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Construction and Building Inspectors Salary in San Jose, CA

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Construction and Building Inspectors in San Jose, CA have a median annual salary of $129,750, with 860 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $58,990 at the 10th percentile to $183,710 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$129,750

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$62.38

Employment

860

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$58,990
10th
$87,340
25th
$129,750
Median
$161,270
75th
$183,710
90th

Local compared with national

San Jose, CA

$129,750

Median annual · 2025

United States

$74,690

Median annual · 2025

The San Jose, CA median is 73.7% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $55,060).

Top skills

  1. 1.Reading ComprehensionImportance 4.0
  2. 2.Critical ThinkingImportance 3.9
  3. 3.Active ListeningImportance 3.8
  4. 4.SpeakingImportance 3.8
  5. 5.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.4
  6. 6.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.4
  7. 7.Systems EvaluationImportance 3.3
  8. 8.Time ManagementImportance 3.3
  9. 9.WritingImportance 3.1
  10. 10.Active LearningImportance 3.1
  11. 11.PersuasionImportance 3.1
  12. 12.MathematicsImportance 3.0

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Experience
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Job zone
3

Technology used

  • 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
  • Microsoft Project

Common tasks

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Conduct inspections, using survey instruments, metering devices, tape measures, or test equipment.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Construction and Building Inspectors salary in other locations

Other occupations in San Jose, CA