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Vehicle inspector vs transportation inspector

The differences between vehicle inspectors and transportation 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 a transportation inspector. Additionally, a transportation inspector has an average salary of $47,468, which is higher than the $47,110 average annual salary of a vehicle inspector.

The top three skills for a vehicle inspector include inspect vehicles, mechanical problems and cleanliness. The most important skills for a transportation inspector are asphalt, ACI, and OSHA.

Vehicle inspector vs transportation inspector overview

Vehicle InspectorTransportation Inspector
Yearly salary$47,110$47,468
Hourly rate$22.65$22.82
Growth rate-3%-3%
Number of jobs18,03123,746
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 34%Associate Degree, 35%
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 a transportation inspector do?

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. You will also ensure that all equipment strictly follows federal safety regulations, meets the right requirements, and is safe for passengers to ride. You will also have the responsibility to look for any customization that is also not in line with the safety regulations in place and check their emissions to be sure they meet environmental standards.

Vehicle inspector vs transportation inspector salary

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

Vehicle InspectorTransportation Inspector
Average salary$47,110$47,468
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $76,000Between $29,000 And $76,000
Highest paying CityNewark, NJNewark, NJ
Highest paying stateNew JerseyNew Jersey
Best paying companyParsonsCDM Smith
Best paying industryInternet-

Differences between vehicle inspector and transportation inspector education

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

Vehicle InspectorTransportation Inspector
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 34%Associate Degree, 35%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyBusiness
Most common college--

Vehicle inspector vs transportation inspector demographics

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

Vehicle InspectorTransportation Inspector
Average age4949
Gender ratioMale, 85.2% Female, 14.8%Male, 79.8% Female, 20.2%
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, 12.9% Unknown, 7.5% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 7.7% White, 54.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between vehicle inspector and transportation 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

Transportation inspector example responsibilities.

  • Conduct dimensional and visual inspections procedures on CMM machines to ensure geometrical characteristics of the product are in specification.
  • Inspect certify pre own eligibility vehicles at Toyota and Lexus automotive dealers.

Vehicle inspector vs transportation inspector skills

Common vehicle inspector skills
  • Inspect Vehicles, 25%
  • Mechanical Problems, 17%
  • Cleanliness, 13%
  • Condition Reports, 6%
  • Inspection Reports, 6%
  • Structural Damage, 6%
Common transportation inspector skills
  • Asphalt, 83%
  • ACI, 13%
  • OSHA, 1%
  • DOT, 1%
  • Inspection Reports, 1%
  • Construction Projects, 0%

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