Construction and building inspector essential career information:
- 2012 median pay: $53,450
- 2012, number of jobs: 89,280
- Employment growth forecast, 2010-2020: 18 percent
- Entry-level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Construction and building inspectors; what they do:
We have the luxury of not having to worry whether every building we enter properly adheres to building codes, because construction inspectors and building inspectors have already done this for us. Construction inspector careers and building inspector careers include making sure all new construction, changes to buildings, or repairs are in compliance with local and national building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications.
Construction inspectors and building inspectors often visit construction sites for buildings, highways and streets, sewer and water systems, dams, bridges, and other structures. A construction inspector career and a building inspector career include monitoring construction projects from start to finish, ensuring they comply with all applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations. A construction inspector career and a building inspector career also include conducting inspections using survey instruments such as metering devices and test equipment.
If a violation is determined, construction inspectors and building inspectors must issue a violation notice and stop-work order until the problem is corrected. Construction inspectors and building inspectors maintain daily logs and photographs of their observances and any tests performed.
Some specific types of inspectors are: Electrical inspectors, elevator inspectors, mechanical inspectors, plan examiners, plumbing inspectors, public works inspectors, and specification inspectors.
Receive Free Info about a Matching
Online Degree for this Career
Construction and building inspectors job titles:
- Home Inspector
- House Inspector
- City Building Inspector
- State Building Inspector
- Commercial Building Inspector
- Property Inspector
- Engineering Technician
- Construction Inspector
- Plumbing Inspector
- Building Code Administrator
Construction and Building Inspectors Education, Certification and License Requirements
A construction inspector career or building inspector career requires at least a high school diploma and knowledge of construction trades. Construction inspectors and building inspectors receive on-the-job training, however they learn building codes and standards on their own.
Employers also seek construction inspectors or building inspectors with a certificate or associate’s degree which includes classes in building or home inspection, construction technology, and drafting.
Increasingly, construction inspectors and building inspectors begin their career with a bachelor’s degree.
Construction and building inspector programs cover subjects such as:
- Home inspection
- Construction technology
- Drafting
- Building inspection technology
- Blueprint reading
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Shop
- English
- Codes, ordinances, and regulations
- Contract specifications
- Recordkeeping
- Reporting
In most jurisdictions construction inspectors and building inspectors need a license or certificate. Some states offer individual licensing programs for construction inspectors and building inspectors, other states require certification from associations such as the International Code Council, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, International Association of Electrical Inspectors, or the National Fire Protection Association.
Begin a Rewarding Career
Learn about an Online Home Inspector Certificate
Construction and Building Inspectors Job Outlook
Forecast: 18 percent increase in employment from 2010 to 2020 for construction inspectors and building inspectors, about on par for all occupations.
The increased demand for construction quality and safety increases the employment opportunities for construction inspectors and building inspectors, particularly in government agencies and firms specializing in architectural, engineering, and related services. The increased demand for green and sustainable building designs increases the demand for construction inspectors and building inspectors.
Construction and Building Inspectors Salary
- 2012 median annual wage: $53,450
- 2012, workers at the 75th percentile annual wage: $68,190
- 2012, workers at the 25th percentile annual wage: $41,060
Begin Your Online Education for a
Home Inspection Career
Major Employers
- Government
- Architectural, engineering, and related services
- Self-employed
Related Degrees
Learn about an Online
Carpentry Certificate
Learn about an Online
Drafting AutoCAD Certificate
Learn about an Online
A.S. in Building Information & Modeling Degree
Learn about an Online
Bachelor’s in Construction Management Degree
