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Average Transportation Inspectors Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Transportation Inspectors in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area command an impressive average annual salary of $103,630. This figure substantially outpaces the national average of $74,960, indicating a strong demand and potentially higher operational costs or regulatory complexity within this region that drives compensation. The specialized nature of ensuring transportation safety and compliance in such a densely populated and economically vital corridor likely contributes to this elevated pay scale.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $103,630 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $167,270.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 390 Transportation Inspectors and a Location Quotient of 0.83, the job market in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV shows a slightly below-average concentration compared to the national landscape. However, the absolute number of professionals suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally dense, demand for these critical roles within the region's extensive transportation infrastructure.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$103,630

The average Transportation Inspectors in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+38.2%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$49.8

Weekly

$1,993

Monthly

$8,636

Transportation Inspectors Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Career progression for Transportation Inspectors typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the gap between starting salaries and those earned by seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can be substantial, often reflecting increased responsibility, decision-making authority, and a deeper understanding of complex regulatory frameworks.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$59,490$28.6
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$77,723$37.4
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$95,420$45.9
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$129,538$62.3
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$167,270$80.4

Detailed Transportation Inspectors Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$103,630

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$103,630

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $103,630 in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a Transportation Inspector's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while nominal earnings are high, the cost of living does not inflate or deflate this figure significantly relative to other parts of the country.

Job Market Context

390

Total Jobs

0.126

Per 1K Jobs

0.83

Location Quotient

Below Average

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 0.83x the national average concentration of Transportation Inspectors jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.83 indicates that Transportation Inspectors are slightly less concentrated in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present and supports a notable workforce, it may not be a primary hub for this profession, potentially offering a balanced competitive landscape for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Transportation Inspectors

Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Hiring Transportation Inspectorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Transportation Inspectors make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?

The median annual salary for a Transportation Inspectors in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $103,630. This typically ranges from $59,490 for entry-level positions to $167,270 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 38.2% higher than the national median of $74,960.

Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Transportation Inspectorss?

Yes, it is a highly lucrative place for Transportation Inspectors.The average salary of $103,630 is significantly higher than the national average, and the Cost of Living Index is at the national average, indicating strong real earnings.

Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Transportation Inspectors?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?

Some top paying nearby cities include Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($95,620) and others.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

Transportation Inspectors in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earn an average of $103,630, which is considerably higher than the national average of $74,960.

What is the Cost of Living in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?

The Cost of Living Index for this region is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your salary has average purchasing power.

Is there high demand for Transportation Inspectors in this area?

With 390 local workers and a Location Quotient of 0.83, the demand is stable but not exceptionally concentrated compared to the national average.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.83 mean?

A Location Quotient of 0.83 signifies that the concentration of Transportation Inspectors in this metropolitan area is slightly below the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 390 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 0.126 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.