Transportation & Logistics
Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation
Also called: Car Inspector, Carman, Emissions Inspector, Inspector
US median pay
$92,100
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+2.2%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
2,300
25,100 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Inspect and monitor transportation equipment, vehicles, or systems to ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards.
What they do day to day
- Inspect repairs to transportation vehicles or equipment to ensure that repair work was performed properly.
- Inspect vehicles or equipment to ensure compliance with rules, standards, or regulations.
- Investigate complaints regarding safety violations.
- Inspect vehicles or other equipment for evidence of abuse, damage, or mechanical malfunction.
- Issue notices and recommend corrective actions when infractions or problems are found.
- Conduct vehicle or transportation equipment tests, using diagnostic equipment.
- Conduct remote inspections of motor vehicles, using handheld controllers and remotely directed vehicle inspection devices.
- Attach onboard diagnostics (OBD) scanner cables to vehicles to conduct emissions inspections.
- Investigate incidents or violations, such as delays, accidents, and equipment failures.
- Prepare reports on investigations or inspections and actions taken.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Quality Control Analysis3.5/5
- Operations Monitoring3.2/5
- Troubleshooting3.0/5
- Operation and Control3.0/5
- Time Management2.9/5
- Social Perceptiveness2.8/5
- Judgment and Decision Making2.8/5
- Equipment Maintenance2.8/5
Knowledge
- Mechanical4.0/5
- Transportation3.3/5
- English Language3.2/5
- Public Safety and Security3.0/5
- Administration and Management3.0/5
- Computers and Electronics2.8/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma58%
- Less than high school13%
- Post-secondary certificate13%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.