Transportation Inspectors
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.
Also called: Admeasurer, Bridge Inspector, Cargo Inspector, Cargo Surveyor, Container Inspector, Damaged Freight Inspector
Median pay
$92,100
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$40,330 – $138,670
People employed
24,500
Holland code
CRI
Conventional · Realistic · 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 working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 2.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 3.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Tight deadlines are common
Transportation Inspectors pay by state
Annual median pay by state (43 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What transportation inspectors do
- 01Prepare and submit reports after completion of freight shipments.
- 02Inspect shipments to ensure that freight is securely braced and blocked.
- 03Record details about freight conditions, handling of freight, and any problems encountered.
- 04Advise crews in techniques of stowing dangerous and heavy cargo.
- 05Observe loading of freight to ensure that crews comply with procedures.
- 06Post warning signs on vehicles containing explosives or flammable or radioactive materials.
Skills that matter most
- Writing
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
Knowledge
- Transportation
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
- Public Safety and Security
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
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 transportation inspectors
- Construction and Building Inspectors77% · −19%
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors74% · +25%
- Government Property Inspectors and Investigators73% · group pay
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters73% · −15%
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers73% · +16%
Change into transportation inspectors
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage75% · $78,240
- Airfield Operations Specialists74% · $56,850
- Construction and Building Inspectors74% · $74,690
- Environmental Compliance Inspectors74% · $80,730
- Surveyors73% · $75,440