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What is a mechanical inspector and how to become one
The role of a Mechanical Inspector, as the name implies, is to inspect and further test electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and other types of systems and technology, whether it be in use by a business, a government organization, or a residential or commercial area or group.
These systems can include things such as daily appliances, boilers, gas or oil lines, or elevators. They do not simply examine and test for the purposes of seeing whether or not the hardware works properly but also in order to see whether it works properly within a town's or city's regulations and laws. Thus, they usually work for the government and the organizations tied to it but can also be found in architectural agencies and engineering companies.
A potential candidate for the position of Mechanical Inspector has to have at least a high school diploma and some experience in the field. Some employers, however, also ask for college-level education in subjects such as Architecture or Engineering.
What general advice would you give to a mechanical inspector?
Robert Shepherd
NAESA International
Avg. Salary $49,727
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate -3%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.81%
Asian 8.12%
Black or African American 9.77%
Hispanic or Latino 20.36%
Unknown 4.64%
White 56.31%
Genderfemale 8.16%
male 91.84%
Age - 46American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 46Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is intermediate
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Mechanical inspector career paths
Key steps to become a mechanical inspector
Explore mechanical inspector education requirements
Start to develop specific mechanical inspector skills
Skills Percentages Calipers 9.51% Micrometers 8.74% Mechanical Inspection 7.64% GD 6.11% Engineering Drawings 5.51% Complete relevant mechanical inspector training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New mechanical inspectors learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a mechanical inspector based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real mechanical inspector resumes.Gain additional mechanical inspector certifications
More About CertificationsMechanical inspector certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific mechanical inspector certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for mechanical inspectors include Mechanical Inspector Certification (CMI) and Aboveground Storage Tanks Inspector Certification (API).
Research mechanical inspector duties and responsibilities
- Inspect parts to blueprints using all measuring equipment; micrometer, surface plate, calipers, customer certifications and P.O.
- Review vendor supply certifications and first article inspection reports for accurate completion of documentation.
- Draft ISO's as needed.
- Adhere to FDA and ISO compliance.
Prepare your mechanical inspector resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your mechanical inspector resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a mechanical inspector resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable mechanical inspector resume templates
Build a professional mechanical inspector resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your mechanical inspector resume.
Apply for mechanical inspector jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a mechanical inspector job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first mechanical inspector job
Are you a mechanical inspector?
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Average mechanical inspector salary
The average mechanical inspector salary in the United States is $49,727 per year or $24 per hour. Mechanical inspector salaries range between $36,000 and $67,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do mechanical inspectors rate their job?
Mechanical inspector reviews
I did not like work with proper guide line
In a lot of places, a QA Inspector tends to be a dead-end job at that particular company because it is difficult to find people willing to stay in that position long term (most leave within 2 years). However, it is a valuable stepping stone to gaining a promotion in a new company! Also, the job itself is thankless. Production dislikes QA, management never likes to receive bad news...it is a job where you never get thanked for preventing bigger errors, only punished if you end up missing anything. I takes a hardy person who likes working independently to perform well in this role.
Updated January 8, 2025
