$400 Per Day As A Field Inspecor?

Looking for a side hustle that pays well, doesn’t require a degree, and keeps you out of the office? Field inspecting might be one of the best-kept secrets out there. It’s not just another gig app or digital side hustle—it’s hands-on, flexible, and surprisingly profitable, with some people earning up to $400 a day.

A Surprisingly Lucrative Side Hustle You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

If you’re looking to make some extra income without punching a clock or sitting behind a desk, field inspection might just be the side hustle you didn’t know you needed. With pay rates that can climb up to $400 a day and minimal startup requirements, it’s quickly becoming a favorite among those who like flexibility and independence.

What Is a Field Inspector, Exactly?

At its core, a field inspector gets paid to visit properties, take photos, and document what they see. You’re not doing repairs or appraisals, and you don’t need a real estate license. In fact, most of these gigs don’t require any kind of certification at all. You’re simply providing visual proof and basic reports for clients like:

• Banks
• Insurance companies
• Property managers
• Real estate firms

Most tasks take less than 30 minutes and pay between $20 and $75 per job. If you knock out several in a day, it adds up quickly.

Types of Inspections You Can Do

There’s more variety than you might think. Some of the more common inspection types include:

• Mortgage inspections – Checking if a property is occupied or vacant
• Insurance inspections – Documenting damage after events like hailstorms
• Equipment or inventory verification – Confirming that specific items or stock are present at a business
• Property condition reports – Usually done before or after a tenant moves in or out

Each job typically involves showing up, taking pictures, filling out a short report, and moving on. It’s repetitive in a good way—simple, straightforward, and efficient.

Field Inspections vs. Property Inspections

It’s important to clarify that field inspections are not the same as full property inspections done when someone’s buying a home. Those require licensed professionals and involve detailed assessments of HVAC systems, foundations, and more. Field inspections are more observational and lower-stakes, which means anyone 18 or older with a driver’s license and a clean background check can get started.

How Much Can You Actually Make?

Realistically, most field inspectors earn $20–$50 per job. But since jobs are short, it’s possible to fit in several each day. People doing this part-time report making up to $1,000 a week. The trick is to sign up with multiple companies—some days might bring a flood of opportunities, while others could be quiet. Casting a wide net helps smooth out the income flow.

Tools of the Trade

You don’t need much to get started, but a few items will make your life easier:

• A reliable car (this is a mobile gig)
• A smartphone with a good camera
• A monopod or selfie stick for high-angle photos
• Access to a printer (some jobs require delivering printed letters)
• Optional: a route planning app like Circuit to optimize your driving route

Companies to Check Out

If you’re ready to try this out, here are five companies that come recommended by people already in the game:

• SoFi Inspections (Society of Field Inspectors) – A searchable database that connects you with companies needing inspections. Signing up is free and you can list which services you offer.
• PhotoInspections.com – Offers quick onboarding, doesn’t require extra software, and tracks everything for you.
• I-View-It – Known for its slick mobile app and fast payouts (typically within 24 hours).
• Spectrum Field Services – A good option for residential inspections like occupancy checks or condition reports.
• Velocity Rio – Operates in 43 states and requires you to submit sample photos with your application.

You can also check local gigs on Craigslist or join Facebook groups for field inspectors—contractors often post available jobs there too.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

This hustle won’t be perfect for everyone, but here’s a quick breakdown of the upsides and trade-offs.

Pros:

• Set your own schedule
• No degree or license required
• Low startup costs
• Great for people who enjoy driving and working independently

Cons:

• Lots of driving (if you don’t enjoy being on the road, this isn’t ideal)
• Some companies have slow payment cycles (net 30 days)
• Job availability can be inconsistent depending on your location
• Occasionally, you may deal with a tense interaction—like handing someone a letter they’re not happy to receive

Can You Really Make $400 a Day?

Yes, it’s possible—especially if you’re working in a busy metro area and can handle a high volume of assignments. Consistency is key. Like many gig-based jobs, your income will fluctuate, but there are people making thousands per month just doing inspections.

If you’re the kind of person who likes flexible, independent work and doesn’t mind being on the move, this could be a smart way to earn extra cash—or even a solid part-time income.