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Automotive Quality Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Quality Inspector - Automotive Manufacturing Shift: 1st - Hours 6:00am - 2:30pm Location: Ridgeville, SC Schedule: Monday-Friday, weekends when needed PAY RATE: $17.00/hr Join our team and take the ...

Quality Inspector - Automotive Manufacturing Shift: 1st - Hours 6:00am - 2:30pm Location:Ridgeville, SC Schedule:Monday-Friday, weekends when needed PAY RATE:$17.00/hr Join our team and take the next ...

Quality Inspector (Contract - W2) Location: North Charleston, SC (On-site) Employment Type ... Automotive Manufacturing Shift: 1st Shift (6:00am - 2:30pm) Job Summary: MS Companies is supporting ...

Visual inspection of metal automotive parts weighing up to 40lbs. - heavy lifting MAY BE required Summary of the Quality Inspector: Inspect parts per written instruction supplied by customer or CER ...

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Automotive Quality Inspector information

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How much do automotive quality inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for automotive quality inspector in the United States is $20.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by Automotive Quality Inspectors in their daily work?

Automotive Quality Inspectors often encounter challenges such as keeping up with fast-paced production environments while maintaining high standards of accuracy. They need to quickly identify defects or inconsistencies in parts or finished vehicles, sometimes under tight deadlines. Communication with production teams is crucial to address quality issues promptly, and inspectors must document findings accurately for traceability and continuous improvement. Adapting to new inspection technologies and evolving quality standards can also be part of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Automotive Quality Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Quality Inspector, you need a strong understanding of quality control processes, automotive manufacturing standards, and keen attention to detail, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with inspection tools such as calipers, micrometers, CMM machines, and proficiency with quality management systems (QMS) like ISO/TS 16949 are typically required. Strong analytical skills, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities help inspectors identify issues and collaborate with production teams. These skills are essential to ensure vehicles meet safety and quality standards, minimizing defects and ensuring customer satisfaction.

How much do vehicle inspectors make in the US?

Automotive quality inspectors in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, with experienced inspectors or those working in specialized environments earning higher. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, certifications, and the complexity of inspections performed.

What qualifications do I need to be a Quality Inspector?

Automotive Quality Inspectors typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring technical training or certification in quality control or inspection. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of inspection tools and procedures, and the ability to read technical drawings and specifications. Prior experience in manufacturing or automotive environments can be beneficial.

What is the difference between Automotive Quality Inspector vs Automotive Quality Technician?

AspectAutomotive Quality InspectorAutomotive Quality Technician
CertificationsOften requires quality assurance certifications like ASQ certificationsMay require similar certifications, with additional technical training
Work EnvironmentInspects vehicles and parts on assembly lines or in quality control departmentsPerforms testing, troubleshooting, and process improvements in manufacturing settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across automotive manufacturing plants and suppliersCommon in production facilities focusing on technical quality processes

The main difference is that Automotive Quality Inspectors focus on inspecting and verifying vehicle quality, while Automotive Quality Technicians perform technical testing and troubleshooting to improve quality processes. Both roles are essential in automotive manufacturing but differ in daily tasks and technical scope.

What type of inspector gets paid the most?

In the automotive industry, senior or specialized quality inspectors, such as those with advanced certifications or experience in advanced testing methods, tend to earn higher salaries. Inspectors working in manufacturing environments with complex or high-value products often receive higher pay compared to entry-level inspectors.

Is QC inspection a good career?

A career as an automotive quality inspector involves examining vehicles for defects, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and using tools like measurement devices. It offers stable employment opportunities in manufacturing and automotive industries, often requiring attention to detail and sometimes certifications. The role can lead to advancement into supervisory or specialized quality assurance positions.

What does an Automotive Quality Inspector do?

An Automotive Quality Inspector is responsible for examining vehicles, parts, or components to ensure they meet specific quality standards and regulatory requirements. Their duties include inspecting materials, identifying defects, conducting tests, and documenting findings throughout the manufacturing process. They play a critical role in ensuring that products are safe, reliable, and meet customer expectations before reaching the market.
More about Automotive Quality Inspector jobs
What cities are hiring for Automotive Quality Inspector jobs? Cities with the most Automotive Quality Inspector job openings:
What states have the most Automotive Quality Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Automotive Quality Inspector jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Automotive Quality Inspector jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Quality Inspector jobs are:
Infographic showing various Automotive Quality Inspector job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,417 per year, or $20.4 per hour.
Automotive Quality Inspector

Automotive Quality Inspector

Masters Transportation

Kansas City, MO • On-site

$26 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Masters Transportation rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

141st of 149 rated vehicle equipment hire


Job description

Why Join Our Team?

