Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
Also called: Inspectors, Testers, and Weighers
Inspect, test, sort, sample, or weigh nonagricultural raw materials or processed, machined, fabricated, or assembled parts or products for defects, wear, and deviations from specifications. May use precision measuring instruments and complex test equipment.
Also called: Abrasive Grader, Acid Tester, Air Box Tester, Air Conditioning Unit Tester (AC Unit Tester), Air Sampler, Air Value Tester
Median pay
$48,570
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$35,510 – $77,860
People employed
597,370
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 2.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers salary in every state →
What inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers do
- 01Discard or reject products, materials, or equipment not meeting specifications.
- 02Mark items with details, such as grade or acceptance-rejection status.
- 03Measure dimensions of products to verify conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as rulers, calipers, gauges, or micrometers.
- 04Notify supervisors or other personnel of production problems.
- 05Inspect, test, or measure materials, products, installations, or work for conformance to specifications.
- 06Write test or inspection reports describing results, recommendations, or needed repairs.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
Knowledge
- Production and Processing
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping81% · −5%
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic81% · −3%
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers80% · −15%
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers78% · +11%
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers78% · +11%
Change into inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Log Graders and Scalers85% · $46,330
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping84% · $46,380
- Non-Destructive Testing Specialists83% · $78,350
- Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation81% · $92,100
- Quality Control Analysts80% · $62,280
Majors that lead here
- Quality Control Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.