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.
Also called: Amusement Ride Inspector, Architectural Examiner, Architectural Inspector, Boiler Inspector, Bridge Inspector, Building Code Administrator
Median pay
$74,690
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$47,140 – $114,200
People employed
146,720
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 2.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 3.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
- 4.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 5.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 6.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Tight deadlines are common
- Dealing with conflict is part of the job
Construction and Building Inspectors pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Construction and Building Inspectors salary in every state →
What construction and building inspectors do
- 01Approve building plans that meet required specifications.
- 02Review and interpret plans, blueprints, site layouts, specifications, or construction methods to ensure compliance to legal requirements and safety regulations.
- 03Issue permits for construction, relocation, demolition, or occupancy.
- 04Inspect 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.
- 05Monitor installation of plumbing, wiring, equipment, or appliances to ensure that installation is performed properly and is in compliance with applicable regulations.
- 06Inspect and monitor construction sites to ensure adherence to safety standards, building codes, or specifications.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
- Writing
Knowledge
- Building and Construction
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Design
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 4 years, up to and including 6 years.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from construction and building inspectors
- Government Property Inspectors and Investigators88% · group pay
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians87% · −13%
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators81% · +2%
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors78% · +54%
- Environmental Compliance Inspectors77% · group pay
Change into construction and building inspectors
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators91% · $75,920
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians88% · $64,950
- Government Property Inspectors and Investigators88% · $80,730
- Traffic Technicians88% · $59,090
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians85% · $61,560
Majors that lead here
- Building/Home/Construction Inspection/Inspector
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.