What Do Construction and Building Inspector Do?
Job 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
- Inspect and monitor construction sites to ensure adherence to safety standards, building codes, or specifications.
- Measure dimensions and verify level, alignment, or elevation of structures or fixtures to ensure compliance to building plans and codes.
- Monitor construction activities to ensure that environmental regulations are not violated.
- Evaluate premises for cleanliness, such as proper garbage disposal or lack of vermin infestation.
- Evaluate project details to ensure adherence to environmental regulations.
- Examine lifting or conveying devices, such as elevators, escalators, moving sidewalks, hoists, inclined railways, ski lifts, or amusement rides to ensure safety and proper functioning.
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Construction & Building Inspector Required Skills
These are the skills Construction and Building Inspectors say are the most useful in their careers:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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.
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.
Other Construction & Building Inspector Job Titles
- Construction Materials Testing Technician
- Heating and Refrigeration Inspector
- Highway Inspector
- Chief Inspector
- Street Inspector
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. The BLS estimates 12,700 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
Average Construction and Building Inspectors Salary
The salary for Construction and Building Inspectors ranges between about $35,440 and $97,310 a year.

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?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Construction and Building Inspectors:
- 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
- Oracle Primavera Systems
- Intuit Quicken
How to Become a Construction & Building Inspector
Education needed to be a Construction and Building Inspector:

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:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Construction and Building Inspector might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: Margo Wright via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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