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Auto Inspector Jobs in North Carolina (NOW HIRING)

$16.59 - $24.86/hr

Mobile Inspector - Level 1 Hourly Pay Range 100% Geo: $15.10 - $18.89 - $22.69 per hour 110% Geo: $16.63 - $20.77 - $24.90 per hour 120% Geo: $18.17 - $22.69 - $27.21 per hour Mobile Inspector ...

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Auto Inspector information

See North Carolina salary details

$10

$25

$52

How much do auto inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for auto inspector in North Carolina is $25.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $34.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an auto inspector do?

An automotive or auto inspector conducts inspections of new cars to ensure that they meet emissions and safety standards coming off of a production line. Some inspectors focus on investigating the vehicles involved in accidents to rule out suspect claims. The responsibilities of these inspectors include interviewing witnesses and communicating findings with insurance companies. An auto inspector also compiles a detailed list of damage to each vehicle and the estimated costs of automotive repairs. Qualifications to become an auto inspector include a high school diploma and certification or licensure in your state. Most employers prefer candidates with work experience or training as a mechanic.

What does an auto inspector do?

An Auto Inspector is responsible for examining vehicles to ensure they meet safety, emissions, and regulatory standards. They check various systems such as brakes, lights, tires, and emissions controls, and may also look for signs of damage or wear that could affect a vehicle's performance or safety. Auto Inspectors often work at state inspection stations, car dealerships, or auto repair shops. Their findings help determine if a vehicle is roadworthy or if repairs are needed before it can be legally driven.

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

To thrive as an Auto Inspector, you need a thorough understanding of automotive systems, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or relevant certification in automotive technology. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, inspection checklists, and vehicle emissions testing equipment is typically required. Strong observational skills, integrity, and clear communication help inspectors accurately assess vehicle conditions and explain results to customers. These skills ensure vehicles meet safety and regulatory standards, protecting both drivers and the public.

What are some common challenges faced by auto inspectors during vehicle assessments?

Auto Inspectors often encounter challenges such as identifying subtle signs of hidden damage, keeping up with frequently updated safety and emissions regulations, and communicating technical findings clearly to customers or dealerships. They must also manage time effectively, as inspections can be detailed and require thorough documentation. Collaborating with mechanics, service advisors, and sometimes insurance adjusters is common, so strong interpersonal skills are helpful for resolving discrepancies and ensuring accurate reporting.

What is the difference between Auto Inspector vs Auto Body Technician?

AspectAuto InspectorAuto Body Technician
CertificationsASE certifications, state inspectionsASE certifications, collision repair certifications
Work EnvironmentInspection stations, dealerships, repair shopsCollision repair shops, body shops, dealerships
Primary ResponsibilitiesInspect vehicles for safety, compliance, and qualityRepair and restore vehicle body damage
Industry UsageUsed across automotive inspection and quality controlUsed mainly in collision repair and bodywork

Auto Inspectors focus on evaluating vehicle safety and compliance through inspections, while Auto Body Technicians specialize in repairing vehicle damage. Both roles require similar certifications and often work in related environments, but their core duties differ significantly.

How do you become an auto inspector?

To become an auto inspector, you typically need to complete a state-approved training program and obtain a certification or license, which may involve passing a written exam. Relevant skills include knowledge of vehicle systems and inspection procedures, and some states require ongoing education to maintain certification.

How much do auto inspectors make in the US?

Auto inspectors in the US typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, with the median salary around $45,000. Earnings can vary based on experience, location, and whether they work for dealerships, inspection stations, or independently, often requiring knowledge of vehicle systems and inspection tools.

How to become an auto inspector?

To become an auto inspector, you typically need to complete a state-approved training program and obtain a vehicle inspector license or certification. Requirements often include passing a written exam, having a valid driver's license, and gaining experience with vehicle inspections; some states also require background checks. Continuing education and periodic license renewal may be necessary to maintain certification.

What cities in North Carolina are hiring for Auto Inspector jobs?

Cities in North Carolina with the most Auto Inspector job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Auto Inspector jobs in NC?