Masters Transportation has been a leader in the commercial transportation industry for over 30 years. With one of the nation's largest fleets and locations across the U.S., we provide customized vehicle solutions to meet diverse organizational needs. Our services include sales, rentals, leasing, financing, and repairs, catering to industries such as education, hospitality, senior living, and camps. Driven by core values like excellence, integrity, and a solution-oriented mindset, we prioritize safety, quality, and customer satisfaction. As a trusted partner in mobility, we are committed to delivering unmatched expertise and tailored transportation solutions nationwide.

Benefits:

  • Generous Paid Leave and 12 Paid Holidays.
  • Competitive health insurance, dental, vision, company-paid life insurance, and short/long- term disability benefits.
  • 401(k) with company match.
  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts.
  • Discounts on travel, entertainment, and more.
  • Investment in Employee Development

Classification: Non-Exempt/Hourly

Reports To: Vice President of Maintenance

Position Type: Full Time

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 8am-5pm

Work Location: Headquarters, Kansas City, MO

Job Summary:

The Senior Automotive Quality Inspector is responsible for leading advanced mechanical inspections and quality assurance activities across all vehicle categories, including production‑line vehicles and used vehicle inventory. This role ensures vehicles meet or exceed internal and manufacturer mechanical quality standards, safety requirements, and regulatory expectations. As a senior‑level role, this position provides technical guidance, mentorship, and serves as a subject‑matter expert for mechanical quality issues.

Essential Functions:

  1. Perform comprehensive mechanical inspections on vehicles from the production line and used vehicle inventory.
  2. Verify compliance with internal quality standards, manufacturer specifications, and applicable safety regulations.
  3. Inspect critical systems, including engine, transmission, suspension, steering, brakes, HVAC, electrical, and exhaust systems.
  4. Conduct road tests as required to evaluate vehicle performance, drivability, and mechanical integrity.
  5. Identify, document, and report mechanical defects, deficiencies, or deviations from quality standards.
  6. Reinspect vehicles after repairs or adjustments to confirm corrective actions have been completed effectively.
  7. Maintain accurate inspection records, checklists, and quality reports in accordance with company procedures.
  8. Collaborate with production, service, and reconditioning teams to resolve quality issues and prevent recurrence.
  9. Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying trends, recurring issues, and opportunities to enhance mechanical quality.
  10. Ensure compliance with workplace safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized inspection area.

Competencies:

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality standards.
  • Solid mechanical troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a cross‑functional team.
  • Time management skills with the ability to handle multiple inspections efficiently.
  • Basic computer proficiency for documenting inspections and reports.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Work Environment:

  • This job operates in a professional service center and manufacturing environment.
  • This role routinely uses standard equipment.

Physical Demands:

  • May work indoors or outdoors, but more commonly work indoors.
  • Are often exposed to hazardous situations, conditions, and equipment that result in cuts, bruises, or minor burns.
  • Work inside enclosed vehicles, such as buses and vans. Often working in cramped workspaces underneath vehicles requires getting into awkward positions.
  • Regularly wear protective gear, such as goggles or earplugs.
  • Are exposed to contaminants, such as antifreeze and chemical degreasers, daily.
  • Are exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable daily.
  • Are sometimes exposed to inadequate lighting conditions.
  • May sometimes work in cold or hot temperatures, depending on the work locale.
  • May work near others, such as when sharing the same space in a garage.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; talk or hear.
  • The employee must occasionally lift or move office products and supplies, up to 50 pounds


Required Education/Experience/Certifications:

  • High school diploma or GED required; technical or vocational automotive training preferred.
  • 2–5 years of experience in automotive inspection, mechanical repair, manufacturing quality, or a related field.
  • Strong working knowledge of automotive mechanical systems and diagnostic procedures.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, specifications, and inspection criteria.
  • Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Education/Experience/Certifications:

  • CDL preferred or obtainable within 6 months.
  • ASE Certification(s) (e.g., A1–A8) preferred.
  • Manufacturer or OEM quality/inspection certifications a plus.
    • Experience in the Bus Industry in a service shop or manufacturing environment.

Travel Requirements

None

Other Duties

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

AAP/EEO Statement

Master’s Transportation is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. Master's Transportation is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy regarding all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.


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