Career Overview
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 Known As
- Building Code Administrator
- Building Inspector
- Building Official
- Construction Inspector
Alternate Job Titles
- Amusement Ride Inspector
- Architectural Examiner
- Architectural Inspector
- Boiler Inspector
- Bridge Inspector
- Building Code Administrator
- Building Code Inspector
- Building Equipment Inspector
- Building Inspector
- Building Official
- CEI (Construction Engineering Inspector)
- Code Enforcement Officer
- Code Inspector
- Combination Building Inspector
- Commercial Inspector
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Inspect structures to determine cause and origin of damage.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Building and Construction
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Problem Sensitivity
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Inductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Expression
- Near Vision
- Deductive Reasoning
- Speech Recognition
- Speech Clarity
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Integrity
- Leadership Orientation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
- Relationships
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Word
- Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
- SAP software
Tools & Equipment
- 10-key calculators
- Adjustable widemouth pliers
- Adjustable wrenches
- Air sampling devices
- Air sampling pumps
- Air velocity and temperature meters
- Airflow meters
- Arc receptacle testers
- Architects' scales
- Asphalt thermometers
- Automatic levels
- Axes
- Borescopes
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Chlorine meters
Work Environment
- Telephone Conversations
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Freedom to Make Decisions
- In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $46,560 |
| Median | $72,120 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $112,320 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 137,210
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $78,420
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $78,690
Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $85,750
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $64,200
Aviation Inspectors
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $85,750
Is This Career Right for You?
Discover your perfect career match with our free comprehensive assessment! Get personalized recommendations based on your interests, skills, and values.
Take the Free Career Assessment →
Want Personalized Guidance?
For customized career recommendations, college selection strategies, and expert application support, explore the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program. We help students identify the right opportunities and navigate the path to achieving their academic and career goals.
Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.