Description
Inspect, test, sort, sample, or weigh nonagricultural raw materials or processed, machined, fabricated, or assembled parts or products for defects, wear, and deviations from specifications. May use precision measuring instruments and complex test equipment.
Interests
- Realistic
- Conventional
- Investigative
Work Values
- Support
- Relationships
- Working Conditions
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Self-Control
- Cooperation
- Independence
Tasks
- Discard or reject products, materials, or equipment not meeting specifications.
- Mark items with details, such as grade or acceptance-rejection status.
- Measure dimensions of products to verify conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as rulers, calipers, gauges, or micrometers.
- Notify supervisors or other personnel of production problems.
- Inspect, test, or measure materials, products, installations, or work for conformance to specifications.
Work Activities
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Documenting/Recording Information
Detailed Work Activities
- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
- Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Technology Skills
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Desktop communications software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Industrial control software
Abilities
- Oral Expression
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Perceptual Speed
- Flexibility of Closure
Skills
- Quality Control Analysis
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Active Listening
- Judgment and Decision Making
Knowledge
- Production and Processing
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Accessibility InspectorCertifying Organization
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Residential Electrical InspectorCertifying Organization
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Coating Inspector Program - Nuclear SpecialtyCertifying Organization
The Association for Materials Protection and Performance
Type
Specialty
Certificate name
Qualification of Ultrasonic Testing Examiners (Cracking Size)Certifying Organization
American Petroleum Institute
Type
Specialty
Certificate name
GDTP (Y14.5) Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing Professional Certification - 2009 Senior LevelCertifying Organization
American Society of Mechanical Engineers International
Type
Advanced
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $37,624 |
| Median (50%) | $47,305 |
| High (90%) | $78,887 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $46,740 |
| Mid Level | $64,112 |
| Senior Level | $75,535 |
| Expert Level | $108,893 |
Employability
There are currently 595,500 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to decrease to 577,700 positions, reflecting a projected decline of -3%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of -3%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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