Inspect equipment or goods in connection with the safe transport of cargo or people. Includes rail transportation inspectors, such as freight inspectors, rail inspectors, and other inspectors of transportation vehicles not elsewhere classified.
Transportation Inspectors
SOC: 53-6051 O*NET: 53-6051.00
Median Salary
$85,750
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 1.7%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
2.5
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
Inspect equipment or goods in connection with the safe transport of cargo or people. Includes rail transportation inspectors, such as freight inspectors, rail inspectors, and other inspectors of transportation vehicles not elsewhere classified.
What does a Transportation Inspectors do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$40,090
10th percentile
Early Career
$58,650
25th percentile
Median
$85,750
50th percentile
Experienced
$105,020
75th percentile
Top Earners
$137,120
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$40,090
25th
$58,650
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$85,750
Mean: $86,490
75th
$105,020
90th
$137,120
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $97,030 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $58,650 and $105,020
- •Salary spread is 54.1% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 23,320 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:25,700
Top Industries
Support Activities for Transportation14.5%
Support Activities for Air Transportation8%
Rail Transportation7.8%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+1.7%
Annual Openings:2,500
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)25,700
Current
2034 (Projected)26,100
+1.7%
+400
Employment Change
+1.7%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Transportation Inspectors professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 46 locations
New York
3,730 jobs$91,1502.58x
Texas
2,890 jobs$84,1801.38x
California
1,900 jobs$75,5900.70x
Florida
1,670 jobs$86,7701.13x
New Jersey
1,020 jobs$54,8601.59x
Illinois
980 jobs$57,5901.06x
Arizona
930 jobs$45,9501.93x
Georgia
830 jobs$98,1501.14x
Massachusetts
510 jobs$92,8700.93x
North Carolina
450 jobs$75,5700.60x
Ohio
440 jobs$79,8600.52x
Tennessee
430 jobs$74,4500.88x
Washington
420 jobs$97,3600.79x
Colorado
420 jobs$91,6600.96x
South Carolina
350 jobs$79,0401.03x
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 2024
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Quality Control Analysis
100%
#2
Operations Monitoring
92%
#3
Active Listening
82%
#4
Speaking
74%
#5
Reading Comprehension
66%
#6
Troubleshooting
58%
#7
Operation and Control
48%
#8
Critical Thinking
40%
Skills Overview
Quality Control Analysis
advanced5.0
100%
Operations Monitoring
advanced4.6
92%
Active Listening
intermediate4.1
82%
Speaking
intermediate3.7
74%
Reading Comprehension
basic3.3
66%
Troubleshooting
basic2.9
58%
Operation and Control
basic2.4
48%
Critical Thinking
basic2.0
40%
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
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance92%
skills
4.6/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance82%
skills
4.1/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Troubleshooting
basicImportance58%
skills
2.9/5.0
Operation and Control
basicImportance48%
abilities
2.4/5.0
Critical Thinking
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders89%
5 shared skills
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators80%
5 shared skills
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic78%
5 shared skills
Etchers and Engravers78%
5 shared skills
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders78%
5 shared skills
Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers75%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Troubleshooting
- →Reading Comprehension
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Quality Control Analysis
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Active Listening
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Quality Control Analysis
- ★Active Listening
- ★Speaking
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 Transportation Inspectors
Technology Intensity
Medium
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires intermediate digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Office productivity softwareIndustry-specific applicationsBasic data entry and managementDigital communication tools
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Adobe Acrobat
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechGoogle Android
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Office software
Google Android
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 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
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE
💡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 varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
17
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)General Responsibilities (14)Management & Supervision (1)
1
Prepare and submit reports after completion of freight shipments.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping100% perform100%
2
Inspect shipments to ensure that freight is securely braced and blocked.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Record details about freight conditions, handling of freight, and any problems encountered.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping94% perform96%
4
Advise crews in techniques of stowing dangerous and heavy cargo.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Observe loading of freight to ensure that crews comply with procedures.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Recommend remedial procedures to correct any violations found during inspections.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Inspect loaded cargo, cargo lashed to decks or in storage facilities, and cargo handling devices to determine compliance with health and safety regulations and need for maintenance.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Notify workers of any special treatment required for shipments.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Direct crews to reload freight or to insert additional bracing or packing as necessary.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Management & Supervision76% perform84%
10
Check temperatures and humidities of shipping and storage areas to ensure that they are at appropriate levels to protect cargo.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on documentation & record-keeping activities
- •41% 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 Transportation Inspectors
💡 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?
Transportation Inspectors professionals typically have a CRI Holland code and highly value support
CConventional
RRealistic
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Transportation Inspectors
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.66
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.52
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.40
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.27
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.20
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.05
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.7
Integrity
4.5
Attention to Detail
4.4
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.3
Initiative
4.2
Analytical Thinking
4.0
Cooperation
4.0
Persistence
4.0
Stress Tolerance
3.8
Self-Control
3.8
💡 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
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Transportation Inspectors.
Browse Training Programs →