Transportation inspectors
SOC Code: 53-6051
Transportation inspectors carries a 41% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $85,750 and +1.7% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 25,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Transportation inspectors (SOC 53-6051) carries an AI exposure score of 41%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 25,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +1.7% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $85,750, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Transportation inspectors. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Inspect work of aircraft mechanics performing maintenance, modification, or repair and overhaul of aircraft and aircraft mechanical systems to ensure adherence to standards and procedures.
- 2. Investigate air accidents and complaints to determine causes.
- 3. Examine maintenance records and flight logs to determine if service and maintenance checks and overhauls were performed at prescribed intervals.
- 4. Inspect new, repaired, or modified aircraft to identify damage or defects and to assess airworthiness and conformance to standards, using checklists, hand tools, and test instruments.
- 5. Approve or deny issuance of certificates of airworthiness.
- 6. Prepare and submit reports after completion of freight shipments.
- 7. Inspect vehicles or other equipment for evidence of abuse, damage, or mechanical malfunction.
- 8. Inspect shipments to ensure that freight is securely braced and blocked.
- 9. Prepare and maintain detailed repair, inspection, investigation, and certification records and reports.
- 10. Examine landing gear, tires, and exteriors of fuselage, wings, and engines for evidence of damage or corrosion and the need for repairs.
Key Skills Required
- Quality Control Analysis
- Operations Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Operation and Control
- Troubleshooting
- Monitoring
- Time Management
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- Transportation
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Administration and Management
- Computers and Electronics
- Production and Processing
- Education and Training
- Engineering and Technology
- Administrative
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Transportation inspectors?
Transportation inspectors has an AI exposure score of 41%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Transportation inspectors?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Transportation inspectors is projected to grow by 1.7% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 25,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Transportation inspectors?
Key skills for Transportation inspectors include Quality Control Analysis, Operations Monitoring, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Transportation inspectors earn?
The median annual wage for Transportation inspectors is $85,750, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Transportation inspectors?
The typical entry-level education for Transportation inspectors is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Transportation inspectors?
Transportation inspectors roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).