Construction and building inspectors
SOC Code: 47-4011Also known as:
Amusement Ride Inspector, Architectural Examiner, Architectural Inspector, Boiler Inspector, Bridge Inspector
Median Annual Salary
$72,120
-0.8% growth (2024-2034)
15K
Openings/Year
148K
Current Jobs
What Construction and building inspectors Do
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.
💰 Salary
$72,120
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-0.8%
Little or no change
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
15K
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
5 years or more
Required before entry
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
147,600
Projected Employment (2034)
146,500
Related Careers
Compliance officers
$78,420 •
+3.0% growth
Engineers, all other
$117,750 •
+2.1% growth
First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
$78,690 •
+5.3% growth
Transportation inspectors
$85,750 •
+1.7% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Active Listening
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Approve building plans that meet required specifications.
- Review and interpret plans, blueprints, site layouts, specifications, or construction methods to ensure compliance to legal requirements and safety regulations.
- Issue permits for construction, relocation, demolition, or occupancy.
- Inspect bridges, dams, highways, buildings, wiring, plumbing, electrical circuits, sewers, heating systems, or foundations during and after construction for structural quality, general safety, or conformance to specifications and codes.
- Monitor installation of plumbing, wiring, equipment, or appliances to ensure that installation is performed properly and is in compliance with applicable regulations.
- Inspect and monitor construction sites to ensure adherence to safety standards, building codes, or specifications.
- Confer with owners, violators, or authorities to explain regulations or recommend remedial actions.
- Measure dimensions and verify level, alignment, or elevation of structures or fixtures to ensure compliance to building plans and codes.
- Maintain daily logs and supplement inspection records with photographs.
- Conduct inspections, using survey instruments, metering devices, tape measures, or test equipment.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Construction and building inspectors
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a construction and building inspectors:
Building/Home/Construction Inspection/Inspector
312 degrees awarded •
33 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Construction and building inspectors
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become construction and building inspectors.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Bennet Street School | Boston, MA | 27 | C+ |
| 2 | Centralia College | Centralia, WA | 18 | C+ |
| 3 | College of San Mateo | San Mateo, CA | 10 | C+ |
| 4 | Pasadena City College | Pasadena, CA | 9 | C+ |
| 5 | Edmonds College | Lynnwood, WA | 9 | C+ |
| 6 | San Diego Mesa College | San Diego, CA | 6 | C+ |
| 7 | College of the Canyons | Santa Clarita, CA | 5 | C+ |
| 8 | Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | 1 | C+ |
| 9 | Arizona Western College | Yuma, AZ | 1 | C+ |
| 10 | Mesa Community College | Mesa, AZ | 31 | C |
| 11 | Norco College | Norco, CA | 17 | C |
| 12 | Santiago Canyon College | Orange, CA | 17 | C |
| 13 | Fullerton College | Fullerton, CA | 17 | C |
| 14 | Chemeketa Community College | Salem, OR | 15 | C |
| 15 | York Technical College | Rock Hill, SC | 13 | C |
| 16 | North Hennepin Community College | Brooklyn Park, MN | 12 | C |
| 17 | Ventura College | Ventura, CA | 11 | C |
| 18 | Portland Community College | Portland, OR | 11 | C |
| 19 | Cabrillo College | Aptos, CA | 10 | C |
| 20 | Gwinnett Technical College | Lawrenceville, GA | 10 | C |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do construction and building inspectors make?
The median annual salary for construction and building inspectors is $72,120.
What education do construction and building inspectors need?
Most construction and building inspectors positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Building/Home/Construction Inspection/Inspector.
Is becoming construction and building inspectors a good career choice?
Construction and building inspectors is projected to see -0.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 14,800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for construction and building inspectors?
Top colleges for aspiring construction and building inspectors include
North Bennet Street School, Centralia College, College of San Mateo, Pasadena City College, Edmonds College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to construction and building inspectors?
Construction and building inspectors may also be known as: Amusement Ride Inspector, Architectural Examiner, Architectural Inspector, Boiler Inspector, Bridge Inspector, Building Code Administrator, Building Code Inspector, Building Equipment Inspector, Building Inspector, Building Official, Code Enforcement Officer, Code Inspector, Combination Building Inspector, Commercial Inspector, Compliance Analyst, Compliance Coordinator, Compliance Manager, Compliance Officer, Construction Checker, Construction Code Administrator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.