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Transportation Inspectors Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Transportation Inspectors make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$83,000
Median Annual Salary
▲ +9.8% vs 2024
$88,500
Mean Salary
$83,000
Median Salary
$39.90
Hourly Rate
1,790 people work as Transportation Inspectors in California

Transportation Inspectors salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Transportation Inspectors salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Transportation Inspectors in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $40,790$40,79025th25% earn less than $55,660$55,660MedianHalf earn more than $83,000$83,00075th75% earn less than $114,850$114,85090thTop 10% earn more than $144,460$144,460

Transportation Inspectors in California earn a median salary of $83,000 per year ($6,916/month). This is 1.7% above the national average of $81,615. California ranks #20 out of 44 states for Transportation Inspectors pay. Approximately 1,790 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 9.8% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Transportation Inspectors

Inspect equipment or goods in connection with the safe transport of cargo or people. Includes rail transportation inspectors, such as freight inspectors, rail inspectors, and other inspectors of transportation vehicles not elsewhere classified.

Top Skills

Critical Thinking
4.0
Reading Comprehension
3.88
Active Listening
3.88
Speaking
3.88
Operations Monitoring
3.75

Key Knowledge Areas

English Language
4.6
Mechanical
4.59
Public Safety and Security
4.46
Customer and Personal Service
4.42
Transportation
4.41
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (57.8% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Transportation Inspectors in California

Salaries for Transportation Inspectors in California range from $40,790 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $144,460 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $55,660 and $114,850.

Median $83,000
P10: $40,790 P25: $55,660 P75: $114,850 P90: $144,460
10th
$40,790
25th
$55,660
Median
$83,000
75th
$114,850
90th
$144,460
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $40,790 $19.61 $3,399
25th Percentile $55,660 $26.76 $4,638
Median (50th) $83,000 $39.90 $6,916
75th Percentile $114,850 $55.22 $9,570
90th Percentile (Experienced) $144,460 $69.45 $12,038

Note: The mean (average) salary of $88,500 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#20
California ranks #20 of 44 states
$81,615
National avg. for Transportation Inspectors
+1.7%
vs. national average
Near Average

What does this salary really buy? See Transportation Inspectors salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Transportation Inspectors take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Transportation Inspectors Data in California

Transportation Inspectors Salary by State

Compare Transportation Inspectors pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Transportation Inspectors make in California?
The median annual salary for Transportation Inspectors in California is $83,000 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $88,500.
What is the salary range for a Transportation Inspectors in California?
Salaries for Transportation Inspectors in California range from $40,790 at the 10th percentile to $144,460 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $55,660 and $114,850.
What is the starting salary for a Transportation Inspectors in California?
Entry-level Transportation Inspectors positions in California typically start around $40,790 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $55,660 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Transportation Inspectors in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,790 people are employed as Transportation Inspectors in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Transportation Inspectors in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Transportation Inspectors in California is approximately $39.90 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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