What does a building inspector do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Construction and building inspectors ensure that construction meets building codes and ordinances, and they enforce zoning rules and contract specifications. A high school diploma plus experience is typical. BLS reports a median pay of $74,690 per year (May 2025).
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 47-4011 |
| O*NET code | 47-4011.00 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Median annual wage | $74,690 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | Little or no change, 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 153,900 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does a building inspector do?
BLS says inspectors review plans and approve those that comply, visit sites periodically to check compliance, use tools such as moisture meters and electrical testers, inspect plumbing, electrical and other systems against code, use survey equipment to check alignment, level and elevation, issue violation notices and stop-work orders, keep daily logs and document findings in writing.
Work environment
Inspectors examine worksites alone or on teams, and some climb ladders or crawl through tight spaces. Most work full time during regular business hours. Local government employs 36 percent, engineering services 19 percent and construction 9 percent.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says most employers require at least a high school diploma, and BLS lists 5 years or more of related work experience. Some employers prefer a bachelor's degree in engineering or architecture. Most states and localities require a license or certification, and home inspectors often need a state license or certification.
Skills that matter
BLS lists communication, attention to detail, mechanical knowledge and physical stamina as important qualities for this work.
How much does a building inspector make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $74,690 for construction and building inspectors (May 2025). The median is the wage at which half of workers earned more and half earned less. See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects little or no change in employment of construction and building inspectors from 2025 to 2035. Even so, about 14,800 openings are projected each year on average. BLS says most openings come from replacing workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force, for example to retire.
How to get hired
- Use trade experience as your entry point, and check your state or city for the inspector certification they require.
- Show results on your resume: the tools you used, the volume you handled and the outcomes, without private customer or employer details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers, Construction managers, Architects.
Frequently asked questions
Do building inspectors need a license? BLS says most states and localities require a license or certification, and home inspectors often need a state license or certification.
What experience do building inspectors need? BLS lists 5 years or more of related work experience, often in a construction trade, along with at least a high school diploma.
How much do construction and building inspectors make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $74,690 for construction and building inspectors (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Is building inspector a good career? BLS projects little or no change in employment from 2025 to 2035. About 14,800 openings are projected each year. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, so read the duties and work environment above.
Related guides
- What Does a Carpenter Do? Duties, Pay and Outlook
- What Does an Electrician Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Plumber Do? Duties, Pay and Outlook
- What Does a Construction Manager Do? Pay, Outlook
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Construction and building inspectors: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/construction-and-building-inspectors.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 47-4011.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/47-4011.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.