Agricultural Inspectors
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 InspectorConsumer Safety Inspector (CSI)Grain InspectorInspector
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey 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
| 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
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Microsoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Word
Technology Skills
Image processing softwareMicrosoft Internet ExplorerOperational databasesWord processing software
Tools & Equipment
Agricultural dividersBacon bomb samplersBarley pearlersBeam scalesBean sack triersBlock weightsBlust drum samplersBoerner dividers