Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weigher Salary in 2026

    SOC: 51-9061.00 · BLS OEWS 2026 · Updated March 2026
    Median Annual
    $47,460
    per year
    Salary Range
    $35K – $76K
    P10–P90
    Total Jobs
    591,180
    employed
    Job Growth
    0.0%
    2024–2034
    Section 01

    How Much Do Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers Make?

    Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers earn a median annual salary of $47,460 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $34,590 at the 10th percentile to $75,510 at the 90th percentile — a range of $40,920. The highest-paying state is Alaska at $98,800.

    PercentileAnnual salary
    10th percentile$34,590
    25th percentile$38,740
    Median (50th)$47,460
    75th percentile$59,970
    90th percentile$75,510
    10th: $34,590Median: $47,46090th: $75,510
    Section 02

    Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weigher Salary by State

    Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.

    StateMedian salary
    Alaskatop$98,800
    District of Columbia$70,030
    Wyoming$59,930
    Maryland$58,710
    Washington$58,450
    Montana$57,520
    Colorado$56,370
    Kansas$55,930
    Hawaii$54,800
    Connecticut$54,230
    Delaware$53,110
    Minnesota$52,390
    Oregon$52,170
    Rhode Island$51,810
    New Hampshire$51,450
    North Dakota$51,340
    Missouri$50,740
    Arizona$50,620
    Nebraska$50,430
    California$50,430
    Oklahoma$50,110
    Louisiana$50,080
    Massachusetts$50,060
    Nevada$49,050
    West Virginia$49,020
    Wisconsin$49,020
    Iowa$48,940
    New Jersey$48,850
    New York$48,790
    Vermont$48,740
    New Mexico$48,510
    Utah$48,000
    Virginia$47,980
    Pennsylvania$47,540
    Illinois$47,040
    Maine$47,000
    Indiana$46,990
    South Dakota$46,430
    Florida$46,360
    Ohio$46,220
    Kentucky$45,470
    Tennessee$44,860
    South Carolina$44,840
    Georgia$44,020
    North Carolina$44,020
    Texas$43,790
    Michigan$42,440
    Idaho$42,120
    Arkansas$41,570
    Mississippi$39,580
    Alabama$39,190
    Section 03

    Highest-Paying Metros for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers

    Alaska nonmetropolitan area
    Highest paying
    $124,590
    top metro salary
    Alaska
    $98,800
    $-25,790 vs highest
    Lake Charles, LA
    $85,920
    $-38,670 vs highest
    Balance of Nevada nonmetropolitan area
    $76,910
    $-47,680 vs highest
    Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT
    $73,520
    $-51,070 vs highest
    District of Columbia
    $70,030
    $-54,560 vs highest
    Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA
    $69,010
    $-55,580 vs highest
    Billings, MT
    $68,000
    $-56,590 vs highest
    Section 04

    Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weigher Salary by Experience

    Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.

    Experience levelEstimated salary
    Entry level (0–2 yrs)~$34,590 – $38,740
    Mid career (3–7 yrs)~$47,460
    Experienced (8–15 yrs)~$59,970
    Senior (15+ yrs)$75,510+
    Section 05

    How to Earn More as an Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weigher

    Location is the single biggest salary lever: Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers in Alaska nonmetropolitan area earn $124,590 — $77,130 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($59,970) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.

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    Section 06

    Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weigher Salary vs Similar Careers

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    Section 07

    Frequently Asked Questions

    SOC: 51-9061.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.