Construction and Building Inspectors

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.

Median Annual Wage: $56,040

Education: Bachelor's degree (25%); Post-secondary certificate (25%); Some college, no degree (17%)

Projected Growth: Average (8% to 14%)

Related Job Titles: Inspector; Construction Inspector; Building Inspector; Plumbing Inspector; Building Code Administrator; Building Official; Building Inspection Engineer; Combination Building Inspector; Construction Materials Testing Technician; Elevator Inspector

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Construction and Building Inspectors.

More Construction and Extraction Careers

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Review and interpret plans, blueprints, site layouts, specifications, or construction methods to ensure compliance to legal requirements and safety regulations.
  • Evaluate project details to ensure adherence to environmental regulations.
  • Conduct inspections, using survey instruments, metering devices, tape measures, or test equipment.
  • Inspect and monitor construction sites to ensure adherence to safety standards, building codes, or specifications.
  • Monitor construction activities to ensure that environmental regulations are not violated.
  • Confer with owners, violators, or authorities to explain regulations or recommend remedial actions.
  • Train, direct, or supervise other construction inspectors.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Construction and Building Inspectors.

  • 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.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Construction and Building Inspectors.

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