Transportation Vehicle
O*NET title: Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation
Also called: Transportation Vehicle Inspectors
Inspect and monitor transportation equipment, vehicles, or systems to ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards.
Also called: Air Brakes Inspector, Auto Damage Auction Inspector (Automotive Damage Auction Inspector), Automotive Damage Field Inspector (Auto Damage Field Inspector), Automotive Damage Inspector (Auto Damage Inspector), Automotive Field Inspector (Auto Field Inspector), Automotive Inspector (Auto Inspector)
Median pay
$92,100
Pay for the broader BLS group “Transportation Inspectors”
Pay range (10th–90th)
$40,330 – $138,670
People employed
24,500
Whole BLS group
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.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 2.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 3.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 4.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 5.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Long hours on your feet
Transportation Vehicle pay by state
Annual median pay by state (43 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Transportation Inspectors”.
What transportation vehicle do
- 01Inspect repairs to transportation vehicles or equipment to ensure that repair work was performed properly.
- 02Inspect vehicles or equipment to ensure compliance with rules, standards, or regulations.
- 03Investigate complaints regarding safety violations.
- 04Inspect vehicles or other equipment for evidence of abuse, damage, or mechanical malfunction.
- 05Conduct vehicle or transportation equipment tests, using diagnostic equipment.
- 06Conduct remote inspections of motor vehicles, using handheld controllers and remotely directed vehicle inspection devices.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Transportation
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Administration and Management
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- 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: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
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 vehicle
- Locomotive Engineers85% · —
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers81% · —
- Rail Car Repairers80% · —
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists79% · —
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers79% · —
Change into transportation vehicle
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Locomotive Engineers82% · $81,410
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors82% · $49,690
- Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers79% · $60,600
- Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators78% · $77,320
- Gas Plant Operators78% · $87,820