Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Transportation Inspector is a professional role in the Transportation and Material Moving job family, focused on Transportation Inspector work. Pay for this title reflects both its level and its scope; see our Title Level and Organization Responsibility guides for how WePayFairly defines them.
What Transportation Inspectors do
Typical education: High School Diploma
Prepare and submit reports after completion of freight shipments.
Inspect shipments to ensure that freight is securely braced and blocked.
Record details about freight conditions, handling of freight, and any problems encountered.
Advise crews in techniques of stowing dangerous and heavy cargo.
Observe loading of freight to ensure that crews comply with procedures.
Top skills:WritingSpeakingReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingActive ListeningTime Management
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Transportation Inspector pay by experience level
Entry level$41,500
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$61,000
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$95,500
Mid-career median pay
Senior$112,500
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$143,500
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+1.7%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
2,500
projected openings per year
Growing slower than average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Transportation Inspector salary by industry
Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Schools and Hospitals and USPS
11,220 workers
$104,500
Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation)
4,490 workers
$136,000
Support Activities for Transportation
3,960 workers
$76,000
Local Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation)
3,700 workers
$91,000
State Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation)
3,020 workers
$73,500
Support Activities for Air Transportation
2,560 workers
$81,500
Repair and Maintenance
1,950 workers
$44,500
Automotive Repair and Maintenance
1,950 workers
$44,500
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
1,870 workers
$102,000
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing
1,790 workers
$103,500
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
How this role compares
Transportation Inspector pays 33% above the average across 53 roles in the Transportation and Material Moving job family (family average $69,000).
Similar-paying roles in Transportation and Material Moving
Related occupations from O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Transportation Inspector make?
The average base salary for a Transportation Inspector in the United States is $91,500 per year, or about $43.99 per hour.
What is the typical salary range?
Pay typically falls between $61,000 and $112,500 per year (25th to 75th percentile) depending on experience, location, industry, and organization size.
How does this compare with other Transportation and Material Moving roles?
The Transportation and Material Moving job family averages $69,000 across 53 roles tracked by WePayFairly.
Need a defensible market price for this role? WePayFairly data is compiled from published survey sources and maintained by compensation professionals.
