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Faa Inspector Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Quality Inspector I

Everett, WA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

About the Role: The Quality Inspector I plays a critical role in ensuring that manufacturing ... Verify compliance with industry standards (e.g., AS9100, FAA regulations). * Identify and document ...

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Faa Inspector information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$27.9K

$62.5K

$112.7K

How much do faa inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for faa inspector in Seattle, WA is $62,521.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,800.00 and $72,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are FAA Inspectors?

FAA Inspectors are professionals employed by the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure that all aspects of civil aviation in the United States comply with federal safety regulations. They conduct inspections, investigations, and certifications of aircraft, pilots, maintenance procedures, and aviation facilities. Their work helps to maintain the highest safety standards in the airline industry, and they may specialize in areas such as operations, maintenance, or avionics. FAA Inspectors also provide guidance and oversight to aviation organizations and ensure compliance with federal laws and regulations.

What types of collaboration are typical for an FAA Inspector, and how do these interactions impact daily work?

FAA Inspectors regularly collaborate with airline personnel, maintenance crews, and other regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with federal aviation standards. These interactions often involve conducting inspections, reviewing safety protocols, and providing guidance on regulatory changes. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as inspectors must clearly convey findings and work with others to resolve safety concerns. This collaborative environment helps ensure the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency within the aviation industry.

What is an FAA inspector?

An FAA inspector is a federal employee responsible for ensuring compliance with aviation safety regulations. They conduct inspections of aircraft, maintenance facilities, and aviation operations, often requiring certification and knowledge of aviation standards and procedures.

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

To thrive as an FAA Inspector, you need in-depth knowledge of aviation regulations, aircraft systems, and flight operations, typically backed by aviation experience and relevant certifications such as an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license or pilot certificate. Familiarity with inspection tools, regulatory compliance software, and safety management systems is crucial. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help inspectors accurately assess compliance and collaborate with aviation personnel. These competencies are essential to uphold aviation safety standards and ensure regulatory adherence within the industry.

How do you become an FAA inspector?

To become an FAA inspector, candidates typically need a background in aviation, such as experience as a pilot, mechanic, or air traffic controller, along with a bachelor's degree in a related field. They must also pass written exams, medical and background checks, and complete FAA training programs. Relevant certifications and a thorough understanding of aviation safety standards are essential for the role.

How much do FAA inspectors get paid?

FAA inspectors typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and level of certification. Salaries can vary based on seniority, specialized skills, and federal pay scales, with some inspectors earning higher with overtime or additional responsibilities.

What is the difference between Faa Inspector vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectFaa InspectorAircraft Maintenance Technician
CertificationsFAA certifications, such as Inspection Authorization (IA)FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license
Work EnvironmentRegulatory inspections, audits, and compliance checksHands-on aircraft repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting
Employer & IndustryFederal Aviation Administration, airlines, maintenance facilitiesAircraft maintenance companies, airlines, repair stations

While both roles require FAA certifications and focus on aircraft safety, Faa Inspectors primarily conduct regulatory inspections and ensure compliance, whereas Aircraft Maintenance Technicians perform hands-on repairs and maintenance. The roles are complementary but differ in daily responsibilities and work environment.

Is a FAA inspector a good job?

A FAA inspector is responsible for ensuring aviation safety by inspecting aircraft, maintenance, and operations. The role offers stable employment, requires certification and technical knowledge, and often involves working in an office or on-site at airports. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in aviation safety and regulation.
Infographic showing various Faa Inspector job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,521 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Supervisory Aviation Safety Inspector (IFO Front Line Manager - Air Carrier Ops)

Career Fields | Federal Aviation Administration

Des Moines, WA • On-site

$95K/yr

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Serves as a Front Line Manager within a Flight Standards Internation Field Office (IFO), who reports to an IFO Manager.

Qualifications:

OPM Qualification Standard for the Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations) specialty (from the Operating Manual for Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions) is located at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1800/aviation-safety-series-1825/

General Requirements for All Positions:

  1. Not more than two separate incidents involving Federal aviation regulations violations in the last 5 years;

  2. Valid State driver's license;

  3. Fluency in the English language;

  4. No chemical dependencies or drug abuse that could interfere with job performance; and

  5. High school diploma or equivalent.

Medical Requirements for All Positions:

Applicants must be physically able to perform the duties of the Aviation Safety Inspector position in a safe and efficient manner and must meet all of the following requirements.

  1. Have good distant vision in each eye and be able to read, without strain, printed materials the size of typewritten characters (glasses and contact lenses permitted);

  2. Have the ability to hear the conversational voice (hearing aid permitted); and

  3. Not have any physical condition that would cause them to be a hazard to themselves or others that would interfere with their ability to fly as passengers in a variety of aircraft.

In addition, applicants for positions that require participation in the operation of the aircraft must:

  1. Possess a valid secondclass medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations; and

  2. Pass recurrent medical examinations as prescribed by the FAA.

Applicants not requiring valid second-class medical certificates who are tentatively selected will be required to:

  1. Provide documentation from a board-certified physician certifying that they meet the minimal medical requirements; or

  2. Individuals who do not meet the minimum medical requirements but who are otherwise qualified will receive an individualized assessment to determine whether they can perform the essential functions of the position.

Specialized Experience:

When the predominant work involves air carrier operations, applicants for Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations) positions must meet all of the following requirements.

  1. At least 1 year of pilot experience in multi-engine aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight;
  2. Not more than 2 flying accidents during the last 5 years in which the applicant's pilot error was involved;
  3. Professional flying skill as demonstrated in a simulator check to Airline Transport Pilot Standard.
  4. Minimum 100 flight hours during the last 3 years;
  5. Airline Transport Pilot Certificate or Commercial Pilot Certificate with instrument airplane rating (Department of Navy positions require pilot experience as demonstrated by previous ATP level performance in large multi-engine airplanes and helicopters);
  6. Possession of a valid second-class FAA medical certificate (For positions within the Department of Navy, applicants must also be physically qualified to ride as an observer aboard squadron aircraft. In addition, must also meet physical requirements to travel and lift heavy objects while performing mishap investigations); and
  7. Minimum 1,500 total flight hours.

To qualify for this position you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-I, FG/GS-13 level. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.

Specialized experience is: Experience with data quality review against established guidelines with certificate management, (14 CFR) parts 121, and 135 for air carrier operations.

Certificate and Ratings:

This position requires a certificate and ratings for minimum qualification in the following specialty: Air Carrier Operations; a copy of the certificate and ratings are required for ALL candidates newly appointed to the FAA in the 1825 specialty of Air Carrier Operations. Certificate and ratings are not required from applicants who are currently occupying (or previously held) Air Carrier Operations 1825 series position.

The recency of specialized experience is waived for current FAA employees in the 1825 series.

Applicants should include examples of specialized experience in their work history.

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered for the job.

Education:

Education may not be substituted for experience.

Employment Type: OTHER