Construction and Building Inspectors Career, Salary and Skills
Construction and Building Inspectors have a BLS-reported national median annual wage of $74,690 based on the 2025 OEWS dataset, with reported national employment of 146,720. Wage data is published for 391 locations.
Occupation description
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.
O*NET code
47-4011.00
Job zone
3
Typical education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Experience
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
National salary and employment
Median annual
$74,690
Hourly median
$35.91
Employment
146,720
Data year
2025
National salary distribution
Top skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 4.00 | 4.00 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.88 | 3.88 |
| Active Listening | 3.75 | 3.88 |
| Speaking | 3.75 | 3.88 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.38 | 3.38 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.38 | 3.00 |
| Time Management | 3.25 | 3.25 |
| Systems Evaluation | 3.25 | 3.00 |
| Persuasion | 3.12 | 3.00 |
| Active Learning | 3.12 | 3.12 |
Typical tasks
- 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.
- Approve building plans that meet required specifications.
Technology
- Arc Second PocketCAD
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Automated permit system software
- Database software
- Email software
- ESRI ArcView
- Inspection Depot Home Guide System
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Exchange
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Construction and Building Inspectors salary by location
Areas with the highest reported employment for this occupation.
- Construction and Building Inspectors Salary in TXMedian $64,810 · Employment 18,230
- Construction and Building Inspectors Salary in FLMedian $68,170 · Employment 13,860
- Construction and Building Inspectors Salary in CAMedian $101,290 · Employment 13,420
- Construction and Building Inspectors Salary in NYMedian $79,460 · Employment 11,160
- Construction and Building Inspectors Salary in New York, NYMedian $90,800 · Employment 10,340
- Construction and Building Inspectors Salary in VAMedian $75,660 · Employment 6,550
- Construction and Building Inspectors Salary in NCMedian $66,080 · Employment 6,490
- Construction and Building Inspectors Salary in NJMedian $81,760 · Employment 5,950
- Construction and Building Inspectors Salary in Dallas, TXMedian $69,020 · Employment 5,450
- Construction and Building Inspectors Salary in PAMedian $65,870 · Employment 5,320
- Construction and Building Inspectors Salary in Houston, TXMedian $66,780 · Employment 4,980
- Construction and Building Inspectors Salary in GAMedian $65,980 · Employment 4,510
Related careers
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and WeighersNational median $48,570
- Fire-Prevention and Protection EngineersNational median $115,160
- Architects, Except Landscape and NavalNational median $99,280
- Industrial EngineersNational median $102,440
- Environmental Compliance InspectorsNational median $80,730
- Occupational Health and Safety SpecialistsNational median $90,150
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and InspectorsNational median $115,160
- Transportation InspectorsNational median $92,100
Career and skills data: O*NET 31.0 (onetcenter.org). Salary and employment data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2025 (bls.gov/oes). Figures are published survey estimates, not real-time market data.