Average Transportation Inspectors Salary in Illinois
Transportation Inspectors in Illinois earn an average annual salary of $72,780, which is slightly below the national average of $74,960. This marginal difference can often be attributed to a variety of factors, including the specific industry demands within the state, the concentration of related businesses, and regional economic conditions that influence compensation benchmarks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $72,780 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.6% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $125,690.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 980 Transportation Inspectors, Illinois demonstrates a stable employment landscape for this profession. The Location Quotient of 1.06 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a steady demand and a robust job market that aligns with or slightly exceeds national employment patterns for this specialized field.
Salary Overview
The average Transportation Inspectors in Illinois earns-2.9%below the national average.
$35
$1,400
$6,065
Transportation Inspectors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Transportation Inspector salary growth in Illinois over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a trend of modest salary increases, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Such growth is typically driven by increased demand for infrastructure oversight, evolving regulatory requirements, and the need to attract and retain skilled professionals in a competitive market.
Transportation Inspectors Salary Distribution in Illinois
The salary trajectory for Transportation Inspectors in Illinois typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the compensation spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression and the increasing value placed on expertise and proven track records within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $39,490 | $19 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $54,585 | $26.2 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $57,590 | $27.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $90,975 | $43.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $125,690 | $60.4 |
Detailed Transportation Inspectors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$72,780
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$79,281
Adjusted for COL (91.8)
The average annual salary of $72,780 in Illinois presents a favorable financial standing when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 91.8. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that the nominal salary offers a relatively strong purchasing power, allowing inspectors to maintain a comfortable standard of living that may exceed what a similar salary would afford in higher cost-of-living regions.
Job Market Context
980
Total Jobs
0.161
Per 1K Jobs
1.06
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.06, Illinois has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Transportation Inspectors roles compared to the national norm.
Illinois's Location Quotient of 1.06 for Transportation Inspectors signifies a job market that is marginally more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a slightly more competitive environment for job seekers, but also suggests a healthy and established presence of this profession within the state's economy, offering ample opportunities for those with the requisite skills and experience.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Transportation Inspectors
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Springfield, IL Transportation Inspectors Salary | $96,530↑ 33% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near Illinois
Hiring Transportation Inspectorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Transportation Inspectors make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for a Transportation Inspectors in Illinois is $72,780. This typically ranges from $39,490 for entry-level positions to $125,690 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Illinois is 2.9% lower than the national median of $74,960.
Is Illinois a lucrative place for Transportation Inspectors?
Yes, Illinois offers a competitive environment for Transportation Inspectors.While the average salary is slightly below the national benchmark, the cost of living is also lower, enhancing purchasing power. The slightly higher concentration of jobs (LQ 1.06) indicates a stable and present demand for these professionals.
Is Illinois a good place to live for Transportation Inspectors?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Illinois?
Some top paying nearby cities include Springfield, IL ($96,530) and others.
How does experience affect a Transportation Inspector's salary in Illinois?
Experience is a major driver of salary increases for Transportation Inspectors in Illinois. Entry-level roles typically offer lower compensation, while senior inspectors with specialized knowledge and a proven history of effective oversight can earn significantly more than the state average.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in Illinois?
An LQ of 1.06 means that Transportation Inspectors are slightly more concentrated in Illinois than the national average. This suggests a robust presence of the profession and potentially more job opportunities relative to the overall workforce size within the state.
How does the cost of living in Illinois compare to the national average for Transportation Inspectors?
Illinois has a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, which is below the national average of 100. This means that the average salary of $72,780 likely provides a higher effective purchasing power for inspectors residing in Illinois compared to those in more expensive states.
What is the total number of Transportation Inspectors in Illinois?
There are approximately 980 Transportation Inspectors employed within the state of Illinois, contributing to the overall workforce and infrastructure oversight within the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 980 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 0.161 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Transportation Inspectors Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Illinois
- All Occupations Salary in Illinois
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Illinois
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Illinois
- Management Occupations Salary in Illinois
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Illinois
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Illinois
- Production Occupations Salary in Illinois
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Illinois
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Illinois
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Illinois
- Browse All Jobs in Illinois →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Transportation Inspectors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Illinois