Inspect agricultural commodities, processing equipment, and facilities, and fish and logging operations, to ensure compliance with regulations and laws governing health, quality, and safety.
SOC: 45-2011.00
Common Job Titles
Brand Inspector
Consumer Safety Inspector (CSI)
Grain Inspector
Inspector
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeEvaluate agricultural commodities, processing equipment, and facilities for compliance with health, quality, and safety regulations in field and processing settings, using specialized sampling and testing equipment.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess quality control standards and regulatory requirements across diverse agricultural operations, fish, and logging facilities.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate specialized inspection equipment including moisture detectors, NIR analyzers, and sampling devices following established testing protocols to ensure accurate measurements.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply federal and state laws governing agricultural product standards during on-site inspections and enforcement activities.
Proficient
KnowledgeInterpret laboratory test results and field observations to communicate compliance issues and corrective actions to facility operators and stakeholders.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate for public health and safety standards in agricultural production when negotiating compliance with producers and facility managers.
Proficient
Hands-onExecute sampling procedures using triers, probes, and dividers across varied agricultural settings including grain elevators, processing plants, and field operations.
Proficient
KnowledgeExplain regulatory violations and corrective action requirements to diverse stakeholders in both written and oral formats.
Proficient
KnowledgeOrganize inspection schedules and prioritize facility visits based on risk assessments and compliance history, working independently across multiple sites.
Proficient
KnowledgeAnalyze samples and inspection data to identify violations or non-compliance issues applying knowledge of food production, public safety, and federal/state regulations.
Developing
KnowledgePrepare detailed inspection reports and documentation of compliance findings using database systems and word processing software to support regulatory enforcement.
Developing
MindsetEngage with agricultural producers, facility operators, and regulatory agencies to educate on compliance requirements and promote best practices.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Agricultural Inspectors (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
12,090
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $37,440. 25th percentile: U.S. $42,740. 50th percentile: U.S. $50,990. 75th percentile: U.S. $64,960. 90th percentile: U.S. $80,240. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$37,440
10% of workers earn the following or more
$80,240
Workers on average earn
$55,650
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Customer and Personal Service3.5/5
Administration and Management3.4/5
Law and Government3.3/5
Administrative3.3/5
Public Safety and Security3.2/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
