How much does a Vehicle Inspector make?
A Vehicle Inspector plays an essential role in ensuring road safety. This job often involves checking vehicles for compliance with regulations. On average, a Vehicle Inspector can expect to earn around $53,134 a year. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the specific industry they work in.
Many Vehicle Inspectors start on the lower end of the salary scale. Those with less experience may earn around $30,000 annually. As they gain more experience and expertise, their earnings can rise. Inspectors who reach the upper end of the pay scale can earn over $155,000 a year. Several factors can influence these earnings, including the demand for inspectors in a particular area and the complexity of inspections required.
What are the highest paying cities for a Vehicle Inspector?

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Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $78,296
In Philadelphia, this role involves ensuring vehicles meet safety and emission standards. Key employers include state and local government agencies, focusing on public safety and transportation.
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Tucson, AZ
Average Salary: $74,945
Working as a Vehicle Inspector in Tucson means verifying that vehicles comply with state regulations. This job often connects to automotive businesses and local government departments committed to environmental safety.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $74,868
In Chicago, this job involves checking vehicle compliance at major automotive firms and city government facilities. The city's diverse automotive market offers ample opportunities for professional growth.
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Baltimore, MD
Average Salary: $74,573
Baltimore offers a strong demand for Vehicle Inspectors, with a focus on both urban and suburban transportation needs. Key employers include government agencies and private automotive companies.
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Richmond, VA
Average Salary: $73,097
Richmond presents a stable job market for Vehicle Inspectors. This role involves working at state facilities and private garages, ensuring all vehicles meet local safety standards.
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Indianapolis, IN
Average Salary: $69,675
Indianapolis features a vibrant job market for those inspecting vehicles. Employers range from state departments to private garages, offering a variety of opportunities for those in this field.
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Pittsburgh, PA
Average Salary: $69,571
In Pittsburgh, Vehicle Inspectors play a key role in maintaining vehicle safety. This job often involves working with local government and automotive businesses committed to quality and safety.
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Las Vegas, NV
Average Salary: $67,497
Las Vegas offers a dynamic environment for Vehicle Inspectors. Employers here include government agencies and a variety of automotive businesses, ensuring a steady demand for skilled professionals.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $67,221
Denver’s job market for Vehicle Inspectors features a mix of government and private sector opportunities. The city’s focus on environmental safety makes this role both challenging and rewarding.
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Kansas City, MO
Average Salary: $65,470
In Kansas City, Vehicle Inspectors work to ensure all vehicles meet safety and emission standards. This job connects with state agencies and private automotive companies, providing a robust career path.
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What are the best companies a Vehicle Inspector can work for?

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MCI Inspections
Average Salary: $120,000
MCI Inspections is a leading company in the vehicle inspection industry. They offer high salaries and provide vehicle inspection services across various locations. MCI focuses on ensuring vehicles meet safety and regulatory standards.
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Alacrity Solutions
Average Salary: $80,992
Alacrity Solutions provides vehicle inspection and repair services. They value their inspectors and offer competitive salaries. The company operates in multiple states, ensuring vehicles are safe and reliable for the road.
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Virginia Tire & Auto
Average Salary: $80,000
Virginia Tire & Auto is a well-established company that specializes in vehicle inspections. They offer good salaries and are committed to quality and safety. They serve customers across several locations in the state.
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DARCARS Automotive Group
Average Salary: $70,000
DARCARS Automotive Group offers vehicle inspection services at various dealerships. They provide a stable environment and competitive salaries. The company operates in multiple states, ensuring high standards in vehicle inspections.
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New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Average Salary: $63,312
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYS DMV) offers job opportunities for vehicle inspectors. They provide a stable salary and focus on maintaining vehicle safety standards. The NYS DMV operates across multiple locations in New York.
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Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers
Average Salary: $62,521
Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers provides vehicle inspection services at their many locations. They offer good salaries and focus on customer service. The company operates across several states, ensuring vehicle safety and efficiency.
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NYS Department of Transportation
Average Salary: $61,197
The NYS Department of Transportation (NYS DOT) provides essential vehicle inspection services. They offer competitive salaries and focus on maintaining high safety standards. NYS DOT operates across multiple locations in the state.
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State of Alaska
Average Salary: $53,619
The State of Alaska offers job opportunities for vehicle inspectors. They provide a stable salary and focus on ensuring vehicle safety and compliance. The state operates in various locations across Alaska.
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Openlands
Average Salary: $44,000
Openlands provides vehicle inspection services with a focus on quality and safety. They offer a fair salary and operate in several locations. Openlands is dedicated to ensuring vehicles meet regulatory standards.
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Valvoline Instant Oil Change
Average Salary: $43,634
Valvoline Instant Oil Change offers vehicle inspection services at their many locations. They provide a decent salary and focus on customer satisfaction. The company operates across several states, ensuring vehicle safety and performance.
How to earn more as a Vehicle Inspector?
Working as a Vehicle Inspector offers many opportunities to earn more with the right strategies. Gaining experience and expertise can lead to higher pay and better job opportunities. Staying updated on industry trends, certifications, and networking can all play a role in increasing earnings. Focusing on continuous improvement and professionalism in the field can lead to a more rewarding career.
Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a Vehicle Inspector:
- Get Certified: Certification from recognized organizations can boost your credibility and salary. Specialize in areas like emissions or safety inspections for more pay.
- Gain Experience: More experience often means higher pay. Working with different types of vehicles and in various conditions builds your skills and value.
- Advance Education: Taking courses or attending workshops can improve your knowledge and skills. This can open up higher-paying positions.
- Network: Building connections with other inspectors and industry professionals can lead to job opportunities that pay more.
- Seek Promotions: Look for chances to move up within your company. Promotions often come with higher pay and more responsibility.



