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Vehicle Inspector Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Inspector Apprentice (Manheim)

Stuart, IA · On-site

$13.70 - $20.53/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Company Cox Automotive - USA Job Family Group Vehicle Operations Job Profile Inspector Apprentice Management Level Individual Contributor Flexible Work Option No remote option; must work at a ...

AMMUNITION INSPECTOR

IA · On-site +1

$26.61 - $31.03/hr

Performs inspections of incoming and outgoing vehicles for blocking and bracing, compatibility and compliance with applicable storage and out loading drawings security requirements, as well as ...

Chief Building Inspector Position Position Open Until Filled JOB INFORMATION Job Title: Chief ... Physical ability to traverse variable terrain conditions not accessible by vehicle including but ...

Sales Inspector

Webster City, IA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Oversee accounts, perform on-site inspections, identify needs, and design service plans that ... Company Vehicle: Gas card included * Paid Training:No pest control experience required, we'll teach ...

Sales Inspector

Mason City, IA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Oversee accounts, perform on-site inspections, identify needs, and design service plans that ... Company Vehicle: Gas card included * Paid Training:No pest control experience required, we'll teach ...

Chief Building Inspector Position Position Open Until Filled JOB INFORMATION Job Title: Chief ... Physical ability to traverse variable terrain conditions not accessible by vehicle including but ...

Showing results 21-40

Vehicle Inspector information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$18

$24

How much do vehicle inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for vehicle inspector in Iowa is $18.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $19.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by vehicle inspectors during inspections, and how can they be managed?

Vehicle inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, identifying subtle or hidden defects, and keeping up with evolving safety regulations. Managing these challenges involves staying current with industry training, using specialized diagnostic tools, and maintaining strong attention to detail. Effective communication with vehicle owners and other team members is also essential for addressing issues found during inspections and ensuring all standards are met.

What does a vehicle inspector do?

A vehicle inspector is responsible for ensuring a car, truck, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle meets all industry regulations. As a vehicle inspector, you may check emissions, verify that the owner’s auto insurance is valid, check for wear and tear, review the title for accuracy, gather information needed to register, and complete documentation on your findings. If a car does not pass inspection, you provide recommendations on what to address. In the case of an accident, you inspect for damage, report where repair is needed, and consult for total vehicle safety. You also assist with preventative maintenance, oil changes, and system checks.

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

To thrive as a Vehicle Inspector, you need a solid understanding of automotive systems, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, sometimes supplemented by relevant certifications. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, inspection checklists, and vehicle emissions or safety testing equipment is commonly required. Strong observational skills, integrity, and effective communication help inspectors interact with customers and report findings accurately. These abilities ensure vehicles meet safety and regulatory standards, protecting both drivers and the public.

What is a vehicle inspector?

Vehicle inspectors are professionals responsible for examining cars, trucks, and other vehicles to ensure they meet safety and emissions standards. They check various components such as brakes, lights, tires, and structural integrity, looking for defects or issues that could affect the vehicle’s performance or safety. Vehicle inspectors may work at government agencies, inspection stations, or automotive repair shops, and their evaluations help maintain road safety and environmental compliance.

What is the difference between Vehicle Inspector vs Vehicle Technician?

AspectVehicle InspectorVehicle Technician
CertificationsVehicle inspection certifications, DMV or state-specific licensesASE certifications, automotive repair licenses
Work EnvironmentInspection stations, government agencies, vehicle testing facilitiesAuto repair shops, dealerships, service centers
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, vehicle inspection companiesPrivate auto repair shops, dealerships, fleet services

Vehicle Inspectors primarily focus on assessing vehicle safety and compliance through inspections, often working for government agencies or inspection companies. Vehicle Technicians diagnose and repair vehicle issues in repair shops or dealerships. While both roles require automotive knowledge and certifications, Vehicle Inspectors concentrate on inspection standards, whereas Vehicle Technicians perform repairs and maintenance.

What are popular job titles related to Vehicle Inspector jobs in Iowa?

For Vehicle Inspector jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Vehicle Inspector jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Vehicle Inspector jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Vehicle Inspector jobs in IA?

For Vehicle Inspector jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Vehicle Inspector job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,986 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Vehicle Service Technician

Ken Garff Automotive Group

Urbandale, IA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Ken Garff Automotive Group rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

121st of 152 rated car dealerships


Job description

Stew Hansen Dodge City, large and reputable Ken Garff Automotive Dealership, is currently looking for a talented Automotive Service Technician (Mechanic) that aligns with our core values and acts with respect, integrity, growth, humility and teamwork.

Our culture and opportunities are unmatched and we are looking for someone who wants to grow! This position offers Competitive flat rate pay!!

You'll want to work here if you like:

💵Efficiency bonuses

🔧Tool allowances

🤞Great people and management

🎖️A whole week to recognize our technicians called "tech week"

We have designed a formal reward and recognition system just for you called ProTech. Do regular rewards and recognition for performance and tenure, predictable pay raises, efficiency bonus, quarterly tool allowance and discounts, and just being treated RIGHT sound attractive to you? Our ProTech program is built to reward your hard work and recognize your contribution. Come join us and feel what it is like to be a ProTech!

Check out the program: https://www.kengarff.com/pro-tech/

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 to 3 years of automotive technician (mechanic) experience preferred

  • You are accommodating and analytical, while producing highly precise and accurate work

  • ASE or dealership manufacturer certifications describe your background

  • Your work is accurate while you are reserved, imaginative

  • Excellent dexterity skills as well as patience, creativity, good judgment, and an eye for detail

  • You are unselfish and approachable with a preference for detailed, skill-based work

  • Must be 18 years or older and be authorized to work in the U.S

  • High School Diploma or equivalent

  • Ability to read and comprehend job-related instructions and information, electronic and paper-based

  • A valid in-state driver's license and a good driving record, per company standards

Here’s why you want to work here:

  • Paid training, certifications, and real career growth

  • 1:1 Tech to PC- You'll have information at your fingertips

  • Red Wing boot program (annual replacement of work boots)

  • Paid Time Off starting your first week and 401k with company match.

  • Maternity/Paternity Program

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Short and Long-term disability, AD&D and Life Insurance

  • Great people with a great culture

  • Year-end bonus program for all employees (Garff Giveback)

  • Employee discounts on Vehicle Purchase, Parts, Service and More!

Here’s what you’ll be doing:

  • Perform efficient and expert work on repair orders, in accordance with dealership, state and factory standards; maintain knowledge of all factory-technical bulletins

  • Address customers’ primary concerns with diagnosis, repair, and quality control to attain ‘Fixed First Visit’ expectations

  • Perform the KG Electronic Multi Point Inspection on every vehicle; immediately notify Service Advisor if the car has more problems than you thought, less than you thought, or if problems will take up more time than you thought

  • Master our Dealer Management System (Reynolds) for time keeping, work distribution, electronic inspections, repair quotes and communication

  • Be accountable to all dealership owned tools, and superior cleanliness throughout workspace and in all customer vehicles (“leave no trace” standard)

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer

(( We Hear You ))


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