Also known as: Aeronautical Inspector, Aerospace Inspector, Air Carrier Inspector, Aircraft Inspector
You arrive at the regional FAA office adjacent to a busy airport, like Denver International. Your day begins by logging into your workstation, checking your email for urgent updates or new directives, and reviewing your inspection schedule in the FAA's internal system. Today’s focus is a routine check of a regional airline’s maintenance procedures. You prepare your digital checklist on a rugged tablet and grab your inspection toolkit, including a high-intensity flashlight and mirror.
Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.
+2.2%
US average: +3.5%
2,300
per year (US)
25,100
in 2025 → 25,600 (2035)
High school diploma or equivalent
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.
How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.
Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)
This career has a stable outlook, with about 2,300 job openings projected each year through 2035. The median annual wage is about $92,100. Many people advance into this role from aviation maintenance or quality assurance backgrounds, and it can lead to senior positions in compliance or safety management.
Career ladder
Often before this role
Where it can lead
$92,100
Median annual wage, BLS 2025
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum educational requirement for this position
Based on job level & field
Avionics Maintenance Technology/Technician
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years
Mechanics and Repairers, General
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years
Aerospace Ground Equipment Technology
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years
Air and Space Operations Technology
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years
Electrical Engineering
Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 2 years