How To Become A Vehicle Inspector: What It Is and Career Path

What is a vehicle inspector and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A vehicle inspector is an individual who works for a car dealership, an organization, or a government agency and is responsible for inspecting cars, trucks, vans, and other vehicles. These individuals ensure that the vehicles used by staff and clients function safely and properly and make sure that all vehicles follow emission standards and other governmental regulations. They also inspect vehicles for wear and tear, damage and assess mechanical systems and related components.

Vehicle inspectors also test airlines and electric circuits, manage oil and fluid changes, and check for damage such as broken headlights, leaks, or worn brakes. These individuals also manage preventive maintenance programs, investigate and report complaints and accidents, as well as communicate suggested improvements to upper management. Vehicle inspectors typically work in a garage or fleet environment and must possess proper communication, analytical and mechanical skills, as well as proficiency in using computers and spreadsheets.

Most vehicle inspectors do not necessarily have an advanced degree; however, many have obtained certificates or comparable training in emissions testing, brake testing, or collision repair. Most vehicle inspectors can make up to $42,000 per year in the US, but the job market is expected to decline 18% by 2028.

ScoreVehicle InspectorUS Average

Salary

3.7

Avg. Salary $47,110

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.9

Growth rate -3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.67%

Asian 7.60%

Black or African American 12.42%

Hispanic or Latino 15.98%

Unknown 7.44%

White 55.88%

Gender

female 14.77%

male 85.23%

Age - 50

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 - 50

Stress level

8.9

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a vehicle inspector

Explore vehicle inspector education requirements

Most common vehicle inspector degrees

High School Diploma

34.2 %

Associate

26.3 %

Bachelor's

22.1 %

Start to develop specific vehicle inspector skills

Skills	Percentages
Inspect Vehicles	24.57%
Mechanical Problems	17.39%
Cleanliness	12.76%
Condition Reports	6.31%
Inspection Reports	6.10%

Complete relevant vehicle inspector training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New vehicle 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 vehicle inspector based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real vehicle inspector resumes.

Research vehicle inspector duties and responsibilities

Specialize in HVAC system on subway cars.
Work in several Honda plants in Ohio and warehousing.
Represent SGS and build relationships with auto dealerships and customers.
Inspect car components for compliance with FRA and AAR standards.

Prepare your vehicle inspector resume

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

Build a professional vehicle 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 vehicle inspector resume.