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.
Construction and Building Inspectors
SOC: 47-4011 O*NET: 47-4011.00
Median Salary
$72,120
per year
Job Growth
📉 -0.8%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
14.8
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
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.
What does a Construction and Building Inspectors do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$46,560
10th percentile
Early Career
$57,300
25th percentile
Median
$72,120
50th percentile
Experienced
$92,330
75th percentile
Top Earners
$112,320
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$46,560
25th
$57,300
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$72,120
Mean: $76,430
75th
$92,330
90th
$112,320
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $65,760 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $57,300 and $92,330
- •Salary spread is 48.6% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 137,210 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:147,600
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services37.4%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services37.4%
Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services31.5%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-0.8%
Annual Openings:14,800
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)147,600
Current
2034 (Projected)146,500
-0.8%
-1,200
Employment Change
-0.8%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Construction and Building Inspectors professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
Texas
15,920 jobs$62,1101.29x
California
14,010 jobs$101,1600.87x
Florida
11,270 jobs$65,3401.29x
New York
10,160 jobs$78,5701.20x
New Jersey
7,040 jobs$82,2101.86x
North Carolina
6,020 jobs$65,8301.38x
Pennsylvania
5,570 jobs$63,1801.04x
Virginia
5,260 jobs$69,9601.45x
Georgia
4,270 jobs$64,2900.99x
Massachusetts
4,000 jobs$79,2201.23x
Arizona
3,580 jobs$73,0401.26x
Colorado
3,540 jobs$78,9401.38x
Illinois
3,350 jobs$73,0500.62x
Maryland
3,170 jobs$71,9901.30x
Ohio
3,170 jobs$70,8900.64x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Speaking
100%
#2
Customer and Personal Service
100%
#3
Oral Expression
100%
#4
Mathematics
94%
#5
Reading Comprehension
94%
#6
Written Expression
92%
#7
Building and Construction
86%
#8
Critical Thinking
86%
#9
Written Comprehension
82%
#10
Active Listening
80%
Skills Overview
Speaking
advanced5.0
100%
Customer and Personal Service
advanced5.0
100%
Oral Expression
advanced5.0
100%
Mathematics
advanced4.7
94%
Reading Comprehension
advanced4.7
94%
Written Expression
advanced4.6
92%
Building and Construction
intermediate4.3
86%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.3
86%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Speaking
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Customer and Personal Service
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Oral Expression
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Mathematics
advancedImportance94%
knowledge
4.7/5.0
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Written Expression
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Building and Construction
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Written Comprehension
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Engineering and Technology
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Mechanical
intermediateImportance74%
knowledge
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Remote Sensing Technicians100%
5 shared skills
Accountants and Auditors82%
5 shared skills
Actuaries82%
5 shared skills
Agricultural Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Precision Agriculture Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Web Administrators82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓Building and Construction
Learn on the Job:
- →Mathematics
- →Writing
- →Monitoring
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓Building and Construction
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Speaking
- ★Active Listening
- ★Customer and Personal Service
- ★Mathematics
- ★Building and Construction
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Construction and Building Inspectors
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Intuit QuickBooks
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Project
🔥 Hot TechOracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Intuit QuickBooks
Autodesk AutoCAD
Microsoft Outlook
SAP software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Project
Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
19
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (11)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)Planning & Development (3)Operations & Execution (1)Management & Supervision (1)Analysis & Evaluation (2)
1
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.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Maintain daily logs and supplement inspection records with photographs.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping97% perform98%
3
Review and interpret plans, blueprints, site layouts, specifications, or construction methods to ensure compliance to legal requirements and safety regulations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development94% perform96%
4
Inspect and monitor construction sites to ensure adherence to safety standards, building codes, or specifications.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Measure dimensions and verify level, alignment, or elevation of structures or fixtures to ensure compliance to building plans and codes.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development88% perform92%
6
Issue permits for construction, relocation, demolition, or occupancy.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Monitor installation of plumbing, wiring, equipment, or appliances to ensure that installation is performed properly and is in compliance with applicable regulations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution82% perform88%
8
Train, direct, or supervise other construction inspectors.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision79% perform86%
9
Conduct environmental hazard inspections to identify or quantify problems, such as asbestos, poor air quality, water contamination, or other environmental hazards.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Evaluate project details to ensure adherence to environmental regulations.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •37% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Construction and Building Inspectors
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Construction and Building Inspectors professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Construction and Building Inspectors
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.76
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.56
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.40
Self-Control
Very ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level4.38
Independence
Very ImportantIndependence
Importance Level4.16
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.12
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.8
Attention to Detail
4.6
Dependability
4.4
Self-Control
4.4
Independence
4.2
Cooperation
4.1
Stress Tolerance
4.0
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.0
Analytical Thinking
3.8
Initiative
3.7
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Construction and Building Inspectors.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Construction and Building Inspectors
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
1.6k program completions/year
Apex Technical School
Long Island City, NY
788 program completions/year
American River College
Sacramento, CA
774 program completions/year
J F Ingram State Technical College
Deatsville, AL
645 program completions/year
Texas State Technical College
Waco, TX
631 program completions/year
Owensboro Community and Technical College
Owensboro, KY
612 program completions/year
Lake Land College
Mattoon, IL
596 program completions/year
Lincoln Technical Institute-Union
Union, NJ
573 program completions/year
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Lexington, KY
559 program completions/year
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College
Elizabethtown, KY
556 program completions/year
City Colleges of Chicago-Richard J Daley College
Chicago, IL
535 program completions/year
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College
Bowling Green, KY
494 program completions/year
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