For Auto Inspector jobs in NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Auto Inspector job openings in North Carolina as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,976 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Automotive Cosmetic Inspector (2nd Shift)

Concord, NC • On-site


Carvana
Automobile Dealers • 5 - 10K employees

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 281 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

145th of 739 rated retailers

People enjoy working here

Paid breaks

Respectful managers


Part-time, Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

We're looking for Cosmetic Repair Inspectors with a minimum of 6 months of professional automotive prepping experience to join us at Carvana - the fastest-growing used automotive retailer in U.S. history and one of the four fastest companies to make the Fortune 500.
As an Entry-level Cosmetic Inspector, you'll be expected to identify cosmetic imperfections and/or repairs pre-reconditioning and post-paint process. May require additional tasks such as prepping, sanding, and masking of vehicles.
At Carvana, you'll receive a competitive wage and amazing perks - including a 401(k) with Carvana match and even a vehicle purchase discount - all while using state of the art tools in one of our high-tech Inspection Centers (click here to learn more). If you're joining us in an entry-level position, we offer training programs to make sure your skills and pay progress along with the company.


Other perks of the Job

  • 100% company-paid healthcare premiums
  • Generous paid-time off and your birthday is a holiday!
  • ASE and tool reimbursement programs
  • Tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment

Schedule: 2nd Shift hours are Monday - Thursday, 5:00pm to 6:00am and may be subject to overtime on weekdays or Saturdays

We do everything we can to deliver an exceptional customer experience, and that includes delivering great vehicles when expected. If we're in a pinch, mandatory overtime is one way in which we can follow-through on this commitment to our customers. We're looking for team players who are all in on our mission and are able to work mandatory overtime based on our business needs. 


How To Get Started
Join the Carvana team by applying on this page, or call one of our recruiters by phone at (888) 690-7853, Monday through Friday, between 6 AM and 4 PM PT (9AM to 7PM ET).


Not a match for this role?
We have a variety of paint roles available, depending on your experience - look below to see other roles available to help us get our low-mileage, late-model cars ready for our customers:

  • Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork, including sanding, masking, taping, bagging, unbagging/tear down, and buffing
  • Entry-Level Painter (min 1 year professional experience): prime vehicles and perform final sanding before the vehicle is painted, along with buffing, touch-up, paint mixing, and airbrush.
  • Mid-Level Painter (min 3 years professional experience):  match/mix paint color and use water-based paint to paint the vehicle inside our paint booths
  • Experienced Painter (min 5 years professional experience): painting (base coats, tri-coats, solid, metallic, and clear coats), blending adjacent panels, and paint correcting vehicles.

We also have a variety of other automotive roles available in one of our 18 locations across the country - take a look at our Careers site to apply for one of the following roles:

  • Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and PDR (Paintless Dent Repair) roles
  • Auto Technician/Mechanic roles: Lube and Oil, Inspection, Brake and Tire, Mechanical Repair / Build, and Master Technician roles
  • Entry-Level roles: Detailing, Inventory Associate (Car Porters), Photo, Parts Associate, Inspection, and Coordinator/Administrator roles

General qualifications and requirements

  • Ability to physically operate vehicle equipment and tools - must be able to lift up to 60 pounds independently
  • Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver's license. Some positions may be subject to an Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check
  • An ability to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing production environment while sometimes being exposed to excessive weather conditions (heat/cold)
  • Use of safety equipment that may include but not limited to face shield or goggles, non-slip shoes, gloves, mask, and other protective garments and equipment

About Carvana

To make sure our cars are in first-rate condition, we've built multiple vehicle Reconditioning Centers around the country, where our cars are inspected, perfected, and photographed before reaching the Carvana website.
Think you've got what it takes to join our team? Apply today!
Carvana is an equal employment opportunity employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. Carvana also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.
Hiring is contingent on passing a complete background check. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver's license. Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English.


Carvana logo

About Carvana

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Carvana, we sell cars, but we're not salespeople. Since 2013, we've been making it our mission to change the way people buy cars. We saw a huge problem with how much it can suck to buy a car the traditional way, so we committed ourselves to tackling one of the largest, yet-to-be-disrupted markets in the world - the $1T per year U.S. car market (yes, that's $Trillion with a "T").

Industry

Automobile dealers

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Tempe, AZ, US

Year founded

2011


What Carvana employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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