What does a code inspector do?
Code inspector responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real code inspector resumes:
- Manage high volume case assignments to a final disposition of abatement, civil summons, criminal arrests or referral.
- Train newly hire plumbing inspectors with obtaining knowledge of WSSC policies and procedures.
- Produce quality notifications on installation procedures and vendor products in order to meet engineering criteria and FAA guidelines.
- Appear in court for subpoenas regarding citations issues.
- Conduct investigation inspection on HUD construct manufactured homes.
Code inspector skills and personality traits
We calculated that 12% of Code Inspectors are proficient in Code Violations, Plumbing, and Patrol. They’re also known for soft skills such as Craft experience, Mechanical knowledge, and Detail oriented.
We break down the percentage of Code Inspectors that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Code Violations, 12%
Conduct site visits, document zoning code violations, and generate enforcement letters.
- Plumbing, 8%
Identified electrical, plumbing and safety problems applicable to the installation and took necessary corrective action.
- Patrol, 7%
Patrol designated areas of the city, respond to and investigate complaints.
- Building Codes, 7%
Research technical information relative to building codes, analyze problems and identify alternative solutions.
- Life Safety, 6%
Performed life safety inspections and annual rental property inspections.
- City Codes, 6%
Enforce City Codes pertaining to tall grass and inoperable vehicles
Common skills that a code inspector uses to do their job include "code violations," "plumbing," and "patrol." You can find details on the most important code inspector responsibilities below.
Mechanical knowledge. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling code inspector duties is mechanical knowledge. The role rewards competence in this skill because "inspectors use a variety of testing equipment to check complex systems and must therefore understand how the systems operate." According to a code inspector resume, here's how code inspectors can utilize mechanical knowledge in their job responsibilities: "conduct skilled technical building code inspections and applied practices of building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical. "
Detail oriented. code inspectors are also known for detail oriented, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to code inspector responsibilities, because "inspectors thoroughly examine many different construction activities." A code inspector resume example shows how detail oriented is used in the workplace: "prepared detailed documentation and evidence of code and ordinance violations for the prosecuting attorney's office. "
Communication skills. A big part of what code inspectors do relies on "communication skills." You can see how essential it is to code inspector responsibilities because "inspectors must be able to explain problems they discover and to write a report that clearly describes their findings." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical code inspector tasks: "utilized unparalleled communications, customer service, and investigative skills to enforce municipal code compliance for the city of jacksonville. "
The three companies that hire the most code inspectors are:
- Bechtel Corporation4 code inspectors jobs
- Lehigh Valley Health Network4 code inspectors jobs
- Bureau Veritas2 code inspectors jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable code inspector resume templates
Build a professional code inspector resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your code inspector resume.
Compare different code inspectors
Code inspector vs. Plans examiner
A plans examiner is typically in charge of evaluating construction or work plans, ensuring compliance with regulations and zoning ordinances. Their responsibilities revolve around gathering and reviewing applications and documentation, verifying the accuracy and authenticity of requirements, and assuring that they adhere to the safety policies and standards. Furthermore, as a plans examiner, it is essential to liaise with clients and other officials, maintain records of all transactions, and provide advice on whether the applications are suitable for permits.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a code inspector are more likely to require skills like "patrol," "city codes," "grass," and "local codes." On the other hand, a job as a plans examiner requires skills like "certifications," "customer service," "community development," and "international building." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Plans examiners tend to make the most money working in the government industry, where they earn an average salary of $57,301. In contrast, code inspectors make the biggest average salary, $44,305, in the government industry.The education levels that plans examiners earn slightly differ from code inspectors. In particular, plans examiners are 0.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a code inspector. Additionally, they're 1.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Code inspector vs. Construction analyst
A Construction Analyst prepares statements, annual financial reports, exhibits, transmittal letters, schedules, statistical tables, management analysis, and management discussion. They handle business forecast analysis, cash flow projection analysis, statistical report analysis, government requirement analysis, financial plan analysis, budget analysis, and forecast analysis. Construction Analysts also prepare review recommendations, create and modify current procedures and policies.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, code inspector responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "code violations," "plumbing," "patrol," and "building codes." Meanwhile, a construction analyst has duties that require skills in areas such as "construction projects," "construction management," "cost estimates," and "real estate." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, construction analysts earn a higher salary than code inspectors. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, construction analysts earn the most pay in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $80,747. Whereas code inspectors have higher pay in the government industry, with an average salary of $44,305.In general, construction analysts achieve similar levels of education than code inspectors. They're 0.5% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 1.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Code inspector vs. Grade checker
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, code inspectors are more likely to have skills like "code violations," "plumbing," "patrol," and "building codes." But a grade checker is more likely to have skills like "gps," "grade control," "hand tools," and "highway construction."
Most grade checkers achieve a lower degree level compared to code inspectors. For example, they're 7.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Code inspector vs. Building code administrator
Types of code inspector
Updated January 8, 2025
