Aviation Inspectors
SOC code 53-6051 · O*NET-SOC 53-6051.01 · Medium preparation needed · Transportation
Aviation Inspectors pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$92,100
a year
Hourly
$44.28
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$88,540
$42.57 per hour
Middle 50%
$58,780 – $108,890
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$40,330 – $138,670
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
24,500
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Transportation Inspectors”, not this job alone.
- 10th percentile
- $40,330
- $19.39/hr
- 25th percentile
- $58,780
- $28.26/hr
- Median percentile
- $92,100
- $44.28/hr
- 75th percentile
- $108,890
- $52.35/hr
- 90th percentile
- $138,670
- $66.67/hr
What does an aviation inspector do?
Inspect aircraft, maintenance procedures, air navigational aids, air traffic controls, and communications equipment to ensure conformance with Federal safety regulations.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Inspect work of aircraft mechanics performing maintenance, modification, or repair and overhaul of aircraft and aircraft mechanical systems to ensure adherence to standards and procedures.
- Investigate air accidents and complaints to determine causes.
- Examine maintenance records and flight logs to determine if service and maintenance checks and overhauls were performed at prescribed intervals.
- Inspect new, repaired, or modified aircraft to identify damage or defects and to assess airworthiness and conformance to standards, using checklists, hand tools, and test instruments.
- Approve or deny issuance of certificates of airworthiness.
- Prepare and maintain detailed repair, inspection, investigation, and certification records and reports.
- Examine landing gear, tires, and exteriors of fuselage, wings, and engines for evidence of damage or corrosion and the need for repairs.
- Recommend replacement, repair, or modification of aircraft equipment.
How to become an aviation inspector
Most people in this role hold associate's degree or other 2-year degree — 34% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree34%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)29%
- Post-Secondary Certificate20%
- Some College Courses14%
Common questions
How much does an aviation inspector earn?
The national median is $92,100 a year. The full range runs from $40,330 at the 10th percentile to $138,670 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become an aviation inspector without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Critical Thinking4.0/5
- Reading Comprehension3.9/5
- Active Listening3.9/5
- Speaking3.9/5
- Writing3.6/5
- Monitoring3.4/5
Knowledge areas
- English Language4.6/5
- Mechanical4.6/5
- Public Safety and Security4.5/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.4/5
- Transportation4.4/5
- Education and Training4.1/5
- Production and Processing3.9/5
- Engineering and Technology3.8/5
Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Quality Control Analysis, Complex Problem Solving, Troubleshooting.