What You Need to Know About Construction and 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.
List of Construction & Building Inspector Job Duties
- Measure dimensions and verify level, alignment, or elevation of structures or fixtures to ensure compliance to building plans and codes.
- Monitor installation of plumbing, wiring, equipment, or appliances to ensure that installation is performed properly and is in compliance with applicable 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.
- Evaluate project details to ensure adherence to environmental regulations.
- Evaluate premises for cleanliness, such as proper garbage disposal or lack of vermin infestation.
- Monitor construction activities to ensure that environmental regulations are not violated.
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What a Construction & Building Inspector Should Know
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
- Architectural Inspector
- Construction Code Administrator
- Grade Checker
- Inspecting Engineer
- Inspector
Is There Job Demand for Construction and Building Inspectors?
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. There will be an estimated 12,700 positions for Construction & Building Inspector per 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.
Salary for a Construction & Building Inspector
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 & Technology 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
- Intuit Quicken
- Oracle Primavera Systems
Becoming a Construction & Building Inspector
Learn what Construction and Building Inspector education requirements there are.

What work experience do I need to become a Construction & Building Inspector?

Who Employs Construction and Building Inspectors?

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

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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