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Airplane Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$107K/yr

The Principal Operations Inspector (POI) serves as the primary operations interface between ... Valid, unexpired Flight Instructor Certificate with single and multi-engine airplane and instrument ...

$107K/yr

The Principal Operations Inspector (POI) serves as the primary operations interface between ... Valid, unexpired Flight Instructor Certificate with single and multi-engine airplane and instrument ...

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Airplane Inspector information

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$12

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How much do airplane inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 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.

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.

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 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 do you become an airplane inspector?

To become an airplane inspector, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or certification in aircraft maintenance or inspection, such as an FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate. Gaining experience working with aircraft and understanding aviation safety standards is also essential for this role.

How much do airplane inspectors get paid?

Airplane inspectors typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level inspectors may start at lower wages, while experienced professionals or those working for major airlines can earn over $100,000 annually. Certifications and specialized skills can also influence pay rates.
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What cities are hiring for Airplane Inspector jobs?

Cities with the most Airplane Inspector job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Airplane Inspector jobs?

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What states have the most Airplane Inspector jobs?

States with the most job openings for Airplane Inspector jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Airplane Inspector jobs?

For Airplane Inspector jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Airplane Inspector job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,905 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Aviation Safety Inspector

Hapeville, GA

Department of Transportation
Public Administration • 1 - 5K employees

$107K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 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


Job description

Serves as the Principal Operations Inspector for Wheels Up JTT Flight Program at the Denver FSDO.

The Principal Operations Inspector (POI) serves as the primary operations interface between assigned air carriers, air operators, air agencies, airmen, designees, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Has program responsibility to assure that assigned organizations meet Title 14 Code of Federal Regulation (14 CFR) with respect to general aviation operations programs.

Qualifications:

General Requirements for All 1825 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 general aviation 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.

In addition, applicants must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-I/FG-13 level. 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: Assisting, conducting or performing various technical functions related to certification, surveillance, investigation and compliance recommendation of operational activities for FAR Part 135 air carriers/air operators.

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.

Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered for the job.

Education:

Education is not qualifying and cannot be substituted for experience.

Employment Type: OTHER

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