Construction and Building Inspectors
SOC code 47-4011 · O*NET-SOC 47-4011.00 · Medium preparation needed · Skilled trades
Construction and Building Inspectors pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$74,690
a year
Hourly
$35.91
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$77,730
$37.37 per hour
Middle 50%
$58,860 – $94,710
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$47,140 – $114,200
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
146,720
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $47,140
- $22.66/hr
- 25th percentile
- $58,860
- $28.30/hr
- Median percentile
- $74,690
- $35.91/hr
- 75th percentile
- $94,710
- $45.54/hr
- 90th percentile
- $114,200
- $54.91/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
-1%
Little or no change expected
147,600
jobs in 2024
146,500
projected for 2034
About 1,100 fewer jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What do construction and building inspectors do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 36% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- 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.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)36%
- Post-Secondary Certificate36%
- Bachelor's Degree16%
- Some College Courses4%
Common questions
How much does a construction and building inspectors earn?
The national median is $74,690 a year. The full range runs from $47,140 at the 10th percentile to $114,200 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a construction and building inspectors without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Is construction and building inspectors in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to shrink by about 1% between 2024 and 2034 — little or no change expected. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension4.0/5
- Critical Thinking3.9/5
- Active Listening3.8/5
- Speaking3.8/5
- Writing3.1/5
- Active Learning3.1/5
Knowledge areas
- Building and Construction4.7/5
- Public Safety and Security4.0/5
- English Language4.0/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
- Design3.5/5
- Law and Government3.5/5
- Mathematics3.4/5
- Administration and Management3.4/5
Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Systems Evaluation, Time Management.