How to hire an auto inspector

How to hire an auto inspector, step by step

Here's a step-by-step auto inspector hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an auto inspector job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new auto inspector
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring an auto inspector, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   An auto inspector's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, auto inspectors from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of auto inspectors and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Auto Inspector	Description	Hourly rate
   Auto Inspector		$12-35
   Transportation Inspector	Depending on the means of transportation they work with, the job of a Transportation Inspector may vary. Part of your job is to ensure that all modes of transportation like, rails and subways are up and running... Show more	$13-36
   Vehicle Inspector	Vehicle inspectors are professionals who are responsible for examining motor vehicles to ensure that they meet all the requirements established by the department of motor vehicles of a state. These inspectors are required to conduct safety and emissions inspections to make sure that all vehicles are following the emission standards and governmental regulations... Show more	$13-36

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Mechanical Problems
   • Vehicle Inspections
   • Mechanical Issues
   • Applicable Safety
   • Auto Damage
   • Detect Damage
   • Condition Reports
   • Electrical Components
   • Repair Facilities
   • Assembly Line
   • Address Problems
   • Motor Vehicle

   Responsibilities:

   • Perform preventive maintenance and complete all repairs on Marta buses by routinely maintaining and upgrading bus parts as they deteriorate.
   • Inspect certify pre own eligibility vehicles at Toyota and Lexus automotive dealers.
   • Inspect certify pre own eligibility vehicles at Toyota and Lexus automotive dealers.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your auto inspector job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An auto inspector salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, auto inspectors' average salary in idaho is 56% less than in new jersey.
   • Seniority. Entry-level auto inspectors earn 66% less than senior-level auto inspectors.
   • Certifications. An auto inspector with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in an auto inspector's salary.

   Average auto inspector salary

   $43,511yearly

   $20.92 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level auto inspector salary

   $25,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing an auto inspector job description

   An auto inspector job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of an auto inspector job description:

   Auto inspector job description example

   This automotive repair position has a competitive pay of up to $40 an hour, with room for growth and advancement . We are offering a sign-on bonus based on experience and skill and offer great perks , including steady work with great clients, no work on the weekends, and opportunities for training and development under highly skilled professionals . If this sounds like the right vehicle inspector opportunity for you, apply today!

   ABOUT TOP-NOTCH TIRE AND AUTO CENTER

   Since 2013, Top-Notch Tire and Auto Center has been delivering comprehensive automotive repairs and tire sales to our satisfied customers. We are a full-service automotive repair, tire, and wheel center, with ASE-certified professionals ready to handle a wide range of jobs. Our goal is to offer the same level of professionalism and peace of mind as a big-time dealership, but with the favorable pricing and personal service of a mom-and-pop shop.

   We value camaraderie and excellence on our team. Our priorities are creating a positive, team-oriented workplace and cultivating loyalty by providing frequent opportunities for professional growth . It also matters to us that you thrive outside of work which is why we provide top pay and reasonable hours .

   A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A STATE AUTO INSPECTOR / MECHANIC

   As a State Auto Inspector / Mechanic, you provide the top-notch automotive service we are known for. Attentive to detail, you perform annual state safety inspections on our customers' vehicles, ensuring that they meet regulatory standards. Working closely with other mechanics, you assist in diagnosing and repairing vehicles. You also perform routine maintenance.

   As you master new techniques, you take on more responsibility in the shop. You always prioritize teamwork, safety, and quality. When you interact with customers, you provide polished customer service and patiently answer any questions they might have about their vehicles. Your satisfaction comes from working with an awesome team and growing in your career!

   QUALIFICATIONS FOR A STATE AUTO INSPECTOR / MECHANIC

   • VA state inspection license
   • Possession of tools
   • Experience in the automotive repair industry
   • Reliable transportation

   Two or more years of experience in the industry is preferred. Are you a hard worker? Do you value loyalty? Can you show up to work every day with a positive attitude? Are you a reliable team player? If yes, you might just be perfect for this vehicle inspector position!

   WORK SCHEDULE FOR A STATE AUTO INSPECTOR / MECHANIC

   This full-time vehicle inspector job works Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM .

   ARE YOU READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM?

   If you feel that you would be right for this vehicle inspector job, please fill out our initial 3-minute, mobile-friendly application . We look forward to meeting you!

   Location: 23150

   
   
   Job Posted by ApplicantPro
   

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5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find auto inspectors for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your auto inspector job on Zippia to find and recruit auto inspector candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit auto inspectors, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new auto inspector

   Once you've found the auto inspector candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new auto inspector. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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