Qualifications to become an automotive or auto inspector include a high school diploma and certification or licensure in your state. Most employers prefer candidates with experience as a mechanic or those who complete a training program. These programs are often available at vocational schools and community colleges. Individuals in this field must stay current with the latest technology and vehicle models to estimate damage costs accurately. Strong organizational and analytical skills are imperative. An auto inspector conducts inspections of new cars to ensure that they meet emissions and safety standards coming off of a production line. Some inspectors focus on investigating the vehicles involved in accidents.

If you are interested in a job related to Auto Inspector, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Auto Inspector Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Auto Inspector positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Auto Insurance Inspector
Salary range: $35,000 - $80,000
Auto Insurance Inspector is a typical job search query Most salaries for Auto Insurance Inspector jobs pay between $35,000 (25th percentile) and $80,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Auto Insurance Inspector job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Emission Testing
Salary range: $43,000 - $60,000
Emission Testing is a common job search query. Most salaries for Emission Testing jobs pay between $43,000 (25th percentile) and $60,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Emission Testing job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Automotive Warranty Inspector
Salary range: $35,000 - $80,000
As an automotive warranty inspector, your responsibilities are to evaluate and analyze alleged mechanical failures or other issues, such as the breakdown of a vehicle, and determine whether the maintenance has coverage under one of the warranties. Your duties include inspection of the interior and exterior of the vehicle, the engine, the electrical components, the exhaust system, and other aspects of the car. Automotive warranty inspectors are typically trained mechanics who work for a dealership or the automotive company. In addition to their knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems, they also have a background in regulatory compliance and knowledge of the specific warranty for the dealership and brand.
Automotive Off Lease Inspector
Salary range: $35,000 - $80,000
Automotive Off Lease Inspector is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Automotive Off Lease Inspector jobs pay between $35,000 (25th percentile) and $80,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Automotive Off Lease Inspector job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Auto Mechanic
Salary range: $43,500 - $61,500
An Auto Mechanic is a trained professional skilled at making repairs and performing regular maintenance for automobiles. Some Mechanics specialize in specific areas, such as brake jobs, transmission repairs, or muffler repairs and replacements, while others work in general shops that service all repair and maintenance needs. The main job of a Mechanic is to diagnose the issue at hand and find the most timely and cost-effective solution for the customer.
Automotive Extended Warranty Inspector
Salary range: $35,000 - $80,000
Automotive Extended Warranty Inspector is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Automotive Extended Warranty Inspector jobs pay between $35,000 (25th percentile) and $80,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Automotive Extended Warranty Inspector job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Automotive Quality Inspector
Salary range: $33,500 - $48,000
Automotive Quality Inspector is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Automotive Quality Inspector jobs pay between $33,500 (25th percentile) and $48,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Automotive Quality Inspector job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Assistant Vehicle Inspector
Salary range: $34,000 - $44,000
Assistant Vehicle Inspector is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Assistant Vehicle Inspector jobs pay between $34,000 (25th percentile) and $44,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Assistant Vehicle Inspector job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Automotive Technician
Salary range: $43,500 - $69,500
An automotive technician is someone who has completed technical training and does repairs and maintenance of computerized car parts. Like a mechanic, an automotive technician will diagnose car problems, then offer repair solutions. Unlike a mechanic, automotive technicians work on the electronic and computerized parts of a car, doing maintenance and repairs. This work can be anything from repairing the brakes to adjusting built-in WiFi.
Field Inspector
Salary range: $40,000 - $60,000
A field inspector gathers information and performs property value appraisal of residential and commercial properties and vehicles. As a field inspector, your job duties are to visually inspect a property, take photographs, collect data, and compile a report with a property value estimate based on your findings. Your responsibilities are also to evaluate property values or the cost of damages for your employer. You can find field inspector jobs with insurance companies, mortgage lenders, and banks with a financial stake in a piece of property.

All Jobs Auto Inspector Jobs 10 of the Most Popular Types of Auto Inspector Jobs in 2026