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Construction and Building Inspector

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All About Construction and Building Inspectors

Job Description & Duties 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.

Life As a Construction & Building Inspector

  • Train, direct, or supervise other construction inspectors.
  • Evaluate project details to ensure adherence to environmental regulations.
  • Inspect and monitor construction sites to ensure adherence to safety standards, building codes, or specifications.
  • Estimate cost of completed work or of needed renovations or upgrades.
  • Monitor installation of plumbing, wiring, equipment, or appliances to ensure that installation is performed properly and is in compliance with applicable regulations.
  • Sample and test air to identify gasses, such as bromine, ozone, or sulfur dioxide, or particulates, such as mold, dust, or allergens.

Skills Needed to be a Construction & Building Inspector

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.

Types of Construction & Building Inspector Jobs

  • Construction Code Administrator
  • Residential Building Inspector
  • Street Openings Inspector
  • Boilers Inspector
  • Compliance Manager

Job Demand for Construction and Building Inspectors

There were about 105,100 jobs for Construction and Building Inspector in 2016 (in the United States). 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 Average 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 different U.S. states?

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

What Tools do Construction and Building Inspectors Use?

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 kind of Construction and Building Inspector requirements are there?

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Construction & Building Inspector?

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Where Construction and Building Inspectors Are Employed

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Construction and Building Inspectors work in the following industries:

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Similar Careers

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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