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What is a technical inspector and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Robert Shepherd
introduction image

A technical inspector deals with the regulatory and maintenance requirements for the organization's products. They keep a meticulous eye for any product defect or issue.

Using their technical expertise, they aim to improve the organization's testing methods while strictly observing and following the given guidelines. They play a pivotal role in product acceptance or rejection for quality assurance and management.

Their duties require them to possess mechanical and mathematical skills since their job focuses on product details. They must also be good communicators to effectively convey safety and other concerns to the plant or facility supervisor.

They typically work in various technology and manufacturing industries. Some of the high-paying employers include Smith Seckman Reid, API Group, and Raytheon Company. On average, a technical inspector earns about $15.87 an hour, which is approximately $33,014 in a year. To pursue this career, candidates must hold a degree in automotive technology or a business-related field.

What general advice would you give to a technical inspector?

Robert Shepherd

NAESA International

People entering the workforce for the first time and recent grads cannot become elevator inspectors do to prerequisites required, which cannot be attained in any sort of schooling supplied in the world, there is none in existence. Th only way you get to be a certified elevator inspector is by successfully attaining a diploma from the school of hard knocks, so OJT is the only way!
ScoreTechnical InspectorUS Average
Salary
3.0

Avg. Salary $38,939

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.2

Growth rate -3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.3
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.85%

Asian 8.19%

Black or African American 11.41%

Hispanic or Latino 18.51%

Unknown 4.89%

White 56.15%

Gender

female 14.78%

male 85.22%

Age - 46
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46
Stress level
8.2

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
5.3

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.4

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Technical inspector career paths

Key steps to become a technical inspector

  1. Explore technical inspector education requirements

    Most common technical inspector degrees

    Bachelor's

    30.7 %

    Associate

    29.2 %

    High School Diploma

    23.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific technical inspector skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Safety Procedures13.83%
    Quality Standards9.22%
    Maintenance Procedures8.14%
    Fire Protection6.15%
    OSHA5.37%
  3. Complete relevant technical inspector training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New technical 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 technical inspector based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real technical inspector resumes.
  4. Gain additional technical inspector certifications

    Technical 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 technical inspector certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for technical inspectors include Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) and Aboveground Storage Tanks Inspector Certification (API).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research technical inspector duties and responsibilities

    • Manage and maintain MRB process for all discrepant materials.
    • Prepare proper paperwork need for FDA demands.
    • Complete RII's and assemble work packages.
    • Maintain ISO standards while assembling and inspecting units.
  6. Get technical inspector experience

  7. Prepare your technical inspector resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your technical 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 technical 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 technical inspector resume templates

    Build a professional technical 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 technical inspector resume.
    Technical Inspector Resume
    Technical Inspector Resume
    Technical Inspector Resume
    Technical Inspector Resume
    Technical Inspector Resume
    Technical Inspector Resume
    Technical Inspector Resume
    Technical Inspector Resume
    Technical Inspector Resume
  8. Apply for technical inspector jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a technical inspector job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first technical inspector job

Zippi

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Average technical inspector salary

The average technical inspector salary in the United States is $38,939 per year or $19 per hour. Technical inspector salaries range between $25,000 and $58,000 per year.

Average technical inspector salary
$38,939 Yearly
$18.72 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do technical inspectors rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

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1 star

Technical inspector reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2022
Pros

Making sure that what goes out reflects my commitment to top quality.

Cons

People who object to getting things right the first time and try to slip slop past me.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2022
Pros

Working for myself. Freedom

Cons

People trying to low ball me on pricing and trying to get me to do more than 1 inspection for the price of one inspection


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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