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Construction and Building Inspector

What Does it Take to Be a Construction and Building Inspector?

Construction & Building Inspector 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.

Life As a Construction & Building Inspector

  • Train, direct, or supervise other construction inspectors.
  • Monitor installation of plumbing, wiring, equipment, or appliances to ensure that installation is performed properly and is in compliance with applicable regulations.
  • Maintain daily logs and supplement inspection records with photographs.
  • Review and interpret plans, blueprints, site layouts, specifications, or construction methods to ensure compliance to legal requirements and safety regulations.
  • Monitor construction activities to ensure that environmental regulations are not violated.
  • Inspect and monitor construction sites to ensure adherence to safety standards, building codes, or specifications.

Construction & Building Inspector Required Skills

Construction and Building Inspectors state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

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

  • Paving Inspector
  • Heating and Refrigeration Inspector
  • Plumbing Inspector
  • Bridge Inspector
  • Architectural Inspector

Construction & Building Inspector Job Outlook

In the United States, there were 105,100 jobs for Construction and Building Inspector in 2016. 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.

How Much Does a Construction & Building Inspector Make?

Construction and Building Inspectors make between $35,440 and $97,310 a year.

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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

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 do I Become a Construction & Building Inspector?

Individuals working as a Construction and Building Inspector have obtained the following education levels:

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Where do Construction and Building Inspectors Work?

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

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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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