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Air Safety Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Department of Transportation

$90K/yr

When the predominant work involves air carrier flight oversight , applicants must meet all of the ... NOTE: The Aviation Safety Inspector (Flight Oversight) position does not require a second-class ...

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How much do air safety inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for air safety inspector in the United States is $87,171.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Air Safety Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Air Safety Inspector, you need in-depth knowledge of aviation regulations, aircraft systems, and safety procedures, typically supported by a degree in aviation or engineering and significant flight or maintenance experience. Familiarity with regulatory compliance tools, inspection protocols, and specialized software such as safety management systems (SMS) is essential. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set outstanding inspectors apart. These capabilities are critical to ensuring aviation safety, regulatory compliance, and the prevention of accidents in the industry.

Is a FAA inspector a good job?

An FAA inspector, responsible for ensuring aviation safety and compliance with regulations, is generally considered a stable and respected career in the aviation industry. The role requires technical knowledge, certifications, and often involves regular inspections, reporting, and collaboration with aviation professionals. Job satisfaction depends on interest in aviation safety and adherence to regulatory standards.

How do you become an aviation safety inspector?

To become an aviation safety inspector, candidates typically need a background in aviation, engineering, or a related field, along with experience in aircraft maintenance, operations, or safety. They must meet specific federal or regulatory agency requirements, which often include passing written exams, background checks, and obtaining relevant certifications such as an FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of safety regulations are essential for this role.

What does an Air Safety Inspector do?

An Air Safety Inspector is responsible for ensuring that aircraft, airlines, and aviation operations comply with federal safety regulations. They conduct inspections, monitor maintenance procedures, review records, and investigate accidents or incidents. Their work helps ensure that flights are safe for passengers and crew by enforcing strict safety standards and practices within the aviation industry.

What is the difference between Air Safety Inspector vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectAir Safety InspectorAircraft Maintenance Technician
CertificationsFAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license, safety certificationsFAA A&P license, maintenance certifications
Work EnvironmentInspecting aircraft, safety audits, regulatory complianceRepairing, maintaining aircraft, troubleshooting
Employer & IndustryAirlines, regulatory agencies, safety organizationsAircraft repair stations, airlines, maintenance facilities

While both roles require FAA A&P certification and involve aircraft, the Air Safety Inspector focuses on safety inspections and regulatory compliance, whereas the Aircraft Maintenance Technician performs hands-on repairs and maintenance. Both are essential for aviation safety but differ in daily tasks and responsibilities.

How does an Air Safety Inspector typically collaborate with airline personnel and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance?

Air Safety Inspectors regularly work with airline staff, maintenance crews, and regulatory bodies to monitor and enforce aviation safety standards. They conduct inspections, audits, and investigations, often coordinating with multiple teams to address safety concerns and ensure corrective actions are implemented. Effective communication and clear documentation are key, as inspectors must convey findings and recommendations, sometimes under tight deadlines. This collaborative environment fosters ongoing learning and provides opportunities to develop deep industry relationships while upholding critical safety regulations.

How much do FAA inspectors get paid?

FAA air safety inspectors typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level of certification. They often work full-time hours, with opportunities for overtime and benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

How long does it take to become an aviation inspector?

Becoming an air safety inspector typically requires several years of experience in aviation, including a background as a pilot, mechanic, or air traffic controller, along with specialized training and certifications. The process can take 3 to 5 years, depending on prior experience and the specific agency's requirements.
More about Air Safety Inspector jobs
What cities are hiring for Air Safety Inspector jobs? Cities with the most Air Safety Inspector job openings:
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What states have the most Air Safety Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Air Safety Inspector jobs include:
Air Safety Inspector jobs near you
Aviation Safety Inspector

Aviation Safety Inspector

Department of Transportation

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$107K/yr

Other

Posted 27 days ago

California Conservation Corps rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

409th of 668 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

The Assistant Principal Oversight Inspector (APOI) serves as a full assistant to a Principal Inspector performing full range of certification, surveillance, and inspection duties for assigned air carriers, air operators, air agencies, airmen, and designees. Has program responsibility to assure that assigned organizations meet Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) with respect to flight oversight programs. Assists in establishment of work programs for inspection and surveillance.Qualifications:

Applicants must meet the Office of Personnel Management Qualification Standards:

General Requirements for All Positions:

  1. Not more than two separate incidents involving Federal Aviation regulations violations in the last 5 years
  2. Valid State driver's license
  3. Fluency in the English language
  4. No chemical dependencies or drug abuse that could interfere with job performance, and
  5. High School diploma or equivalent.

Medical Requirements for All Positions:

Applicants must be physically able to perform the duties of the Aviation Safety Inspector position in a safe and efficient manner, with or without a reasonable accommodation.The minimum medical requirements include the following requirements:

  1. Have good distant vision in each eye and be able to read, without strain, printed materials the size of typewritten characters (glasses and contact lenses permitted);
  2. Have the ability to hear the conversational voice (hearing aid permitted); and
  3. Not have any physical condition that would cause them to be a hazard to themselves or others that would interfere with their ability to fly as passengers in a variety of aircraft.

In addition, applicants for positions that require participation in the operation of the aircraft must:

  1. Possess a valid second class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations; and
  2. Pass recurrent medical examinations as prescribed by the FAA.

Applicants not requiring valid second-class medical certificates who are tentatively selected will be required to:

  1. Provide documentation from a board-certified physician certifying that they meet the minimal medical requirements; or
  2. Individuals who do not meet the minimum medical requirements but who are otherwise qualified will receive an individualized assessment to determine whether they can perform the essential functions of the position.

When the predominant work involves air carrier maintenance, applicants for Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier) positions must meet all of the following requirements.

  1. Aircraft experience involving the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of installed avionics systems on aircraft.
  2. Maintenance experience on aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight.
  3. Aircraft maintenance work experience (which could include supervision or auditing) in a repair station; air carrier repair facility; military repair facility; or local, state, or Federal governmental agency within the last 3 years.
  4. Aircraft maintenance work experience within the last three years.
  5. FAA Mechanic certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings.

To qualify for this position you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of experience equivalent to FV-I, FG/GS-13 grade level as an Aviation Safety Inspector. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Specialized experience is:

  • Monitoring activities of organizations to determine whether they are following authorized programs and evaluating proposals to change programs.
  • Planning and conducting inspections and surveillance of assigned areas of carrier maintenance operations to assure compliance with Federal aviation regulations.
  • Principal contact with, and having responsibility for the certification, inspection, and surveillance of the maintenance operations of a group of aviation organizations.

For Lateral Movements Between 1825 Specialties: To assist in determining qualification requirements, applicants transferring between specialties at the same grade level are strongly encouraged to complete the appropriate Qualifications Assessment Tool (QAT) check sheet and upload it along with their resume. Check sheets are contained in Order 3410.26, Flight Standards Service Air Carrier and General Aviation Qualifications Assessment Tool for AFS Aviation Safety Inspectors. This order is located at: https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/3410.26.pdf.

Recency of specialized experience is waived for those currently in the 1825 series

Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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