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The differences between bridge inspectors and general foremen can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a bridge inspector, becoming a general foreman takes usually requires More than 10 years. Additionally, a bridge inspector has an average salary of $52,316, which is higher than the $48,517 average annual salary of a general foreman.
The top three skills for a bridge inspector include DOT, asphalt and construction inspection. The most important skills for a general foreman are safety procedures, OSHA, and safety rules.
| Bridge Inspector | General Foreman | |
| Yearly salary | $52,316 | $48,517 |
| Hourly rate | $25.15 | $23.33 |
| Growth rate | -4% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 17,216 | 49,875 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 49% | High School Diploma, 33% |
| Average age | 50 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 6 | - |
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.
Using their knowledge and expertise of all construction disciplines, a general foreman plans and oversees operations within a construction site to ensure that everything is running smoothly. They are typically in charge of conducting regular inspections, coordinating with engineers and architects, managing the budget and expenditures, supervising workers, and ensuring that the project moves according to the desired time frame. Furthermore, a general foreman implements all safety regulations and policies to ensure a safe and productive work environment for everyone.
Bridge inspectors and general foremen have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Bridge Inspector | General Foreman | |
| Average salary | $52,316 | $48,517 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $82,000 | Between $37,000 And $62,000 |
| Highest paying City | Olympia, WA | Saint Louis, MO |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Parsons | Pacifi |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Construction |
There are a few differences between a bridge inspector and a general foreman in terms of educational background:
| Bridge Inspector | General Foreman | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 49% | High School Diploma, 33% |
| Most common major | Civil Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | San Diego State University | - |
Here are the differences between bridge inspectors' and general foremen' demographics:
| Bridge Inspector | General Foreman | |
| Average age | 50 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.2% Female, 5.8% | Male, 97.0% Female, 3.0% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 5.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 21.6% Asian, 1.4% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 2% |