Weights and measures inspector
Also known as: tester of weights and measures, trading standards manager, trading standards officer, inspector and tester of weights and measures, trading standards team leader, regulatory services officer
About this occupation
Weights and measures inspectors ensure adherance to regulations and agreements pertaining to the weights and measures of packaged goods. They investigate and document compliance issues and violations to promote best practice. Weights and measures inspectors confirm that packaged goods are in accordance to agreements such as quantity, content and packaging.
Essential skills and knowledge
- test package
- write inspection reports
- handle shipment paperwork
- ensure compliance with purchasing and contracting regulations
- demonstrate proficiency in packaging standards
- analyse packaging requirements
- inspect government policy compliance
- quality assurance procedures
- fraud detection
- consumer protection
- audit techniques
- present reports
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Customs and Border Protection Officers (O*NET 33-3051.04). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Examine immigration applications, visas, and passports and interview persons to determine eligibility for admission, residence, and travel in the U.S.
- Detain persons found to be in violation of customs or immigration laws and arrange for legal action, such as deportation.
- Inspect cargo, baggage, and personal articles entering or leaving U.S. for compliance with revenue laws and U.S. customs regulations.
- Locate and seize contraband, undeclared merchandise, and vehicles, aircraft, or boats that contain such merchandise.
- Interpret and explain laws and regulations to travelers, prospective immigrants, shippers, and manufacturers.
- Institute civil and criminal prosecutions and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in the investigation and prosecution of those in violation of immigration or customs laws.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Enterprising, Realistic
Top skills: Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Social Perceptiveness, Writing
US median pay: US$76,210 a year (2025), 670,520 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentVery important (4.5)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.9)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyImportant (3.4)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.2)
- GeographyO*NET: GeographyImportant (3.2)
- SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyImportant (3.1)
- Foreign LanguageO*NET: Foreign LanguageImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Customs Brokers
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
- Compliance Officers
- Transit and Railroad Police
- Transportation Security Screeners
- Private Detectives and Investigators
- Cargo and Freight Agents
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
- Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.