Building Inspector

Explore This Path

Ensure buildings are safe and compliant with codes and regulations.
Protect communities by verifying structural integrity and safety standards.
Unique role in overseeing diverse systems like plumbing and electrical.

💰 Earn $71K-$116K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 12–24 MONTH TRAINING

Find Training

What You’ll 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.

Monitor installation of plumbing, wiring, equipment, or appliances to ensure that installation is performed properly and is in compliance with applicable regulations.
Approve building plans that meet required specifications.
Inspect and monitor construction sites to ensure adherence to safety standards, building codes, or specifications.
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.
Review and interpret plans, blueprints, site layouts, specifications, or construction methods to ensure compliance to legal requirements and safety regulations.

Scoop

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED

Career Prospects

Steady (Staying constant (within 1%))

Training Time

1 to 2 years

Job Openings

15,000 Annually

Median Earnings

$97,750 in California

$67,700 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

$200K

$225K

$250K

Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Building Inspector? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@100milehomeinspections/Trevor Loucks

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Thinking and problem solving
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Critical Thinking
Equipment Maintenance
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Troubleshooting

You value 🙏

Having support
Having freedom
Job security

Deep Dive

Building Inspector

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years