CFChooseField
Construction and Trades

Construction and Building Inspectors

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Construction and Building Inspectors
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Median pay

$72,120
Median annual pay for Construction and Building Inspectors.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-0.8%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

14,800
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

147,600
Estimated U.S. employment for Construction and Building Inspectors in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-1,200
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: 5 years or more of related work experience; Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Reading Comprehension
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Active Learning
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Building and Construction
  2. 2Public Safety and Security
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Customer and Personal Service
  5. 5Design
  6. 6Law and Government

Abilities

  1. 1Problem Sensitivity
  2. 2Inductive Reasoning
  3. 3Oral Expression
  4. 4Written Comprehension
  5. 5Deductive Reasoning
  6. 6Near Vision

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Integrity
  5. 5Leadership Orientation
  6. 6Perseverance

Work activities

  1. 1Getting Information
  2. 2Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  3. 3Communicating with People Outside the Organization
  4. 4Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  5. 5Documenting/Recording Information
  6. 6Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Telephone Conversations
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Freedom to Make Decisions
  5. 5In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
  6. 6Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

Representative tasks

  • 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.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft Outlook · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Word · in demandMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyOracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management · hot technologyIntuit QuickBooks · hot technologyMicrosoft Project · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyAutodesk AutoCAD · hot technologyQuickenReal estate and tax software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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