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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Construction and Building Inspectors

Median Salary
67,700
Job Outlook
0%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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 sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

42%

State and local government

38%

Self-employed

15%

Federal Government

3%

Private not for profit

2%

What is the job outlook?

Employment of construction and building inspectors is projected to decline 0 percent from 2023 to 2033. Despite declining employment, about 15,000 openings for construction and building inspectors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$28,300

10%

$67,700

Median

$97,750

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    36%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    36%

  • Bachelor's degree

    16%

  • Some college

    4%

  • Master's degree

    4%

  • Associate's degree

    4%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Building/Home/Construction Inspection/Inspector

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Building and Construction
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Design
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Mechanical

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.