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Bridge inspector vs construction assistant

The differences between bridge inspectors and construction assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a bridge inspector has an average salary of $52,316, which is higher than the $39,072 average annual salary of a construction assistant.

The top three skills for a bridge inspector include DOT, asphalt and construction inspection. The most important skills for a construction assistant are safety procedures, construction projects, and general contractors.

Bridge inspector vs construction assistant overview

Bridge InspectorConstruction Assistant
Yearly salary$52,316$39,072
Hourly rate$25.15$18.78
Growth rate-4%4%
Number of jobs17,21631,209
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age5039
Years of experience6-

What does a bridge inspector do?

Bridge inspectors are civil engineer construction specialists whose job is to assess the conditions of bridges, ensuring public safety. The inspectors inspect any damage and deterioration of the bridges, culverts, waterways, and trestles. They are familiar with the analysis system of load rating. Their job involves monitoring construction-related activities to make sure that contractors will comply with design drawings, safety requirements, and specifications. Also, they function as a liaison project engineer between the project and field engineer.

What does a construction assistant do?

A construction assistant performs various clerical and operational support tasks to assist construction managers and maintain smooth workflow operations. Their responsibilities usually include monitoring budgets and costs, handling calls and correspondence, purchasing construction materials according to project requirements, liaising with suppliers and construction contractors, and participating in managing the schedules and activities of the workers. A construction assistant may also perform inspections to identify problem areas and ensure that all procedures adhere to the safety codes and standards.

Bridge inspector vs construction assistant salary

Bridge inspectors and construction assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Bridge InspectorConstruction Assistant
Average salary$52,316$39,072
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $82,000Between $28,000 And $54,000
Highest paying CityOlympia, WASpringfield, MA
Highest paying stateWashingtonHawaii
Best paying companyParsonsBeazer Homes
Best paying industryTechnologyConstruction

Differences between bridge inspector and construction assistant education

There are a few differences between a bridge inspector and a construction assistant in terms of educational background:

Bridge InspectorConstruction Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common majorCivil EngineeringBusiness
Most common collegeSan Diego State University-

Bridge inspector vs construction assistant demographics

Here are the differences between bridge inspectors' and construction assistants' demographics:

Bridge InspectorConstruction Assistant
Average age5039
Gender ratioMale, 94.2% Female, 5.8%Male, 80.7% Female, 19.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 3.4% White, 68.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 30.8% Asian, 2.4% White, 50.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%
LGBT Percentage5%2%

Differences between bridge inspector and construction assistant duties and responsibilities

Bridge inspector example responsibilities.

  • Coordinate, manage, and conduct geotechnical engineering and engineering geology subsurface investigations.
  • Create bridge rehabilitation drafts with AutoCAD, Civil3D.
  • Develop computer-aid drawings using AutoCAD.
  • Conduct safety-focused inspections to ensure licensee compliance with license provisions and NRC rules and regulations.
  • Submit Rfi's, and permits the was need for the jobs
  • Provide services for bridge construction and repair, iron work, carpentry, and structural concrete work
  • Show more

Construction assistant example responsibilities.

  • Fix electrical fixtures and manage plumbing problems effectively.
  • Employ a wide verity of hand and power tools including hoists, drills, precision measuring instruments and electronic testing devices.
  • Negotiate material sales contracts, document historical information, provide earned value management, and safety oversight for projects/programs.
  • Prepare plans and specifications for new and existing housing, supervise sub-contractors to insure compliance with HUD requirements.

Bridge inspector vs construction assistant skills

Common bridge inspector skills
  • DOT, 19%
  • Asphalt, 14%
  • Construction Inspection, 11%
  • ACI, 9%
  • Highway Construction, 6%
  • NCDOT, 6%
Common construction assistant skills
  • Safety Procedures, 15%
  • Construction Projects, 11%
  • General Contractors, 7%
  • Drywall Installation, 7%
  • Equipment Operators, 4%
  • Manual Labor, 4%

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