INSPECTORS AND COMPLIANCE OFFICERS, EXCEPT CONSTRUCTION

Nature of the Work

Inspectors and compliance officers enforce adherence to a wide range of laws, regulations, policies, and procedures that protect the public on matters such as health, safety, food, immigration, licensing, interstate commerce, and international trade.  Depending upon their employer, inspectors' duties vary widely.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

Because of the diversity of functions, qualifications for inspector and compliance officer jobs differ greatly.  Requirements are a combination of education, experience, and often a passing grade on a written examination.  Employers generally prefer applicants with college training, including courses related to the job. 

Job Outlook

Employment of inspectors and compliance officers is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005, reflecting growing public demand for a safe environment and quality products.  Employment growth, particularly in local government, will stem from the expansion of regulatory and compliance programs in solid and hazardous waste disposal and water pollution.  In private industry, employment growth will reflect increasing self-enforcement of government and company regulations and policies, particularly among the rapidly growing number of franchise dealerships in various industries.

Earnings

The median weekly salary of inspectors and compliance officers, except construction, was about $630 in 1992.  The lowest 10 percent earned less than $375; the highest 10 percent earned over $1,000. In the Federal Government, the average annual salaries for inspectors varied substantially in 1993 from $24,800 to $59,300 depending upon the nature of the inspection or compliance activity.

Information on Federal Government jobs is available from offices of the State employment service, area offices of the U.S.  Office of Personnel Management, and Federal Job Information Centers in large cities throughout the country.  For information on a career as a specific type of Federal inspector or compliance officer, the Federal department or agency that employs them may also be contacted directly.

Information about State and local government jobs is available from State civil service commissions, usually located in each State capital, or from local government offices.

Information about jobs in private industry is available from the State Employment Service, which is listed under: Job Service or Employment in the State government section of local telephone directories.

