Their jobs usually require being out of the office. Some inspectors travel frequently and may receive the use of a car or payment for expenses. Inspectors may work in unpleasant or unsafe surroundings. For example, food inspectors may examine the slaughtering process a meat processing company uses. Even inspectors who are not engaged in some form of police work may find themselves in uncomfortable positions when the group being inspected does not want them there.
Wages vary with training and experience.
Entry level wages may be lower. Pay varies with the nature of the inspection or compliance activity, the area of the country, and the education level of the worker. Most inspectors and compliance officers work for a government agency. Thus full-time workers receive benefits such as health insurance, sick leave, paid vacation, and a retirement plan. There were 2,080 people employed as compliance officers and inspectors excluding construction in Indiana in 1998.