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Safety & Environmental career
Construction and Building Inspector
Also called: Building Inspector · Code Enforcement Inspector · Construction Inspector · Combination Inspector
What construction and building inspectors do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a construction and building inspector do?
Construction and building inspectors examine buildings, roads, utilities and other structures during and after construction to ensure they comply with building codes, zoning rules, approved plans and contract specifications. The median pay is $74,690 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about Several years of trade experience + certification, and employment is projected to grow 0.0% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$74,690$35.91/hour · May 2025
- Job growth0.0%2025–35, little or no change
- Openings per year14,800Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to trainSeveral years of trade experience + certificationTypical program length
- U.S. jobs153,900Employment, 2025
What construction and building inspectors do
Building inspectors protect the public by checking that construction is safe. They review plans, inspect foundations, framing, electrical, plumbing and mechanical work at key stages, issue correction notices when work doesn’t meet code, and approve certificates of occupancy when buildings are ready.
Most inspectors come from construction trades: BLS notes that five years or more of related experience is typical. Certifications from the International Code Council (ICC) are widely required, and many states and localities require licensing.
Typical duties
- Review construction plans and permits
- Inspect footings, foundations, framing and structural elements
- Inspect electrical, plumbing and mechanical installations as certified
- Verify compliance with building codes, zoning and approved plans
- Issue correction notices, stop-work orders or approvals
- Document inspections with notes and photos
- Explain code requirements to contractors and property owners
Work environment and schedule
Inspectors split time between job sites and offices. Fieldwork involves climbing ladders, walking unfinished structures and exposure to weather and construction hazards. Most work for local governments; others work for engineering and inspection firms.
Schedule: Usually full-time, weekday daytime hours. Some inspections are scheduled early or late to match construction schedules.
A day in the life
- Review today’s scheduled inspections and the approved plans for each address.
- Footing inspection: check depth, width, rebar size, spacing and clearances.
- Framing inspection on a new home: check headers, nailing, fire blocking and stair dimensions.
- Issue a correction notice for a missing egress window in a basement bedroom.
See a full day in the life of a construction and building inspector →
Construction and Building Inspector salary
Half of construction and building inspectors earned more than $74,690 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $47,140 for the lowest 10% to $114,200 for the top 10%.
Full construction and building inspector pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a construction and building inspector
- Gain construction experience
- Study the codes
- Pass ICC exams
- Apply for inspector positions
- Advance
A high school diploma plus significant construction experience is the typical path; some inspectors have associate or bachelor’s degrees in construction technology, engineering or architecture. ICC certifications are commonly required.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a construction and building inspector →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Building codes (IBC, IRC)
- Plan reading and review
- Structural, electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems
- Inspection documentation
- Zoning and accessibility requirements
People skills
- Clear, firm communication
- Integrity and impartiality
- Conflict management
- Attention to detail
All construction and building inspector skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Strong pay with stable government jobs and benefits
- Uses construction experience without the same physical strain
- Important public-safety role
- Clear certification path
Cons
- Typically requires years of trade experience first
- Conflicts with contractors over failed inspections
- Lots of documentation and code study
- Fieldwork in all weather and on active sites
Certifications and licenses
- ICC Residential Building Inspector (B1): International Code Council certification for one- and two-family dwellings.
- ICC Commercial Building Inspector (B2): Certification for commercial buildings.
- ICC combination or trade certifications: Electrical, plumbing and mechanical inspector certifications.
- State inspector license: Required in many states and localities.
Career path
- Trades Worker or Inspector Trainee: Build construction and code knowledge.
- Building Inspector: Inspect residential and commercial projects.
- Plans Examiner or Combination Inspector: Review plans or inspect multiple trades.
- Chief Inspector or Building Official: Lead a building department.
Learn the job before day one
Our Construction and Building Inspector training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as check emergency escape window requirements and perform a residential framing inspection, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Building Inspector vs. Carpenter · Building Inspector vs. Safety Specialist · Building Inspector vs. Electrician · Building Inspector vs. Project Manager
Construction and Building Inspector FAQ
How do you become a building inspector?
Most inspectors gain several years of construction experience, study the building codes and pass ICC certification exams. Many states and localities also require a license.
Do building inspectors need a degree?
Usually not, though a degree in construction technology, engineering or architecture can help and may be preferred for plans examiner roles.
Where do building inspectors work?
Most work for local governments; others work for engineering firms, inspection companies and insurers.
How much does a construction and building inspector make?
The median annual wage for construction and building inspectors was $74,690 ($35.91 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $47,140 and the highest 10% earned more than $114,200.
How long does it take to become a construction and building inspector?
Most people need about Several years of trade experience + certification of training. A high school diploma plus significant construction experience is the typical path; some inspectors have associate or bachelor’s degrees in construction technology, engineering or architecture. ICC certifications are commonly required.
Do you need a degree to be a construction and building inspector?
Usually not. BLS lists a high school diploma as typical, combined with about five years or more of construction experience. Many employers require ICC certifications, and some prefer degrees in construction or engineering.
More construction and building inspector questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 47-4011 (Construction and building inspectors).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Construction and building inspectors (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.