and complex test equipment.
What does a Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$35,510
10th percentile
Early Career
$39,890
25th percentile
Median
$48,570
50th percentile
Experienced
$61,440
75th percentile
Top Earners
$77,860
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$35,510
25th
$39,890
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$48,570
Mean: $53,450
75th
$61,440
90th
$77,860
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $42,350 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $39,890 and $61,440
- •Salary spread is 44.4% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 597,370 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:602,000
Top Industries
Manufacturing64.1%
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing10.7%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services9.7%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+2.5%
Annual Openings:66,700
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)602,000
Current
2035 (Projected)617,200
+2.5%
+15,200
Employment Change
+2.5%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
61,130 jobs$54,3000.87x
Texas
56,390 jobs$46,2101.04x
Ohio
32,060 jobs$47,3601.50x
Illinois
31,700 jobs$47,9201.35x
Michigan
27,980 jobs$44,4901.65x
Pennsylvania
25,870 jobs$48,3201.11x
Indiana
24,790 jobs$47,9002.02x
Florida
22,630 jobs$47,5400.59x
Georgia
19,980 jobs$46,1301.06x
New York
19,790 jobs$49,9900.53x
North Carolina
19,700 jobs$46,4301.04x
Wisconsin
17,670 jobs$49,6101.56x
Tennessee
17,140 jobs$45,7601.36x
South Carolina
13,360 jobs$46,8901.51x
Kentucky
12,880 jobs$46,2801.68x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Quality Control Analysis
100%
#2
Production and Processing
100%
#3
Oral Expression
100%
#4
Critical Thinking
94%
#5
Oral Comprehension
92%
#6
Writing
86%
#7
English Language
86%
#8
Near Vision
82%
#9
Active Listening
80%
#10
Speaking
74%
Skills Overview
Quality Control Analysis
advanced5.0
100%
Production and Processing
advanced5.0
100%
Oral Expression
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced4.7
94%
Oral Comprehension
advanced4.6
92%
Writing
intermediate4.3
86%
English Language
intermediate4.3
86%
Near Vision
intermediate4.1
82%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Quality Control Analysis
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Production and Processing
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Oral Expression
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Oral Comprehension
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
English Language
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Near Vision
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Perceptual Speed
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Customer and Personal Service
intermediateImportance70%
knowledge
3.5/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Medical Transcriptionists80%
5 shared skills
Crane and Tower Operators73%
5 shared skills
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic73%
5 shared skills
Office Machine Operators, Except Computer73%
5 shared skills
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders73%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Writing
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Production and Processing
- ✓English Language
Learn on the Job:
- →Operations Monitoring
- →Mechanical
- →Judgment and Decision Making
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Quality Control Analysis
- ✓Writing
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Production and Processing
- ✓English Language
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Quality Control Analysis
- ★Writing
- ★Active Listening
- ★Production and Processing
- ★English Language
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
The MathWorks MATLAB
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechDassault Systemes SolidWorks
🔥 Hot TechAtlassian JIRA
🔥 Hot TechApache Hive
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechStructured query language SQL
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SharePoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechExtensible markup language XML
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechR
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
The MathWorks MATLAB
Autodesk AutoCAD
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Atlassian JIRA
Apache Hive
Microsoft Access
Structured query language SQL
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Outlook
Extensible markup language XML
SAP software
R
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (18)Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)Analysis & Evaluation (1)
1
Discard or reject products, materials, or equipment not meeting specifications.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Inspect, test, or measure materials, products, installations, or work for conformance to specifications.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Record inspection or test data, such as weights, temperatures, grades, or moisture content, and quantities inspected or graded.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping94% perform96%
4
Mark items with details, such as grade or acceptance-rejection status.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Measure dimensions of products to verify conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as rulers, calipers, gauges, or micrometers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Analyze test data, making computations as necessary, to determine test results.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation85% perform90%
7
Collect or select samples for testing or for use as models.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Compare colors, shapes, textures, or grades of products or materials with color charts, templates, or samples to verify conformance to standards.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Write test or inspection reports describing results, recommendations, or needed repairs.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Read dials or meters to verify that equipment is functioning at specified levels.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.96
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.85
Self-Control
CriticalSelf-Control
Importance Level4.66
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.46
Independence
Very ImportantIndependence
Importance Level4.43
Stress Tolerance
Very ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.41
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
5.0
Dependability
4.8
Self-Control
4.7
Cooperation
4.5
Independence
4.4
Stress Tolerance
4.4
Integrity
4.3
Analytical Thinking
4.3
Initiative
4.2
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.2
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers.
Browse Training Programs →The Apprenticeship Route: Earn While You Learn
You don't necessarily need to pay for school to enter this field. There are 156 registered apprenticeship sponsors for this occupation in the U.S. DOL system — including 48 union/joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one, typically starting at 40–50% of the journeyman rate, and finish with no tuition debt.
Most sponsors: MI (21) , TX (13) , SC (11) , VA (10) , CO (9)
How apprenticeships work →Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov)
Trade Colleges That Train for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
2.4k program completions/year
South Florida Institute of Technology
Miami, FL
1.4k program completions/year
Texas State Technical College
Waco, TX
1.4k program completions/year
Tulsa Welding School-Houston
Houston, TX
1.1k program completions/year
River Parishes Community College
Gonzales, LA
1.1k program completions/year
Tulsa Welding School-Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FL
1.1k program completions/year
Refrigeration School Inc
Phoenix, AZ
863 program completions/year
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Lexington, KY
789 program completions/year
Maysville Community and Technical College
Maysville, KY
776 program completions/year
Des Moines Area Community College
Ankeny, IA
685 program completions/year
Arclabs
Piedmont, SC
669 program completions/year
John C Calhoun State Community College
Tanner, AL
649 program completions/year