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Vehicle inspector vs auto inspector

The differences between vehicle inspectors and auto inspectors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a vehicle inspector and an auto inspector. Additionally, a vehicle inspector has an average salary of $47,110, which is higher than the $43,511 average annual salary of an auto inspector.

The top three skills for a vehicle inspector include inspect vehicles, mechanical problems and cleanliness. The most important skills for an auto inspector are mechanical problems, vehicle inspections, and mechanical issues.

Vehicle inspector vs auto inspector overview

Vehicle InspectorAuto Inspector
Yearly salary$47,110$43,511
Hourly rate$22.65$20.92
Growth rate-3%-
Number of jobs18,03121,496
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 34%High School Diploma, 48%
Average age4949
Years of experience22

What does a vehicle inspector do?

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. They must use computerized diagnostic tools to identify the mechanical problems of vehicles. Vehicle inspectors must also check the vehicles for any damages, broken headlines, leaks, and faulty blinkers.

What does an auto inspector do?

In manufacturing facilities, an auto inspector is in charge of conducting inspections and evaluations to ensure that vehicles adhere to industry standards and regulations. In some situations, they work to assess auto damages to help insurance companies with verifying insurance claims. Part of their job includes checking the vehicle's interior and exterior, examining the breaks and other systems, and providing damage and repair cost estimates. Moreover, in other industries, an auto inspector may conduct vehicle emission tests, review documentation, verify the owners' information, and provide recommendations.

Vehicle inspector vs auto inspector salary

Vehicle inspectors and auto inspectors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Vehicle InspectorAuto Inspector
Average salary$47,110$43,511
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $76,000Between $25,000 And $74,000
Highest paying CityNewark, NJ-
Highest paying stateNew Jersey-
Best paying companyParsons-
Best paying industryInternet-

Differences between vehicle inspector and auto inspector education

There are a few differences between a vehicle inspector and an auto inspector in terms of educational background:

Vehicle InspectorAuto Inspector
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 34%High School Diploma, 48%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyBusiness
Most common college--

Vehicle inspector vs auto inspector demographics

Here are the differences between vehicle inspectors' and auto inspectors' demographics:

Vehicle InspectorAuto Inspector
Average age4949
Gender ratioMale, 85.2% Female, 14.8%Male, 78.0% Female, 22.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.4% Unknown, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 7.6% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 12.8% Unknown, 7.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 7.8% White, 55.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between vehicle inspector and auto inspector duties and responsibilities

Vehicle inspector example 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.
  • Submit completed inspection billing statements to SGS finance department for payments.
  • Perform inspections for Honda financial, ally financial, Chrysler financial.
  • Show more

Auto inspector example 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.

Vehicle inspector vs auto inspector skills

Common vehicle inspector skills
  • Inspect Vehicles, 25%
  • Mechanical Problems, 17%
  • Cleanliness, 13%
  • Condition Reports, 6%
  • Inspection Reports, 6%
  • Structural Damage, 6%
Common auto inspector skills
  • Mechanical Problems, 38%
  • Vehicle Inspections, 24%
  • Mechanical Issues, 15%
  • Applicable Safety, 10%
  • Auto Damage, 7%
  • Detect Damage, 2%

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