Construction and Building Inspectors
Construction and building inspectors ensure that construction meets building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications.
Is construction and building inspectors a good career?
It scores 15/100 and ranks #511 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays above the U.S. median wage ($74,690)
- No college degree typically required to enter
Possible tradeoffs
- Employment is projected to decline (-0.8% through 2034)
- Often needs prior experience (5 years or more)
What construction and building inspectors earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. construction and building inspectors earn between $58,860 and $94,710 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live construction and building inspectors jobs
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- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- 5 years or more
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow decline through 2034.
Education
Most employers require inspectors to have at least a high school diploma, even for workers who have considerable experience.
Some employers may seek candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or architecture or who have another postsecondary credential. Many community colleges offer a certificate or an associate’s degree program in building inspection technology and have courses in building inspection, home inspection, construction technology, and drafting. Courses in blueprint reading, vocational subjects, algebra, geometry, and writing are also useful. Courses in business management are helpful for those who plan to run their own inspection business.
Some jurisdictions require that construction and building inspectors take continuing education courses to maintain their credentials.
Training
Training requirements vary by state, locality, and type of inspector. In general, construction and building inspectors receive much of their training on the job. Construction and building inspectors learn building codes and standards as a prerequisite to obtaining their license and through continuing education. Working with an experienced inspector, they learn about inspection techniques; codes, ordinances, and regulations; contract specifications; and recordkeeping and reporting duties. Training also may include supervised onsite inspections.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Most states and localities require construction and building inspectors to have a license or certification. Some states have individual licensing programs for construction and building inspectors. Others may require certification by professional associations.
Similarly, most states require home inspectors to follow defined trade practices or to get a state-issued license or certification.
Home inspector license or certification requirements vary by state but may require that inspectors have experience with inspections, maintain liability insurance, and pass an exam.
Inspectors must have a valid driver’s license to travel to inspection sites.
Advancement
Construction and building inspectors may advance to become a plans examiner or building official. Advancement opportunities may require additional education, along with experience as a construction or building inspector.
Important qualities
Communication skills. Inspectors must be able to explain problems they discover and to write a report that clearly describes their findings.
Detail oriented. Inspectors thoroughly examine many different construction activities. They must pay close attention so as not to overlook any details.
Mechanical knowledge. Inspectors use a variety of testing equipment to check complex systems and must therefore understand how the systems operate.
Physical stamina. Inspectors are frequently on their feet and often climb and crawl through attics and other tight spaces. As a result, they should be physically fit.
Related occupations
How much do construction and building inspectors make?
The national median wage is $74,690 a year, with the middle half earning between $58,860 and $94,710 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is construction and building inspectors a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 15 of 100 and ranks #511 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change -0.8% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a construction and building inspector?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent, usually with 5 years or more.
Where do construction and building inspectors earn the most?
Among states, Alaska pays the highest median ($102,410). Local pay for every state and metro is below.