Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers

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.

What you'd actually do

• 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.
• Write test or inspection reports describing results, recommendations, or needed repairs.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma. Overall preparation: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).

The feel of the work

Precision matters — small details carry weight. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 1.4% of inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are hands-on, organized and detail-focused and analytical.

Related careers

• Tool and Die Makers
• Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
• First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
• Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
• Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Prepress Technicians and Workers

Quick questions

How much does a inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weigher make?

The median pay is $23.35 per hour — roughly $48,500 a year, with the real range running from about $17.07/hr (10th percentile) to $37.44/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weigher?

The typical entry-level education is: High school diploma. Overall preparation level: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).

What does a inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weigher actually do all day?

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.