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Airport Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Airport Inspector information

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$24.5K

$54.9K

$99K

How much do airport inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for airport inspector in the United States is $54,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $63,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an airport inspector?

To thrive as an Airport Inspector, you need in-depth knowledge of aviation regulations, airport operations, and safety protocols, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in aviation or regulatory roles. Familiarity with inspection tools, compliance management systems, and FAA or ICAO certification is typically required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for identifying issues and interacting with airport personnel. These skills ensure airports meet safety standards, maintain regulatory compliance, and provide a secure environment for travelers.

What are some common challenges faced by airport inspectors during routine inspections?

Airport Inspectors often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple airport departments, staying updated with evolving safety regulations, and balancing thoroughness with operational efficiency to minimize disruptions. They must also adapt quickly to diverse environments, as inspections can occur both indoors and outdoors, sometimes in inclement weather or during non-standard hours. Effective communication and attention to detail are crucial for addressing these challenges and ensuring compliance with aviation safety standards.

What is the difference between Airport Inspector vs Airport Security Officer?

AspectAirport InspectorAirport Security Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications in safety and inspection proceduresHigh school diploma or equivalent; security training certifications
Work EnvironmentInspecting aircraft, facilities, and equipment at airportsMonitoring security checkpoints, screening passengers and baggage
Employer & Industry UsageAirports, airlines, government agenciesAirports, security firms, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for inspection rolesFocuses on security screening tasks

While both roles operate within airport environments, Airport Inspectors primarily focus on safety inspections of aircraft and facilities, requiring specific certifications. Airport Security Officers concentrate on passenger screening and security enforcement. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in airport safety and security.

How to become an airport inspector?

To become an airport inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring post-secondary education or specialized training. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of safety procedures, and familiarity with security equipment; certifications such as TSA or security training may be required. Applicants often undergo background checks and may need to pass physical and drug tests before employment.

What does an airport inspector do?

An airport inspector is responsible for ensuring compliance with safety, security, and operational standards at airports. They conduct inspections of facilities, equipment, and personnel, and may review security procedures and documentation to prevent hazards and security breaches. Strong attention to detail, knowledge of aviation regulations, and certification are often required for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Airport Inspector jobs?

The most popular types of Airport Inspector jobs are:

What states have the most Airport Inspector jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Airport Inspector job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,939 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Airport Certification and Safety Inspector

Federal Aviation Administration

Washington, DC • On-site

$127K - $198K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Federal Aviation Administration rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 154 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 295 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
This position serves as an Airport Certification and Safety Inspector (Airport Safety & Operations Specialist) within the Office of Airports (ARP), Airports Safety and Standards (AAS), Airports Safety and Operations Division (AAS-300) providing technical support and expertise to FAA's national airport certification and safety program.
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Duties
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Performs multiple, varying and complex assignments under the minimal direction of a manager or more experienced technical operations specialist for large work activities. Provides technical support and expertise to FAAs national airport certification and safety program. Assists in the development, review and revision of rules, regulations, polices and guidance concerning 14 CFR Part 139, Certification of Airports, and FAA airport safety initiatives. Supports FAA Headquarters and Regional staff in the national implementation of 14 CFR Part 139, including the evaluation and standardization of FAA Part 139 airport inspections. As a credentialed FAA Airport Certification and Safety Inspector, conducts airport certification and safety inspections throughout the US and American territories, as required.
Utilizes policy, federal laws and regulations to provide guidance and technical support for airport safety, operational programs and issues for: (1) various program areas of oversight and interest within the Office of Airports; (2) internal/external stakeholders, including FAA Lines of Businesses/Staff Offices (LOBs/SOs) such as Air Traffic, Flight Standards, Runway Safety Program Office, and the Office of Accident Investigation; and (3) FAA Regional staff to ensure adherence to FAA's Compliance and Enforcement Program in accordance with Federal statutes and FAA orders and processes.
Applies experience and comprehensive technical knowledge applicable to airport certification and safety as well as an understanding of new technologies and methodologies, to solve complex problems and develop improved technical processes or systems. Considers the objectives of the division and LOB/SO when developing, integrating, and implementing solutions to diverse, complex problems. Assignments frequently require knowledge and experience working across functional and/or organizational lines. Typical assignments may include complex system design and integration; extensive research and analyses; investigation and inspection activities; compliance and enforcement actions; and direct responsibility for project/program management.
Supports FAA Regions with their submittals for petitions from airport operators requesting exemptions to any Part 139 requirement. Coordinates with regional FAA personnel on safety issues and incidents occurring on or near airports. Tracks regional Part 139 enforcement actions. Maintains records for ACSI credentialing and currency requirements. Conducts regional program audits for the part 139 program and other program requirements supporting airport safety and operations. Briefs FAA, Department of Transportation, NTSB and Congressional staff on matters involving airport certification and safety.
Works in collaboration with other FAA LOBs/SOs, and external stakeholders to improve surface safety at airports. This includes participating in various surface safety work groups, assignments, and initiatives. Provides technical support on various Safety Management System (SMS) initiatives and programs, including SMS Panels. Supports the Airports Safety and Operations Division in the tracking and recordkeeping for National Transportation Safety Board Safety (NTSB) recommendations, Office of Inspector General (OIG), General Accounting Office (GAO) audits, and any other program auditing functions. Provides technical advice and guidance on new entrant to the National Airspace System and to the Office of Airports (ARP) Emergency Planning in coordinating support required during emergency situations.
Supports various educational outreach efforts both domestically and internationally. Participates in the development of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards in support of the FAA's global aviation safety program.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents).
  • Designated or Random Drug Testing required.
  • 25% domestic and/or international travel required.

