1

Amusement Ride Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Amusement Ride Inspector information

See California salary details

$5

$17

$31

How much do amusement ride inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for amusement ride inspector in California is $17.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.71 and $20.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What type of inspector gets paid the most?

In the field of amusement ride inspection, senior or lead inspectors with extensive experience, specialized certifications, and management responsibilities tend to earn the highest salaries. These roles often involve overseeing safety compliance and may include additional responsibilities that command higher pay compared to entry-level inspectors.

Who inspects theme park rides?

Theme park rides are inspected by amusement ride inspectors, who are often employed by government safety agencies or private inspection companies. These inspectors evaluate rides for safety, compliance with regulations, and proper maintenance, typically requiring specialized training and certifications. Regular inspections ensure rides operate safely for the public.

What does a typical day look like for an Amusement Ride Inspector?

A typical day for an Amusement Ride Inspector involves conducting thorough visual and operational inspections of amusement rides, reviewing maintenance records, and testing safety systems to ensure rides meet all regulatory requirements. You may work both indoors and outdoors, interacting closely with ride operators, maintenance staff, and occasionally regulatory agencies. The job often includes documenting findings, preparing detailed reports, and sometimes investigating incidents or complaints. Inspectors also stay updated on the latest safety standards and attend ongoing training as required. This role provides a dynamic work environment that emphasizes safety, teamwork, and continuous learning.

What is an Amusement Ride Inspector job?

An Amusement Ride Inspector is responsible for ensuring the safety and proper operation of amusement park rides and attractions. They conduct inspections, test ride components, review maintenance records, and ensure compliance with safety regulations and industry standards. Inspectors may work for government agencies, insurance companies, or amusement parks directly. Their goal is to identify potential hazards and enforce necessary repairs or maintenance to protect the public and ride operators.

How much do amusement ride inspectors make?

Amusement ride inspectors typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often need specialized training and certifications to perform safety inspections and ensure compliance with industry standards.

How to become a roller coaster inspector?

To become a roller coaster inspector, individuals typically need a background in engineering, mechanics, or a related field, along with experience in ride maintenance or safety inspections. Certification from a recognized safety authority, such as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or equivalent, is often required, and inspectors must stay current with safety standards and conduct regular inspections of rides to ensure compliance and safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Amusement Ride Inspector position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Amusement Ride Inspector, you need a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, strong attention to detail, and relevant experience or certification in safety inspection or engineering. Familiarity with inspection tools, diagnostic equipment, and industry-standard safety codes such as ASTM F24 is typically required. Excellent communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and integrity help inspectors interact effectively with ride operators and report findings clearly. These skills are critical for ensuring public safety, regulatory compliance, and the safe operation of amusement rides.

What are the most commonly searched types of Amusement Ride Inspector jobs in California? The most popular types of Amusement Ride Inspector jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Amusement Ride Inspector jobs in California? For Amusement Ride Inspector jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Amusement Ride Inspector job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 46% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $35,661 per year, or $17.1 per hour.
Facilities Electrician

$32.22 - $41.48/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Knott's Berry Farm rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 73 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 56 rated theme parks


Job description

Overview:

Inspect, install, repair, and maintain all the ride electrical and communications systems and equipment. This includes but not limited: wiring, electrical fixtures, electric motors, motor controls, variable frequency drives, soft starters, programmable logic controllers, sensors, pumps, lighting, generators and all levels of electrical distribution, transformers, and inverters. Work from ladders, scaffolds, and man lifts to install, maintain or repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures.

Salary Details: $32.22 / hr  - $41.48 / hr, based on experience 


Responsibilities:
  • Able to read and work with Ladder Logic, blueprints and various types of schematics.
  • Participates in the daily inspection and compilation of amusement rides including electrical PM's and Work Orders.  Responds to service calls in a prompt and professional matter.
  • Communicates issues and repairs made with Ride Maintenance Supervision and/or Ride Operations. Updates progress at regular intervals.
  • Diagnose malfunctioning systems, apparatus, and components, using test equipment and hand tools, to locate the cause of a breakdown and repair/correct the problem. Repair or replace wiring, equipment, and fixtures, using hand tools and power tools.
  • Work safely and effectively while elevated on ladders, platforms, man lifts, or other structures at heights up to 300 feet above the ground or in confined spaces.
  • Maintains adequate records of repairs or work completed in logbooks and/or electronically through Computerized Maintenance Management Software.
  • Provides technical assistance in the inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of rides as necessary. Thorough understanding of building codes, California Electrical Code, National Electrical Code NEC, and related electrical and control standards (NFPA 70) etc.
  • Remains flexible with rotating schedule and overtime when needed.
  • Provides assistance with Facility Maintenance and other departments as needed.

Qualifications:
  • Associate's degree / vocational or technical school degree
  • At least 2-4 years of relevant work experience
  • Solid grasp of the fundamental principles of electronics, including Ohm's Law, basic AC and DC circuit analysis, basic digital logic, and extensive knowledge of common electronic components and their uses.
  • Extensive operational knowledge of various lighting consoles including ETC and High-End Systems.
  • Expertise of operation in theatrical lighting equipment and up to date knowledge of current lighting trends, controllers, styles and equipment.
  • Extensive ability to read and understand a variety of technical documentation including manuals, schematic diagrams, drawings, labels, color codes, etc.
  • Ability to effectively troubleshoot electronic circuits down to the component level & complex systems while managing multiple tasks and priorities.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

What Knott's Berry Farm employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom