1

Car Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

USED CAR INSPECTOR

Houston, TX · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

We are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Used Vehicle Inspector to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for inspecting used vehicles for both mechanical and cosmetic issues to ...

$52 - $78/hr

Carmen inspect rolling stock for defective conditions in accordance with Federal Railroad ... Candidates must possess a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of railroad car anatomy ...

Communicates with customers on individual car needs, problems areas, and estimated ship dates ... Rail Car Inspector Certification: Must possess valid certification in rail car inspection or be ...

Inspect, repair, maintain and install various components, subsystems, and car bodies of rolling stock equipment, including, but not limited to, air-brake, doors, glazing, seats, truck, coupler and ...

Inspect, repair, maintain and install various components, subsystems, and car bodies of rolling stock equipment, including, but not limited to, air-brake, doors, glazing, seats, truck, coupler and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Car Inspector information

See salary details

$12

$19

$26

How much do car inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for car inspector in the United States is $19.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a car inspector do?

A Car Inspector is responsible for examining vehicles to ensure they meet safety, emissions, and regulatory standards. They inspect key components such as brakes, lights, tires, and engines, identifying any defects or issues that may affect a vehicle's performance or safety. Car Inspectors may work at dealerships, inspection stations, or for government agencies, and they often prepare detailed reports on their findings. Their work helps ensure that vehicles on the road are safe and compliant with laws.

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

To thrive as a Car Inspector, you need a solid understanding of automotive systems, mechanical diagnostics, and relevant safety standards, often supported by a vocational certificate or ASE certification. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, inspection checklists, and computerized testing equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, integrity, and strong communication skills help inspectors accurately assess vehicles and relay findings to customers or regulatory bodies. These skills are essential to ensure vehicle safety, compliance with legal standards, and customer trust in the inspection process.

What are some common challenges faced by car inspectors, and how can they be managed effectively?

Car Inspectors often encounter challenges such as identifying hard-to-detect mechanical issues, keeping up with evolving vehicle technologies, and managing time efficiently during peak inspection periods. Staying current with automotive advancements through ongoing training and certification helps address these challenges. Additionally, strong attention to detail and effective communication with team members and customers ensure accurate assessments and smooth workflow. Proactively seeking feedback and collaborating with experienced colleagues can further enhance inspection skills and problem-solving abilities.

What is the difference between Car Inspector vs Vehicle Inspector?

AspectCar InspectorVehicle Inspector
CertificationsAuto repair certifications, state inspectionsVehicle inspection licenses, emissions testing certifications
Work EnvironmentAuto repair shops, inspection stationsInspection stations, government agencies
Industry UsageAutomotive industry, used car dealershipsTransportation, government regulatory agencies

Car Inspectors primarily focus on assessing vehicle condition, safety, and repairs, often working in auto repair shops. Vehicle Inspectors typically conduct official safety and emissions inspections for regulatory compliance, often employed by government agencies. While both roles involve vehicle assessment, Car Inspectors emphasize repair and maintenance, whereas Vehicle Inspectors focus on compliance and certification.

How do you become a car inspector?

To become a car inspector, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant automotive knowledge. Many states require certification or licensing, which involves passing written and practical exams, and some employers may provide on-the-job training. Familiarity with vehicle inspection standards and safety regulations is essential for this role.

How much do car inspectors make in the US?

Car inspectors in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. Some inspectors with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages, and the job often involves inspecting vehicles for safety and compliance using diagnostic tools and standards.

How to become a car inspector in Texas?

To become a car inspector in Texas, you must complete a state-approved inspection training course, pass a written exam, and obtain an inspector license from the Texas Department of Public Safety. Inspectors typically need a valid driver’s license, good attention to detail, and knowledge of vehicle safety standards and emissions testing procedures.
More about Car Inspector jobs

What cities are hiring for Car Inspector jobs?

Cities with the most Car Inspector job openings:

What states have the most Car Inspector jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Car Inspector jobs?

For Car Inspector jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Car Inspector job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, 60% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,442 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Car Inspector (Subway Car Mechanic) (Provisional)*

New York City Transit

Brooklyn, NY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


New York City Transit Authority rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

519th of 856 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Car Inspector/Road Car Inspector (Subway Car Mechanic)


Last Date of Filing:              Until Filled
Authority:                             New York City Transit (TA)
Department:                        Subways            
Division/Unit:                       Car Equipment        
Reports to:                          Maintenance Supervisor (Car Equipment)
Work Location:                    Various           
Hours of Work:                    Various

*This is a civil service position.  Selected candidates must pass a civil service exam and be appointed from the resulting list to gain permanent status. 

**Incumbents who are currently employed in the title of Maintainer's Helper - Group B working in the Division of Car Equipment for at least one year are eligible to be promoted on a provisional basis.

Compensation:

The current minimum salary for Car Inspector is $38.80 per hour for a 40-hour work week increasing to $45.65 per hour in the sixth year of service. The current minimum salary for Road Car Inspector is $46.82 per hour for a 40-hour work week. These rates are subject to change. The benefits of this position include, but are not limited to, night and weekend salary differentials, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, a comprehensive medical plan and a pension plan.

