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Advanced ManufacturingGreen JobOccupation aligned to O*NET green economy classifications.

Inspectors, 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.

Annual openings

718

Median wage

$58,350

Typical education

High school (GED), plus on-the-job training

Growth 2026–2032

+8%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school (GED), plus on-the-job training

Credential requirement

No certification is required or expected for this job.

Work experience

This is an entry-level role so no experience is required. However, full or part-time work experience of any kind developing the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is preferred, with previous sales, electronics, or construction experience being valued.

Employer competency information

  • Feedback from employers identified the following competencies as being critical to success: Effective communication with peers when a problem is found, the ability to read blueprints, and the use of hand and precision tools.
An inspector works on the production floor alongside assemblers and technicians. Your primary job will be to visually inspect either fabricated parts or full manufactured products. You may also use complex test equipment depending on what you're inspecting. You’ll know the standards that every product must meet, and you’ll make sure each part or product is up to par. If a product doesn't meet requirements, you’ll know how to properly store or dispose of it, and you’ll report the defect to your supervisor, either through a report or directly.
Do you have a great eye for detail? Are you a focused, precise thinker? Become an inspector, and you’ll be able to put those talents to work. You’ll inspect every product that comes off the production line – nothing leaves the facility without your approval.
Inspectors often transition to or from other jobs on the assembly line, or within the quality assurance department.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerMay vary
  • OutdoorsMay vary
  • With your handsMay vary

Interests it draws on

  • Manufacturing

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Discard or reject products, materials, or equipment not meeting specifications.
  2. Mark items with details, such as grade or acceptance-rejection status.
  3. Measure dimensions of products to verify conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as rulers, calipers, gauges, or micrometers.
  4. Notify supervisors or other personnel of production problems.
  5. Inspect, test, or measure materials, products, installations, or work for conformance to specifications.
  6. Write test or inspection reports describing results, recommendations, or needed repairs.
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