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Transportation Inspector

💰 Earn $62K-$104K
📚 High School Diploma or GED
⏱️ 24–48 Month Training
📈 1.7% Job Growth
  • Ensure safe travel by inspecting vehicles and cargo for secure transport.
  • Play a vital role in maintaining safety standards in transportation industries.
  • Discover unique challenges in diverse transportation environments daily.
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Transportation Inspector
What Transportation Inspectors DoInspect 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.
  • Prepare and submit reports after completion of freight shipments.
  • Inspect shipments to ensure that freight is securely braced and blocked.
  • Record details about freight conditions, handling of freight, and any problems encountered.
  • Advise crews in techniques of stowing dangerous and heavy cargo.
  • Observe loading of freight to ensure that crews comply with procedures.
Transportation Inspectors Education, Salary, and Growth
Minimum EducationHigh School Diploma or GED
Career ProspectsGood (Increasing by 1-5%)
Training Time2 to 4 years
Job Openings2,500 Annually
Median Earnings
$75,590 in California
$85,750 Nationally

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Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
  • Influencing or leading others
  • Using data or completing tasks
  • Working with my hands
you value
  • Having support
  • Job security
  • Personal relationships
you are skilled in
    Go Deeper: Transportation Inspectors Explained
    Transportation Inspector
    Transportation InspectorExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
    How Do You Train for This Career?

    Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

    Apprenticeship
    ApprenticeshipAn apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.
    🎓 Paid Work
    ⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years
    Associate's Degree
    Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.
    🎓 College
    ⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years
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    What Is the Building & Distribution Industry?
    Building & Distribution
    Building & DistributionThe primary activities of this group involve constructing, installing, repairing, and maintaining physical infrastructure, producing goods and materials, and transporting people and products from one location to another.
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    Updated April 2026. Data sourced from O*NET and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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