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Direct Entry Inspector Salary in District of Columbia

How much does a Direct Entry Inspector make in District of Columbia? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Direct Entry Inspector in District of Columbia is $54,344 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.

However, a Direct Entry Inspector's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $67,726
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $48,711 to $61,348
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $43,583
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Direct Entry Inspector Job Openings in District of Columbia

Key Factors That Influence Direct Entry Inspector Salaries

A Direct Entry Inspector's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Direct Entry Inspector Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Direct Entry Inspector's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $49,648
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $50,074
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $51,181
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $52,884
  • Expert (over 8 years): $56,289
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Direct Entry Inspector less than 1 year $49,648
Early Career Level Direct Entry Inspector 1-2 years $50,074
Mid-Level Level Direct Entry Inspector 2-4 years $51,181
Senior-Level Level Direct Entry Inspector 5-8 years $52,884
Expert Level Direct Entry Inspector over 8 years $56,289

How Do Direct Entry Inspector Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Direct Entry Inspectors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $54,344.
  • California: $54,137.
  • Massachusetts: $53,416.

Top Paying Cities for Direct Entry Inspector

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Parcel Return Service: $54,049
  • Washington: $54,049
  • Naval Anacost Annex: $54,047

Direct Entry Inspector Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Direct Entry Inspector roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Direct Entry Inspector positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Direct Entry Inspector as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Direct Entry Inspector

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals $70,647 $34.0 30%
Internet $67,929 $33.0 25%
Energy & Utilities $62,495 $30.0 15%
Aerospace & Defense $59,778 $29.0 10%
Healthcare $59,778 $29.0 10%

Direct Entry Inspector Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Direct Entry Inspector's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$48,711
Average $54,344/year
$61,348
$4,059
Average $4,529/month
$5,112
$937
Average $1,045/week
$1,180
$23
Average $26/hour
$29
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $61,348 $5,112 $1,180 $29
Average $54,344 $4,529 $1,045 $26
25th Percentile $48,711 $4,059 $937 $23

Find Your Next Direct Entry Inspector Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Direct Entry Inspector job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • FMI Aerostructures | VALENCIA, CA

    CMM Inspector

    FMI Aerostructures | VALENCIA, CA

    Description: Who is FMI. FMI Aerostructures is one of the largest independent manufacturing businesses serving the aerospace & defense industry. Our team h... more

    6 Days Ago

  • SJS Executives LLC | VIRGINIA BEACH, VA

    Quality Assurance Coating Inspector

    SJS Executives LLC | VIRGINIA BEACH, VA

    Do not call SJS Industrial, a veteran owned media blasting, industrial painting, powder coating, and light fabrication shop in Virginia Beach, VA, that ser... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Rennscot MFG | WOBURN, MA

    Quality Control Inspector Entry Level CMM

    Rennscot MFG | WOBURN, MA

    At a Glance Company: Rennscot Location: Woburn, MA, USA Job Type: Full-Time Shift: Day Shift (Monday–Friday, [exact hours]) Overtime: As needed / Optional ... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Gator Fire Equipment Co. | GAINESVILLE, FL

    Fire Sprinkler Inspector

    Gator Fire Equipment Co. | GAINESVILLE, FL

    Gator Fire is seeking experienced, knowledgeable and detail-oriented Fire Sprinkler Inspectors to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible fo... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Helander Metal Spinning Company | ADDISON, IL

    Quality Inspector II

    Helander Metal Spinning Company | ADDISON, IL

    At a glance Company: Helander Metal Spinning Company Location: Addison, IL 60101 (1393 W. Jeffrey Dr., on-site) Job Type: Full-Time Pay: $28–$35/hr (based ... more

    7 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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