Occupation · SOC 51-9061
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.
Median wage
$47,460
$34,590–$75,510
Projected growth
+0.0%
Slower than average
Annual openings
10
per year
Employed (US)
591,180
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
108 mapped
Core skills
Quality Control AnalysisWritingCritical ThinkingSpeakingReading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision MakingActive ListeningTime ManagementOperations MonitoringMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessOperation and ControlCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingMathematicsService OrientationActive LearningTroubleshootingPersuasionSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisNegotiationManagement of Personnel ResourcesOperations AnalysisLearning StrategiesInstructingEquipment SelectionManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesEquipment MaintenanceTechnology DesignScienceRepairingProgrammingInstallation
Knowledge areas
Production and ProcessingEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceMechanicalMathematicsComputers and ElectronicsEducation and TrainingEngineering and TechnologyAdministrativePublic Safety and SecurityChemistryDesignAdministration and ManagementPersonnel and Human ResourcesPhysicsPsychologyTransportationTelecommunicationsSales and MarketingForeign LanguageEconomics and AccountingBuilding and ConstructionCommunications and MediaLaw and GovernmentTherapy and CounselingGeographyPhilosophy and TheologyHistory and ArcheologyBiologySociology and AnthropologyFood ProductionMedicine and DentistryFine Arts
Technology & tools
Apache HiveApache PigAtlassian JIRAAutodesk AutoCADComputer assisted design softwareComputer-aided inspection softwareCoordinate measuring machine softwareCybermetrics GAGETrakDassault Systemes CATIADassault Systemes SolidWorksData analysis softwareData entry softwareDatabase softwareDesign of experiments DOE softwareExtensible markup language XMLFileMaker ProIBM Lotus NotesIBM NotesInspection marking systemsLabel inspection systemsMastercam DesignMastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing softwareMedical condition coding softwareMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft WordMinitabRSAP softwareSeleniumSkypeStatistical process control SPC data collection devicesStructured query language SQLThe MathWorks MATLABTolerance analysis software
Representative tasks
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsDocumenting/Recording InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesGetting InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeHandling and Moving ObjectsProcessing InformationPerforming General Physical ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkAnalyzing Data or InformationControlling Machines and ProcessesEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationWorking with ComputersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesTraining and Teaching OthersEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsDeveloping and Building TeamsCoaching and Developing OthersThinking CreativelyAssisting and Caring for OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentScheduling Work and ActivitiesInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersSelling or Influencing OthersCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesPerforming for or Working Directly with the Public
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Basic measuring instruments such as rulers, calipers, and gauges — identify and use under direct supervision to verify product dimensions on a production floor.Nonconforming products and materials — recognize and set aside for supervisor review following established rejection protocols.Grade labels and acceptance-rejection status marks — apply to inspected items using label-making tools according to standard work instructions.Dial and meter readings on production equipment — observe and record to confirm equipment is operating within specified levels under direct guidance.Inspection checklists and specification documents — read and follow to complete routine product checks in a manufacturing environment.Supervisor or lead personnel — notify promptly when a production problem or out-of-specification condition is observed on the line.Samples of materials or products — collect from designated points in the production process following written sampling procedures.Basic inspection findings — document on standardized paper or digital forms under the direction of a senior inspector.Safety and quality protocols — follow consistently to maintain attention to detail and accuracy during repetitive sorting tasks.Active listening skills — apply when receiving instructions from supervisors or quality technicians at the start of each inspection shift.
