CFChooseField
Production

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
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Median pay

$47,460
Median annual pay for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

0%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

69,900
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

598,000
Estimated U.S. employment for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+100
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Writing
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Speaking
  6. 6Monitoring

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Production and Processing
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Customer and Personal Service
  4. 4Mechanical
  5. 5Mathematics
  6. 6Computers and Electronics

Abilities

  1. 1Oral Expression
  2. 2Near Vision
  3. 3Oral Comprehension
  4. 4Perceptual Speed
  5. 5Flexibility of Closure
  6. 6Problem Sensitivity

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Artistic
  6. 6Social

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Cautiousness
  3. 3Dependability
  4. 4Integrity
  5. 5Achievement Orientation
  6. 6Perseverance

Work activities

  1. 1Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  2. 2Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  3. 3Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  4. 4Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  5. 5Documenting/Recording Information
  6. 6Getting Information

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  3. 3Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  4. 4Contact With Others
  5. 5Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  6. 6Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

Representative 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.
  • Write test or inspection reports describing results, recommendations, or needed repairs.
  • Recommend necessary corrective actions, based on inspection results.
  • Read dials or meters to verify that equipment is functioning at specified levels.

Software and tools

Microsoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Outlook · in demandMicrosoft PowerPoint · in demandMicrosoft Word · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandApache Hive · hot technologyMicrosoft SharePoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Visio · hot technologyExtensible markup language XML · hot technologyR · hot technologySAP software · hot technologySelenium · hot technology

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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