Transportation Inspector

Your Fit

Income

$87K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

2.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Transportation Inspector?

A Transportation Inspector is responsible for ensuring the safety and compliance of various modes of transportation, including rail, road, air, and sea transport. They inspect vehicles, equipment, and systems to ensure they meet regulatory standards and safety guidelines.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Transportation Inspector.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Transportation Inspector earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$40K per year	$60K per year	$87K per year	$98K per year	$129K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $39K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Transportation Inspector do?

Work environment

Transportation Inspectors work in diverse environments, from airports and seaports to railway stations and trucking depots. The job often involves on-site inspections and can require travel to different locations. Working conditions vary greatly depending on the mode of transportation being inspected.

Quick task list

Conducts inspections of vehicles, such as airplanes, trains, or trucks.
Reviews operational records and maintenance logs.
Ensures compliance with national and regional transportation regulations.
Investigates incidents or accidents related to transportation.
Recommends corrective actions or improvements to transportation procedures.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Aviation Inspection: Focusing on the inspection of aircraft and airport operations.
Railroad Safety Inspection: Specializing in the inspection of trains, railway infrastructure, and safety systems.
Commercial Vehicle Inspection: Inspecting trucks and other commercial vehicles for safety compliance.
Maritime Inspection: Ensuring the safety and compliance of maritime vessels and operations.
Public Transportation Inspection: Evaluating the safety and operational efficiency of public transit systems.

Description

Transportation Inspectors play a critical role in maintaining public safety and confidence in transportation systems. Their work involves not only physical inspections of vehicles and equipment but also a review of procedural and operational practices. Inspectors must be knowledgeable about current safety standards, transportation regulations, and inspection techniques. They often use specialized tools and technology to conduct thorough inspections and assess compliance.

Effective communication skills are essential, as inspectors need to convey their findings to transportation operators, regulatory bodies, and occasionally to the public. Inspectors must also keep detailed records of their inspections and any findings or recommendations they make. In the event of an incident, inspectors may be involved in the investigation, requiring a keen eye for detail and analytical thinking.

The job requires staying up-to-date with technological advancements in transportation and adapting to new inspection methods and regulations. Ongoing training and professional development are often part of the career path.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the safety and efficiency of transportation systems.
Working in a role that combines hands-on inspection with problem-solving.
The variety of work environments and challenges in different transportation modes.

You might make a good Transportation Inspector if you are...

Detail-oriented with a strong focus on safety and compliance.
Interested in transportation systems and their operation.
Able to understand and apply complex regulations and standards.
Comfortable with physical inspections and using technical equipment.
Skilled in communication and able to write clear, detailed reports.

Pros:

Diverse work environments and tasks.
The satisfaction of playing a key role in public safety.
Opportunities for specialization and advancement in various transportation sectors.

Cons:

The job can involve working in harsh or challenging conditions.
High responsibility and pressure to ensure safety and compliance.
Need for continuous learning and adaptation to new regulations and technologies.

How to become a Transportation Inspector

Typical education

Typically, a high school diploma is required, along with specialized training in transportation safety and inspection. Some positions, especially in aviation or advanced transportation systems, might require higher education or specific certification.

High school preparation

Courses:

Technical and vocational courses related to transportation or mechanics.
Science and mathematics for technical proficiency.
English and communication for report writing and documentation.
Computer science for working with inspection software and technology.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining clubs or programs related to transportation, engineering, or mechanics.
Volunteering or internships with transportation agencies or companies.
Participating in STEM-related activities or competitions.

Preparation after high school

Technical training programs in transportation safety and inspection.
Certification in specific areas of transportation inspection.
Associate or bachelor's degree in a related field for advanced positions.
On-the-job training and apprenticeships in transportation sectors.

More resources

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - Resources for aviation inspectors.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) - Information on commercial vehicle safety and regulations.
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) - Resources for railroad safety and inspection.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) - Information on transportation security and careers.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.