Qualifications
To qualify for this position you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-I, FG/GS-13 level. This experience is typically related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been at least equivalent to the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE IS DEFINED AS:
  • Experience conducting safety inspections and ensuring 14 CFR Part 139 at Medium or Large Hub Part 139 Airports.

AND;
  • Experience analyzing, developing and interpreting rules, policies and regulations regarding airport operations.

AND;
  • Experience evaluating and analyzing the effectiveness of national programs.

AND;
  • Experience effectively communicating the agency's positions on aviation programs, projects, policies and regulations through reports, briefings, presentations, meetings, etc.

You should include relevant examples of the specialized experience in your work history. Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered.
Answer all questions to the best of your ability. DO NOT ASSUME THAT BECAUSE YOU HOLD, OR HAVE HELD THIS POSITION, YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE FOUND ELIGIBLE. You may be asked to provide evidence or documentation that you have this type of experience later in the selection process. Your responses are subject to verification through job interviews, or any other information obtained during the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience or any attempt to conceal information can result in disqualification.
*Applicants who fail to demonstrate possession of any of the above criteria AND who do not provide the required documentation will receive no further consideration for this position.*
Applicants may be asked to verify information on your application for employment with the FAA.
**All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.**
Education
Education cannot be substituted for experience.
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Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.
Additional information
We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions.
Position may be subject to a background investigation.
A one-year probationary period may be required.
The person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies. www.faa.gov/jobs/workinghere/financial-disclosure-requirements
This position is covered by the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. Any applicant tentatively selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment or pre-appointment drug screening. Persons occupying a "testing designated position (TDP)" will be subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing.
This position is covered by the FAA Core Compensation plan. Additional information about Core Compensation is available at: https://www.faa.gov/jobs/working_here/benefits.
As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA.
In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA section, in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a human resource specialist as appropriate.
Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and/or selective placement factor(s) (SPF) may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) and/or Quality Ranking Factor (QRF) listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: (1) score order; (2) category grouping; (3) alphabetical; or (4) priority grouping, and referred to the selecting official for selection consideration.
This Level 5 (Moderate Risk; Public Trust) position requires favorable adjudication of a Minimum Background Investigation (MBI) background investigation prior to appointment, unless a waiver is obtained.
AFSCME Interview Criteria: Article 42, Section 13 states: If the selecting official decides to interview any employee on the selection list for a vacancy, then all who remain under consideration for the position at that point in the process must be interviewed. If the selection list is shortened to a best qualified list through a comparative process, then the best qualified list shall be considered to be the selection list. If it is determined that interviews are required and telephone interviews are not utilized, travel expenses incidental to these interviews will be paid in accordance with the Agency's travel regulations and this Agreement.
Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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