How much does a transport inspector make?
Answer: A typical transport inspector in the United States makes $92,100 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 25,000 people work in this job. Well above the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Transport inspector pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,330 | $92,100 | $138,670 | about 25,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $108,140 | about 670 |
| Florida | $101,470 | about 2,000 |
| Texas | $101,440 | about 2,000 |
| Georgia | $95,030 | about 880 |
| New York | $93,420 | about 4,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, more experience, specialized skills, or sought-after licenses and training can mean higher pay. Location and employer industry matter too, so government, rail, air, and cargo inspection jobs may pay differently.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a transport inspector do?
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. Excludes “Transportation Security Screeners” (33-9093).
What's a typical day like?
They check that freight is loaded and tied down safely, read shipping papers, and record its condition. If a load could shift, they may order extra bracing or reloading and write an inspection report.
How to get this job
In the US, finish high school, then build mechanical or transport skills through vocational study, related work, or an apprenticeship. Aviation specialties often call for additional training and prior experience.
Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)
Good for people who like keeping things organized and building and doing.
Did you know?
U.S. DOT planned to train 163 federal and state track inspectors to check railroad bridges—up from fewer than 10 inspectors monitoring them.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Transportation and Material Moving jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/53-6051.00
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/53-6051.07
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/53-6051.01
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes536051.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/us-transportation-secretary-sean-p-duffy-an
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY