What is an Inspector, Tester, Sorter, Sampler, or Weigher?
Position 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.
Life As an Inspector, Tester, Sorter, Sampler, or Weigher
- Measure dimensions of products to verify conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as rulers, calipers, gauges, or micrometers.
- Analyze test data, making computations as necessary, to determine test results.
- Write test or inspection reports describing results, recommendations, or needed repairs.
- Read blueprints, data, manuals, or other materials to determine specifications, inspection and testing procedures, adjustment methods, certification processes, formulas, or measuring instruments required.
- Collect or select samples for testing or for use as models.
- Disassemble defective parts or components, such as inaccurate or worn gauges or measuring instruments.
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Things an Inspector, Tester, Sorter, Sampler, or Weigher Should Know How to Do
Below is a list of the skills most Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers say are important on the job.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Pickle Sorter
- Petroleum Sampler
- Lens Block Gauger
- Steelscope Operator
- Hosiery Pairer
Inspector, Tester, Sorter, Sampler, or Weigher Job Outlook
In the United States, there were 520,700 jobs for Inspector, Tester, Sorter, Sampler, or Weigher in 2016. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Inspector, Tester, Sorter, Sampler, or Weigher. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 52,700 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Inspector, Tester, Sorter, Sampler, or Weigher are Nevada, North Dakota, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, New Hampshire, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of an Inspector, Tester, Sorter, Sampler, or Weigher
The salary for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers ranges between about $23,550 and $65,510 a year.

Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers who work in Alaska, District of Columbia, or Washington, make the highest salaries.
How much do Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $34,960 |
Alaska | $71,510 |
Arizona | $40,680 |
Arkansas | $33,900 |
California | $45,120 |
Colorado | $46,880 |
Connecticut | $51,260 |
Delaware | $41,030 |
District of Columbia | $60,460 |
Florida | $40,250 |
Georgia | $37,880 |
Hawaii | $36,960 |
Idaho | $37,410 |
Illinois | $41,610 |
Indiana | $39,580 |
Iowa | $42,490 |
Kansas | $44,850 |
Kentucky | $39,510 |
Louisiana | $50,670 |
Maine | $46,140 |
Maryland | $48,650 |
Massachusetts | $46,510 |
Michigan | $36,550 |
Minnesota | $42,470 |
Mississippi | $35,850 |
Missouri | $42,860 |
Montana | $48,630 |
Nebraska | $41,820 |
Nevada | $39,850 |
New Hampshire | $44,020 |
New Jersey | $42,770 |
New Mexico | $54,690 |
New York | $42,580 |
North Carolina | $37,370 |
North Dakota | $52,620 |
Ohio | $41,510 |
Oklahoma | $45,060 |
Oregon | $43,540 |
Pennsylvania | $41,850 |
Rhode Island | $44,660 |
South Carolina | $39,110 |
South Dakota | $36,250 |
Tennessee | $37,380 |
Texas | $42,500 |
Utah | $39,450 |
Vermont | $45,840 |
Virginia | $41,500 |
Washington | $59,310 |
West Virginia | $45,630 |
Wisconsin | $40,750 |
Wyoming | $51,380 |
What Tools do Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- SAP
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft SharePoint
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- IBM Notes
- FileMaker Pro
- Extensible markup language XML
- R
- Minitab
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
- Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS
- Medical condition coding software
How to Become an Inspector, Tester, Sorter, Sampler, or Weigher
Individuals working as an Inspector, Tester, Sorter, Sampler, or Weigher have obtained the following education levels:

What work experience do I need to become an Inspector, Tester, Sorter, Sampler, or Weigher?

Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers Sector

The table below shows the approximate number of Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers employed by various industries.

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Are you already one of the many Inspector, Tester, Sorter, Sampler, or Weigher in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
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