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Airplane Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AAA USA Inc

Quality Inspector

Wichita, KS · On-site

... airplanes, defense platforms, and business/regional jets. With expertise in aluminum and advanced ... The Quality Inspector is responsible for inspecting and testing aerospace components, assemblies ...

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$12

$27

$52

How much do airplane inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for airplane inspector in the United States is $27.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $31.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Airplane Inspector do?

An Airplane Inspector is responsible for examining aircraft to ensure they meet safety, regulatory, and performance standards. This includes checking the aircraft's structure, systems, and components for signs of wear, damage, or malfunction. Inspectors review maintenance logs, perform functional tests, and ensure all repairs or modifications comply with aviation regulations. Their work is crucial for maintaining the safety and reliability of airplanes before and after flights.

How much do FAA investigators make?

FAA investigators, also known as aviation safety inspectors, typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level of certification. They perform inspections, enforce regulations, and ensure aviation safety compliance, often requiring specialized training and certifications.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by Airplane Inspectors in their daily work?

Airplane Inspectors often encounter challenges such as keeping up with evolving aviation regulations, working under time constraints to minimize aircraft downtime, and identifying subtle signs of wear or damage that could impact safety. They must also adapt to rapidly changing technologies and maintain detailed documentation for all inspections. Collaboration with maintenance teams, engineers, and regulatory authorities is essential to ensure compliance and effective problem-solving.

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

To thrive as an Airplane Inspector, you need strong knowledge of aviation maintenance, attention to detail, and typically an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification or equivalent. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, maintenance tracking software, and regulatory compliance systems like those from the FAA is important. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills help inspectors identify issues and coordinate with maintenance teams. These skills ensure aircraft safety, regulatory compliance, and the reliability of flight operations.

Can you make 200k as an aircraft mechanic?

Aircraft inspectors and mechanics typically earn less than $200,000 annually, with median salaries around $65,000 to $75,000. High earners in the field usually have extensive experience, advanced certifications, or work in specialized roles or high-cost regions. Reaching a $200,000 salary generally requires seniority, overtime, or supervisory positions.

What is the difference between Airplane Inspector vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectAirplane InspectorAircraft Maintenance Technician
CertificationsFAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license, inspection certificationsFAA A&P license, maintenance certifications
Work EnvironmentInspecting aircraft for safety, compliance, and defectsPerforming repairs, maintenance, and troubleshooting
Employer & IndustryAirlines, maintenance facilities, regulatory agenciesMaintenance shops, airlines, repair stations

While both roles require FAA A&P certification and involve aircraft, Airplane Inspectors focus on inspecting aircraft for safety and compliance, whereas Aircraft Maintenance Technicians perform repairs and maintenance tasks. Inspectors ensure aircraft meet safety standards before flight, while technicians handle ongoing repairs and troubleshooting.

How to become an airplane inspector?

To become an airplane inspector, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training in aircraft maintenance and inspection. Many inspectors obtain certifications such as the FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license, and gain experience working in aircraft maintenance or repair before qualifying for inspection roles.

How much do airline inspectors make?

Airplane inspectors, also known as aircraft maintenance inspectors, typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $80,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and certifications, with some inspectors earning over $100,000 annually in senior or specialized roles.
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What states have the most Airplane Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Airplane Inspector jobs include:
Airplane Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Airplane Inspector job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 8% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,905 per year, or $27.4 per hour.
Aviation Safety Inspector

Aviation Safety Inspector

Department of Transportation

Des Moines, WA • On-site

$107K/yr

Other

Posted 20 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

405th of 649 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

The Advanced Qualification Program Manager (AQPM) is responsible for the adequacy of the advanced qualification flight program including indoctrination, qualification, and continuing qualification curricula, and the flight operations program performing inspections, surveillance, and certification duties for carriers, air operators, air agencies, airmen, and designees.Qualifications:

Aviation Safety Series, 1825

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 tentatively selected will be required to:

  1. Provide documentation from a board-certified physician certifying that they meet the minimal medical requirements, with or without a reasonable accommodation; 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 with or without a reasonable accommodation.

To qualify for this position you must meet the Office of Personnel Management Qualification Standards for the 1825 series, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS/FG-13 as an Aviation Safety Inspector (AC- Flight Oversight). 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: experience assisting, conducting, or performing various technical functions related to certification, surveillance, investigation, and enforcement activities.

In addition, when the predominant work involves Air Carrier Operations, applicants for Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations) positions must meet all of the following requirements:

  1. Valid, unexpired Flight Instructor Certificate with single and multi-engine airplane and instrument airplane ratings. Must have given a minimum of 200 hours of flight instruction in an aircraft.
  2. Professional flying skill as demonstrated in a flight check to Commercial Pilot Certificate with an instrument rating;
  3. Possession of Airline Transport Pilot Certificate or Commercial Pilot Certificate with instrument airplane rating.
  4. Minimum of 100 flight hours within the last 3 years.
  5. Minimum of 1,500 total flight hours.
  6. Possession of single and multi-engine land airplane ratings.
  7. Not more than 2 flying accidents in the last 5 years in which the applicant's pilot error was involved.
  8. Possession of a valid second-class FAA medical certificate.

The recency of specialized experience is waived for current FAA employees in the 1825 series.

Applicants should include examples of specialized experience in their Work History.

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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