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Port Inspector Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Port-of-Entry Inspector Trainee position is considered an underfill for the Port-of-Entry ... salary will increase to $22.39 per hour. Examples of Duties * Inspect commercial vehicles and ...

Port Engineer

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Conduct routine inspections to verify that vessels meet company and client standards. * Develop and ... Salary Description $130,000 - $160,000 DOE

Port Engineer

Seattle, WA

$130K - $160K/yr

Conduct routine inspections to verify that vessels meet company and client standards. * Develop and ... Competitive salary * Performance-based bonus program * Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Port Engineer

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Conduct routine inspections to verify that vessels meet company and client standards. * Develop and ... Competitive salary * Performance-based bonus program * Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

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Port Engineer

New York, NY ยท On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Conduct inspections to ensure vessel safety, operational efficiency, and compliance with regulatory ... Competitive salary and benefits package. * Work with an experienced and dedicated marine operations ...

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Port Inspector Salary information

See salary details

$24.5K

$54.9K

$99K

How much do port inspector salary jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for port inspector salary in the United States is $54,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $63,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Port Inspector, you typically need a background in maritime regulations, inspection procedures, and safety standards, often supported by relevant certifications or experience in port or customs operations. Familiarity with inspection tools, cargo tracking systems, and regulatory software is often required. Strong attention to detail, integrity, and effective communication skills help inspectors enforce compliance and interact with various stakeholders. These skills are crucial for maintaining port security, ensuring legal compliance, and facilitating efficient maritime operations.

What is the difference between Port Inspector Salary vs Marine Surveyor Salary?

AspectPort Inspector SalaryMarine Surveyor Salary
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, certifications in port operationsRelevant certifications, maritime training
Work EnvironmentPorts, shipping yards, cargo terminalsShips, docks, maritime facilities
Employer & IndustryPort authorities, shipping companiesMaritime consulting firms, shipping lines

Both Port Inspectors and Marine Surveyors work in maritime environments, often requiring similar certifications. Port Inspectors focus on cargo and port safety, while Marine Surveyors assess vessel conditions. Salary differences depend on experience and location, but both roles are vital in the maritime industry.

What's the highest paid job on an oil rig?

The highest paid jobs on an oil rig are typically drilling engineers, toolpushers, or rig managers, who oversee operations and safety. These roles often require extensive experience, specialized certifications, and can earn six-figure salaries due to the demanding environment and responsibility involved.

What is the average salary of a port inspector?

The average salary of a port inspector varies depending on location, experience, and the employing agency. In the United States, port inspectors typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 per year, with federal positions sometimes offering higher salaries. Additional benefits, such as health insurance and retirement plans, may also be included. Salaries can increase with years of service, specialized skills, or supervisory responsibilities.

Which port job pays the most?

Port inspector salaries vary depending on experience, location, and employer, but higher-paying roles at ports include port managers, terminal managers, and logistics directors, who often earn significantly more than entry-level inspectors. These positions typically require advanced skills, certifications, and management experience, and can offer salaries exceeding $80,000 annually.

What are some common challenges faced by Port Inspectors in their daily work?

Port Inspectors often encounter challenges such as managing tight inspection schedules, working in varying weather conditions, and ensuring compliance with complex regulations. They must coordinate with multiple stakeholders including shipping agents, customs officials, and port employees, which requires strong communication and organizational skills. Additionally, adapting to evolving safety standards and handling unexpected issues like hazardous materials or security threats are key aspects of the role.

What is the highest paid flagger?

In the context of port inspection or traffic control, flaggers typically earn hourly wages that can reach up to $25 to $35 per hour in some regions, especially with overtime or specialized certifications. The highest paid flaggers often have extensive experience, certifications, and work in high-demand areas or hazardous conditions, which can increase their pay. Overall, flagger salaries vary by location, employer, and experience level, but top earners tend to work in high-risk or high-volume environments with additional pay incentives.

What kind of inspector gets paid the most?

