How to become an inspector, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers
Inspect, test, sort, sample, or weigh nonagricultural raw materials or processed, machined, fabricated, or assembled parts or products for defects, wear, and deviations from specifications. May use precision measuring instruments and complex test equipment.
Steps to get there
Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
What inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers do
- Discard or reject products, materials, or equipment not meeting specifications.
- Mark items with details, such as grade or acceptance-rejection status.
- Measure dimensions of products to verify conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as rulers, calipers, gauges, or micrometers.
- Notify supervisors or other personnel of production problems.
- Inspect, test, or measure materials, products, installations, or work for conformance to specifications.
- Write test or inspection reports describing results, recommendations, or needed repairs.
Skills that matter most
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Mathematics
- Active Learning
Is inspector, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers a good career?
On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 5% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.
Where it pays most
- Alaska $78,150
- Washington $64,420
- Maryland $61,790
- Hawaii $59,740
- District of Columbia $59,730
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers salary by state and city
Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.