Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers: Salary, Education, and Career Path (2026)
The U.S. has 591,180 inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers, and they earn a median of $47,460/year. The range runs from $35K to $76K. Alaska pays the most.
What it takes
The BLS lists the typical education for this role as varies by employer.
Entry-level inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers start around $35K. The gap between that and the median ($47K) is where experience, certifications, and location make the difference.
Top earners clear $76K, but that's the 90th percentile. Getting there usually takes a decade or more of experience, the right credentials, and being in a high-paying market.
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $99K | 220 |
| District of Columbia | $70K | 110 |
| Wyoming | $60K | 960 |
| Maryland | $59K | 4,100 |
| Washington | $58K | 12,090 |
| Montana | $58K | 610 |
| Kansas | $56K | 8,490 |
| Hawaii | $55K | 550 |
| Connecticut | $54K | 8,310 |
| Delaware | $53K | 1,230 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers make?▼
The median inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers salary in the United States is $47,460 per year ($23/hour). Entry-level positions start around $34,590, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,510.
What education do you need to become a inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers?▼
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education as varies by employer. State licensing or certification requirements vary, so check your state's board for specifics.
What is the job outlook for inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers.
What are the highest paying states for inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers?▼
The highest paying states for inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers are Alaska ($98,800), District of Columbia ($70,030), Wyoming ($59,930), Maryland ($58,710), Washington ($58,450). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.