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Transportation

Aviation Safety inspector

Inspect aircraft, maintenance procedures, air navigational aids, air traffic controls, and communications equipment to ensure conformance with Federal safety regulations.

Annual openings

71

Median wage

$81,820

Typical education

High School (GED); however, many employees hold a bachelor's degree

Growth 2026–2032

+7%

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); however, many employees hold a bachelor's degree

Credential requirement

There are different certifications available for the inspectors according to specialty and some employers require or prefer them.

Work experience

Previous experience in the area being inspected (aviation, freight/cargo, vehicles/equipment) is expected.

Salary/Demand information crosses multiple jobs within the Transportation industry.

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 handsNo

Interests it draws on

  • Transportation

Automation exposure

Moderate exposure

Some routine tasks may shift as tools improve, but the role is likely to adapt.

A typical day

  1. Inspect new, repaired, or modified aircraft to identify damage or defects and to assess airworthiness and conformance to standards, using checklists, hand tools, and test instruments.
  2. Prepare and maintain detailed repair, inspection, investigation, and certification records and reports.
  3. Recommend replacement, repair, or modification of aircraft equipment.
  4. Inspect work of aircraft mechanics performing maintenance, modification, or repair and overhaul of aircraft and aircraft mechanical systems to ensure adherence to standards and procedures.
  5. Examine maintenance records and flight logs to determine if service and maintenance checks and overhauls were performed at prescribed intervals.
  6. Approve or deny issuance of certificates of airworthiness.
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