Among port inspectors, those with specialized skills, certifications, or experience in areas like cargo security, hazardous materials, or customs compliance tend to earn higher salaries. Senior inspectors or those in managerial roles also typically receive higher pay compared to entry-level positions. Salary can vary based on industry, location, and the complexity of inspections performed.
More about Port Inspector Salary jobs
What cities are hiring for Port Inspector Salary jobs? Cities with the most Port Inspector Salary job openings:
What states have the most Port Inspector Salary jobs? States with the most job openings for Port Inspector Salary jobs include:
Infographic showing various Port Inspector Salary job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,939 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Port-of-Entry Inspector Trainee

LUMA

Pocatello, ID โ€ข On-site

$20.70/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

State of Idaho
Idaho Transportation Department

If you have previously applied for a position, select Reset/Forgot Password and follow the prompts to access your account. For additional assistance, refer to the Candidate Guide located under Candidate Resources on the State of Idaho Careers page.
NOTICE: Applications will be accepted by 11:59 PM MST on the posting end date.
STATE OF IDAHO EMPLOYEES: If you are a current or temporary State of Idaho employee you MUST apply through Luma Opportunities. Applying through the State of Idaho's external career website will duplicate profiles and will slow the processing of your application for a new position.
Do you want to make a difference and be part of an award-winning agency, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Idaho through transportation? At the Idaho Transportation Department, every employee is critical to the mission, and we strive to foster an innovative, collaborative workplace where employees can grow and do their best work.
The Idaho Transportation Department is hiring a Port-of-Entry Inspector Trainee for the District 5 - Inkom area Port-of-Entry location. The incumbent will inspect commercial vehicles and enforce compliance with laws and regulations governing commercial vehicle traffic. The Port-of-Entry Inspector Trainee position is considered an underfill for the Port-of-Entry Inspector.
Explore our Day in the Life video and see the typical workday as a POE Inspector - https://youtu.be/85hBjXApDb8
The starting hourly rate is $20.70. Upon completion of the probationary period, passing of the inspector trainee test, and completion of one full year of service as an inspector trainee, the trainee will be promoted to Inspector classification, and the salary will increase to $22.39 per hour.
Examples of Duties
  • Inspect commercial vehicles and materials for size and weight, safety and hazards using electronic devices and visual inspection
  • Determine if licenses and permits are current and valid. Verify driver qualifications including licenses, medical cards, and logbooks
  • Issue and sell temporary and oversize permits and registrations
  • Use computer terminal to check tax status, registration, and licenses. Collects fees for permits, registrations, and citations
  • Operating cash register and accounts for monies received
  • Prepare and deliver bank deposits
  • Issue warnings or citations for violations and receive fines and bonds
  • Write incident and activity reports
  • Provide directions and information on road conditions and travel facilities
  • Work various shifts, including weekends

Minimum Qualifications You must possess all the minimum qualifications below to pass the exam for this position. Please make sure your resume or work history supports you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. Failure to do this may disqualify you from being considered for this position.
  • Some knowledge of English to include proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling; windows or comparable operating system; word processing and sending/receiving documents through electronic mail
  • Experience adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing numbers
  • Interpreting and applying rules and regulations
  • Writing reports
  • Dealing with the public in stressful situations
  • Valid driver's license

General Information
Trainees become Port-of-Entry Inspectors after successful completion of training. Trainees learn to apply and enforce laws governing commercial vehicles and Port-of-Entry operations and are granted limited peace officer authority. They often work with hostile vehicle operators. Light janitorial work such as sweeping and mopping of immediate work area and working a 24-hour rotating shift is required. The Idaho State Tax Commission and the Department of Transportation will deputize trainees. These positions involve lifting objects weighing up to 40 pounds to waist height; crawling and bending to perform vehicle inspections; standing for up to 6 hours during a shift; working in all kinds of weather conditions; having sufficient hearing and sight to inspect vehicles; and working around hazardous materials. Individuals in these positions are required to wear a uniform supplied by the department and to adhere to dress and grooming standards.
Department Requirement
Background investigations are conducted before appointments and annually to satisfy state bonding and deputation requirements. People convicted of a felony shall not be employed by the department to act with limited peace officer authority. Persons convicted of certain misdemeanors or any felony shall not be employed by the department to act with limited peace officer authority.
Supplemental Information
To learn more about the department, please visit the ITD website. Make a difference in your community and in the lives of the citizens of Idaho!
Benefits
The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*
EEO/ADA/Veteran
The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.
Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.

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About Luma

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Monica, CA, US

Year founded

2002