developing
Precision measuring instruments including micrometers and digital calipers — select and use with reduced oversight to verify dimensional conformance of machined or assembled components.Out-of-specification products — evaluate and reject or quarantine independently based on established acceptance criteria in a production or warehouse environment.Inspection and test reports — write clearly using standard templates to describe results, observations, and recommended repairs for finished goods.Multiple quality characteristics across a product batch — monitor simultaneously to detect emerging trends or defect patterns on the production line.Corrective action recommendations — formulate and communicate to team leads based on recurring nonconformances identified during routine inspections.Industrial control software and analytical tools — operate to retrieve process data and compare readings against tolerance specifications.Production personnel — inform verbally and in writing of defect types and frequencies found during quality checks to support timely corrective responses.Database management and query software — use to log inspection results, retrieve historical quality data, and track part disposition records.Time management strategies — apply to prioritize inspection tasks across multiple product lines and meet production schedule requirements.Reading comprehension skills — employ to interpret engineering drawings, material specifications, and customer quality requirements during product evaluation.
proficient
Full-scope inspection processes for complex assemblies or precision components — execute autonomously using a full suite of measurement tools including gauges, calipers, and micrometers in a high-volume production setting.Nonconforming material disposition — determine independently by applying critical thinking to specification ambiguities, escalating only complex engineering deviations.Detailed inspection and test reports — produce with quantitative data, root-cause analysis, and prioritized corrective action recommendations for quality review boards.Statistical patterns and defect trends across production runs — analyze using analytical software to differentiate systemic process failures from random variation.CAD drawings and CAM process documentation — interpret to verify that manufactured parts meet design intent and process parameters without assistance.Cross-functional production, engineering, and supply chain teams — communicate inspection findings and quality risks to clearly using both oral and written channels.Non-routine or first-article inspection scenarios — handle independently by developing inspection plans tailored to new product introductions or process changes.Equipment calibration status and measurement system integrity — monitor and flag discrepancies to ensure validity of all dimensional and functional test results.Customer and personal service requirements — incorporate into quality judgments by aligning internal inspection standards with contractual or regulatory compliance needs.Sampling plans and acceptance criteria — evaluate critically and adjust recommendations when production volumes, risk levels, or customer requirements change.
advanced
Facility-wide inspection and testing standards — design and implement across all product lines to align quality operations with organizational and customer requirements.Competency development programs for inspection and testing personnel — build and deliver using structured on-the-job training and mentorship within Job Zone 2 environments.Quality control frameworks and work instructions — author and maintain to ensure consistency, traceability, and regulatory compliance across production departments.Enterprise quality data systems including ERP and database platforms — direct the configuration and use of to enable real-time monitoring of inspection outcomes at organizational scale.Systemic quality failures and supplier nonconformances — lead root-cause investigations and drive corrective action closure through cross-functional teams.Senior leadership and external customers — present quality performance metrics, risk assessments, and improvement roadmaps to using clear, data-supported communication.Organizational inspection resource allocation — optimize by evaluating workloads, staffing levels, and technology investments to sustain throughput and quality targets.Culture of attention to detail, integrity, and cautiousness — model and reinforce across the production workforce through consistent coaching and accountability practices.Industry benchmarking data and emerging inspection technologies — evaluate and integrate to continuously advance the organization's quality assurance capabilities.Quality policies aligned with production and processing knowledge — establish and champion to drive achievement orientation across all levels of the inspection function.
Also known as
940 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Abrasive GraderAcid TesterAir Box TesterAir Conditioning Unit Tester (AC Unit Tester)Air SamplerAir Value TesterAircraft Instrument TesterAircraft Launching and Arresting Systems InspectorAligning InspectorAlloy WeigherAluminum Boat InspectorAluminum Container TesterAmmunition Components InspectorAmpoule ExaminerAmpoule InspectorArgon TesterArmature InspectorArmature TesterArtificial Teeth InspectorAsbestos Shingle InspectorAssemblies and Installations InspectorAssembly AdjusterAssembly InspectorAssembly Line InspectorAssorterAutomatic Tire TesterAutomatic Typewriter InspectorAutomotive Tire TesterBad Cloth CheckerBag GraderBag SorterBag TesterBalance Bridge InspectorBalance TruerBalance Truing InspectorBalance Wheel Motion InspectorBall Points InspectorBallast InspectorBallpoint Pen Cartridge TesterBarometers Calibrator