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Construction and Building Inspector

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What is a Construction and Building Inspector?

Position Description Inspect structures using engineering skills to determine structural soundness and compliance with specifications, building codes, and other regulations. Inspections may be general in nature or may be limited to a specific area, such as electrical systems or plumbing.

Daily Life Of a Construction & Building Inspector

  • Measure dimensions and verify level, alignment, or elevation of structures or fixtures to ensure compliance to building plans and codes.
  • Issue permits for construction, relocation, demolition, or occupancy.
  • Train, direct, or supervise other construction inspectors.
  • Evaluate premises for cleanliness, such as proper garbage disposal or lack of vermin infestation.
  • Monitor construction activities to ensure that environmental regulations are not violated.
  • Review and interpret plans, blueprints, site layouts, specifications, or construction methods to ensure compliance to legal requirements and safety regulations.

What Every Construction & Building Inspector Should Know

These are the skills Construction and Building Inspectors say are the most useful in their careers:

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

  • Gas Inspector
  • Housing Inspector
  • Infrastructure Technician
  • Inspector
  • Site Damage Prevention Technician

Construction & Building Inspector Employment Estimates

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 105,100 jobs in the United States for Construction and Building Inspector. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 10.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 10,600 new jobs for Construction and Building Inspector by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 12,700 job openings in this field each year.

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The states with the most job growth for Construction & Building Inspector are Utah, North Dakota, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maine, or New Jersey. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Construction & Building Inspector Salary

The typical yearly salary for Construction and Building Inspectors is somewhere between $35,440 and $97,310.

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Construction and Building Inspectors who work in California, Alaska, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.

How much do Construction and Building Inspectors make in each U.S. state?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $55,230
Alaska $83,270
Arizona $56,810
Arkansas $46,240
California $89,680
Colorado $66,600
Connecticut $67,020
Delaware $60,460
District of Columbia $80,530
Florida $58,840
Georgia $46,960
Hawaii $65,100
Idaho $58,500
Illinois $66,080
Indiana $45,030
Iowa $64,990
Kansas $52,610
Kentucky $54,090
Louisiana $57,340
Maine $51,210
Maryland $60,600
Massachusetts $68,080
Michigan $54,080
Minnesota $69,200
Mississippi $48,480
Missouri $52,390
Montana $49,620
Nebraska $53,730
Nevada $72,150
New Hampshire $56,130
New Jersey $64,920
New Mexico $55,440
New York $66,160
North Carolina $55,080
North Dakota $85,040
Ohio $59,220
Oklahoma $54,590
Oregon $73,490
Pennsylvania $57,400
Rhode Island $67,990
South Carolina $47,330
South Dakota $51,000
Tennessee $55,690
Texas $59,870
Utah $57,270
Vermont $63,030
Virginia $60,170
Washington $76,570
West Virginia $57,670
Wisconsin $58,600
Wyoming $55,150

Tools & Technologies Used by Construction and Building Inspectors

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Construction and Building Inspectors may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Email software
  • Word processing software
  • SAP
  • Microsoft Project
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Spreadsheet software
  • Database software
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer
  • Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
  • Calendar and scheduling software
  • ESRI ArcView
  • Internet browser software
  • Intuit Quicken
  • Oracle Primavera Systems

How to Become a Construction & Building Inspector

What education is needed to be a Construction and Building Inspector?

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What work experience do I need to become a Construction & Building Inspector?

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Who Employs Construction and Building Inspectors?

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Below are examples of industries where Construction and Building Inspectors work:

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Those interested in being a Construction and Building Inspector may also be interested in:

References:

Image Credit: Margo Wright via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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