Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation

SOC code 53-6051 · O*NET-SOC 53-6051.07 · Little to some preparation needed · Transportation

Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation 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

10th$40,330Median$92,10090th$138,670

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 do transportation vehicle, equipment and systems inspectors, except aviation do?

Inspect and monitor transportation equipment, vehicles, or systems to ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards.

The tasks that matter most 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.
Conduct vehicle or transportation equipment tests, using diagnostic equipment.
Conduct remote inspections of motor vehicles, using handheld controllers and remotely directed vehicle inspection devices.
Issue notices and recommend corrective actions when infractions or problems are found.
Attach onboard diagnostics (OBD) scanner cables to vehicles to conduct emissions inspections.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 58% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)58%
Less than a High School Diploma13%
Post-Secondary Certificate13%
Some College Courses10%

Common questions

How much does a transportation vehicle, equipment and systems inspectors, except aviation 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 a transportation vehicle, equipment and systems inspectors, except aviation without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.1/5
Reading Comprehension3.0/5
Speaking3.0/5
Critical Thinking3.0/5
Monitoring2.9/5

Knowledge areas

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
Production and Processing2.7/5
Education and Training2.7/5

Transferable strengths: Quality Control Analysis, Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Troubleshooting, Time Management.