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.
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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.

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.

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?

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

Where Construction and Building Inspectors Are Employed

Construction and Building Inspectors work in the following industries:

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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