Also called: Quality Assurance Inspector
Checks parts and assemblies against drawings and approves them, or stops them.
You inspect a batch of brackets with gauges, review paperwork, and stamp approval. If you find a problem, the line stops until it's fixed.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. High school diploma plus training; inspection certifications help.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Certification. Training cost: Under $15k.
Shrinking (about -3% over 10 years).
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. AI cameras and laser scanners inspect more parts automatically, so fewer inspectors; final buyoff and judgment remain.
Classes: Geometry, Shop class, Algebra, Computer science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-9061.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.