ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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 ...

AAA United States 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 ...

AAA USA Inc

Inspector - Fabrication/Assembly

Wichita, KS · On-site

... airplanes, defense platforms, and business/regional jets. With expertise in aluminum and advanced ... The Inspector - Fabrication/Assembly is responsible for ensuring that all fabricated and assembled ...

AAA USA

Aerospace Inspector

Grand Prairie, TX · On-site

$44 - $46/hr

... airplanes, defense platforms, and business/regional jets. With expertise in aluminum and advanced ... The Inspector - Fabrication/Assembly is responsible for ensuring that all fabricated and assembled ...

AAA USA

Aerospace Inspector

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$44 - $46/hr

... airplanes, defense platforms, and business/regional jets. With expertise in aluminum and advanced ... The Inspector - Fabrication/Assembly is responsible for ensuring that all fabricated and assembled ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAirplane Inspector Jobs

Airplane Inspector information

See salary details

$12

$27

$52

How much do airplane inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 18, 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.
More about Airplane Inspector jobs
What cities are hiring for Airplane Inspector jobs? Cities with the most Airplane Inspector job openings:
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.

Quality Inspector

AAA USA, Inc.

Wichita, KS • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

AAA United States, Inc. has partnered with a company in Wichita, Kansas that is one of the world's largest manufacturers of aerostructures for commercial airplanes, defense platforms, and business/regional jets. With expertise in aluminum and advanced composite manufacturing solutions, the company's core products include fuselages, integrated wings and wing components, pylons, and nacelles.
The Quality Inspector is responsible for inspecting and testing aerospace components, assemblies, and systems during the production process, ensuring compliance with industry standards, specifications, and customer requirements.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Working from drawings/CATIA, documents, process specifications, quality control requirements, software programs and test procedures, perform any inspection of parts and assemblies including processes and materials.
  • Dimensionally inspect parts or assemblies.
  • Initiate and document any non-conforming materials, hardware, software, tools, parts, assemblies or portions thereof, according to specifications, processes and procedures.
  • Inspect vendor, subcontractor or company parts and assemblies.
  • Follows a pre-determined sequence of own work.
  • Prepare and maintain Quality records.
  • Support the continuous flow of product within the manufacturing process by cross training and assisting other employees including cross-training in the Assembly Technician function or functions supported.

Requirements
  • Experience with aerospace software tools for inspection and reporting.
  • Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles or Six Sigma

About AAA USA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Strategic planning consulting services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Mobile, AL, US

Year founded

2013

View All AAA USA Jobs

Apply