What Do Construction and Building Inspector Do?
Career 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
- Estimate cost of completed work or of needed renovations or upgrades.
- Monitor construction activities to ensure that environmental regulations are not violated.
- Train, direct, or supervise other construction inspectors.
- Inspect facilities or installations to determine their environmental impact.
- Monitor installation of plumbing, wiring, equipment, or appliances to ensure that installation is performed properly and is in compliance with applicable regulations.
- Approve building plans that meet required specifications.
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Construction & Building Inspector Skills
When polled, Construction and Building Inspectors say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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 and Building Inspector
- Construction Checker
- Amusement Ride Inspector
- Real Estate Inspector
- Line Inspector
- Permit Specialist
What Kind of Construction & Building Inspector Job Opportunities Are There?
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. 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.
What is the Average Salary of a Construction & Building Inspector
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 & Technology 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 do I 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 Work

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

You May Also 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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