CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by CA Board of Trades

Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers in California, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers in California

Estimated timeline: 1-5 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Must have experience in gassy situations if applying for gassy certification

  2. 2

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  3. 3

    Examination and certification of gas testers by the Mining and Tunneling Unit promotes the safe operation of underground mines and tunnels and ensures that gas testers possess adequate knowledge and competence in underground gas testing.

  4. 4

    Fees: Application: None

    • Examination: $15
    • License: None.
  5. 5

    Examination Frequency: As needed.

  6. 6

    Exam Locations: Contact Division of Occupational Safety and Health, Mining and Tunneling Unit.

  7. 7

    Experience Requirement: At least 1 year of underground experience.

  8. 8

    Must have experience in gassy situations if applying for gassy certification.

Exam and processing details

  • $15
  • License: None. Frequency: As needed. Locations: Contact Division of Occupational Safety and Health, Mining and Tunneling Unit. Experience

Continuing education and program notes

  • certification from the Division

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Industrial Relations • Mining and Tunneling Unit

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $50,430 median (6% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #18 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience (Must have experience in gassy situations if applying for gassy certification).
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: $15; License: None. Frequency: As needed. Locations: Contact Division of Occupational Safety and Health, Mining and Tunneling Unit. Experience.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (Fees: Application: None; Examination: $15; License: None.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Industrial Relations~Mining and Tunneling Unit and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of $50,430, Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weigherss in California earn 6% above the national median of $47,460. California ranks #18 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-5 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$50,430

Hourly estimate

$24.25
6% above national median

Difference: +$2,970

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$37,830
  • P2525th percentile$43,270
  • P50Median$50,430
  • P7575th percentile$63,800
  • P9090th percentile$82,680

State vs National Median

State: $50,430
National: $47,460

Total employment: 60,280 | Annual openings: N/A

Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers Salary Ranking

#18 of 50 statesfor Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Alaska$98,800
#2Wyoming$59,930
#3Maryland$58,710
#4Washington$58,450
#5Montana$57,520

Nearby States Comparison

Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$50,430Varies by state boardState-approved exam1-5 years
Oregon$52,170Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nevada$49,050Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Arizona$50,620Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Industrial Relations • Mining and Tunneling Unit

1750 Howe Avenue, Suite 450, Sacramento, CA, 95825

Phone: N/A

Visit Official WebsiteOpen in Maps

Related Careers in California

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$84,910Varies by state board1-17 years
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$63,370Varies by state board1-17 years
Carpenter$74,820Varies by state boardVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$101,160Varies by state board1-6 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers in California?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-5 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers salary in California?

The median annual salary for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weigherss in California is $50,430. Salaries range from $37,830 (10th percentile) to $82,680 (90th percentile).

How does the Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers salary in California compare to the national average?

Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weigherss in California earn 6% above the national median of $47,460, with a state median of $50,430.

How many Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weigherss work in California?

California employs approximately 60,280 Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weigherss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers license to California from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weigherss in California?

The licensing agency is Department of Industrial Relations / Mining and Tunneling Unit. Review agency details at https://www.dir.ca.gov/.

How often do you renew a Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers license in California?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.