Responsibilities:


Car Inspectors, under supervision, maintain, inspect, test, examine, lubricate, troubleshoot and make repairs and adjustments on any part of MTA New York City Transit’s multiple-unit subway cars and subway service cars in the car shops, terminals, yards and on the road, including subway car body, electrical, electronic, mechanical and pneumatic equipment, truck equipment, body and truck brake rigging, electrical and pneumatic brake equipment, subway car bodies and associated fixtures, air conditioning and heating equipment, and electrical and electronic control and motor equipment; maintain and repair subway car washers and shop equipment; operate and maintain lifting and carrying equipment associated with the placement and removal of subway cars and subway car parts; keep records and prepare reports; and perform related work.

Some of the physical activities performed by Car Inspectors and the environmental conditions they experience are: working outdoors in all weather conditions, crouching under subway cars in maintenance pits, reaching into dark spaces and making tactile inspections, making visual inspections of equipment, distinguishing colors, reading gauges and prints, climbing into and out of maintenance pits, using hand tools, hearing warnings (bell, whistle and vocal), and carrying heavy tools and equipment.

Road Car Inspectors, under supervision, detect trouble on any part of MTA New York City Transit’s multiple-unit subway cars and subway service cars on the road and in terminals, including subway car body and truck equipment, subway car body and truck brake rigging, electrical and pneumatic brake equipment, and electrical and electronic control and motor equipment; make necessary repairs to keep subway cars in service or enable them to be moved to sidings or terminals; operate a motor vehicle; keep records and prepare reports; and perform related work.

Some of the physical activities performed by Road Car Inspectors and the environmental conditions they experience are: working outdoors in all weather conditions, crouching under subway cars along trackways, reaching into dark spaces and making tactile inspections, making visual inspections of equipment, distinguishing colors, reading gauges and prints, using ladders to climb up to and descend from track ways, working on elevated structures, operating heavy machinery and equipment, using hand tools, hearing warnings (bell, whistle and vocal), communicating verbally with crew and passengers regarding train troubles experienced on the road, and carrying heavy tools and equipment.

Special Working Conditions: Car Inspectors and Road Car Inspectors may be required to work various shifts, including nights, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

How to Qualify:

Internal Candidates: This position is open to each employee of MTA New York City Transit that by the first date of the assessment, is permanently (not provisionally) employed in the title of Maintainer's Helper - Group B working in the Division of Car Equipment, and has been permanently employed in such title for not less than one year; and is not otherwise ineligible.

OR

External Candidates and MTA Employees who are not employed in the eligible title listed above: When you apply, you must meet the following requirements:

Some examples of acceptable experience include: aircraft/avionics technician, marine technician, power-plant technician, automotive/diesel mechanic/technician, commercial/industrial electrician, electronic systems technician, commercial/industrial HVAC technician, and elevator/escalator mechanic.

1. Three years of full-time satisfactory experience as a journey-level mechanic (i.e., a fully trained, knowledgeable, experienced, proficient and competent mechanic) working from drawings, performing either (a) the troubleshooting, repair and maintenance of large heavy duty electromechanical, electric or electronic equipment and/or machinery; or (b) the inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of multiple-unit electrical railroad cars or diesel electric locomotives; or

2. Two years of full-time satisfactory experience at the journey level as described in paragraph “1.” above, plus completion of one of the following listed below before obtaining your journey-level experience:

A. Two years of full-time experience as a mechanic’s helper, apprentice or trainee performing or assisting in the work described above; or

B. Graduation from a recognized trade school or technical school with a major course of study in electromechanical, electrical or electronic technology, or a closely related field totaling at least 600 hours; or

C. Graduation from a vocational high school with a major course of study in electromechanical, electrical or electronic technology, or a closely related field; or

D. An associate degree in applied science, or a higher degree, from an accredited college or university in electromechanical, electrical or electronic technology or a closely related field.

If you have qualifying part-time experience, it will be credited on a pro-rated basis.

Some examples of unacceptable experience include: machinist; CNC machine operator; copy machine mechanic; assembler; basic electrical work, such as residential/commercial lighting and wiring; electronic bench technician; auto-body and fender mechanic; auto or truck assembly mechanic; dealership makeready mechanic; gas station attendant; salvage or junkyard mechanic; automotive specialty work, such as changing mufflers, windshield wipers, tires, oil, etc.; and repair of personal computers.

The vocational high school, technical school, or trade school must be approved by a State’s Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization. The college or university must be accredited by regional, national, professional or specialized agencies recognized as accrediting bodies by the U.S. Secretary of Education, and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Selection Method / Admission Letter:

Candidates may be asked to complete an education and experience test paper and also participate in one or more of the following assessments: written, practical skills and/or structured interview.

All selected candidates will be subject to a full background investigation that includes employment and education.  Discrepancies may lead to dismissal.

Applicants must keep their contact information (email, mailing, phone) up to date. The contact information you entered in your online profile with the MTA will be used to contact you. You can update your address and other contact information.by logging into your MTA profile or by sending an email to examsunit@nyct.com. 

How To Apply:

If you meet the Qualification Requirements above, you can submit an online application by clicking on the "APPLY NOW" button from either the CAREERS page or from the JOB DESCRIPTION page. If you have previously applied online for other positions, enter your Username and Password. If it is your first registration, click on the CLICK HERE TO REGISTER hyperlink and enter a User Name and Password; then click on the REGISTER button.

Requirements to be


What New York City Transit Authority employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom