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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.
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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.
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.
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:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Construction and Building Inspectors Work?
Below are examples of industries where Construction and Building Inspectors work:
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.