Construction inspector vs utility inspector

The differences between construction inspectors and utility inspectors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a construction inspector and a utility inspector. Additionally, a construction inspector has an average salary of $52,306, which is higher than the $43,725 average annual salary of a utility inspector.

The top three skills for a construction inspector include asphalt, ACI and construction inspection. The most important skills for a utility inspector are pipeline construction, gas meters, and backfill.

Construction inspector vs utility inspector overview

	Construction Inspector	Utility Inspector
Yearly salary	$52,306	$43,725
Hourly rate	$25.15	$21.02
Growth rate	-4%	-4%
Number of jobs	42,007	23,106
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 57%	High School Diploma, 33%
Average age	50	50
Years of experience	6	6

What does a construction inspector do?

A construction inspector is an individual who is responsible for inspecting construction sites to ensure that these sites are following local and building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications. Construction inspectors use survey equipment, metering devices, and test equipment to perform inspections of plumbing, electrical and other systems within the construction. They approve building plans that are satisfactory and issue violation notices and stop orders when there are violations. Construction inspectors also keep photographs taken during inspections and provide written documentation.

What does a utility inspector do?

A utility inspector is responsible for ensuring the safety of facilities and the stability of components and equipment that support daily operational functions. Utility inspectors inspect utility tools and equipment, conduct preventive maintenance, and identify inconsistencies for immediate repairs or replacement. They also handle the installation of new equipment and machinery, requiring them to have an excellent analysis of schematics and blueprints for accuracy. A utility inspector must have excellent mechanical and organizational skills, especially in writing incident reports and developing resolutions to avoid potential hazards and operational delays.

Construction inspector vs utility inspector salary

Construction inspectors and utility inspectors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Construction Inspector	Utility Inspector
Average salary	$52,306	$43,725
Salary range	Between $36,000 And $75,000	Between $32,000 And $58,000
Highest paying City	Oakland, CA	Sacramento, CA
Highest paying state	California	Montana
Best paying company	Orange County Sanitation District	RS&H
Best paying industry	Professional	Technology

Differences between construction inspector and utility inspector education

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

	Construction Inspector	Utility Inspector
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 57%	High School Diploma, 33%
Most common major	Civil Engineering	Business
Most common college	San Diego State University	San Diego State University

Construction inspector vs utility inspector demographics

Here are the differences between construction inspectors' and utility inspectors' demographics:

	Construction Inspector	Utility Inspector
Average age	50	50
Gender ratio	Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9%	Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0%
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, 8.3% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 13.0% Asian, 3.4% White, 68.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between construction inspector and utility inspector duties and responsibilities

Construction inspector example responsibilities.

Manage cad files and plotting operations, as cad manager.
Monitor new field inspector's performance and lead them into Bechtel's management program.
Manage and inspect fiber optic cable placement, fiber drop installations and associate construction activities for an assign OSP project.
Coordinate, manage, and conduct geotechnical engineering and engineering geology subsurface investigations.
Comply with fra, dot, osha.
Assist in running pigs and tie-ins.

Utility inspector example responsibilities.

Remain compliant with API 1104 and Enogex WPS's and manage technical documents and information sharing.
Inspect all coating application to ensure proper application and WFT is achieved per clients and manufacturers specifications and standards.
Document heat numbers of pipe and x-ray numbers and GPS coordinates of welds.
Conduct internal quality audits to ensure compliance with all FAA, EASA, OSHA and ISO regularity compliance.
Perform inspection and classification of various construction materials and construction activities including installation of asphalt, concrete, and soil foundations.
Ensure contractors have and used PPE.

Construction inspector vs utility inspector skills

Common construction inspector skills

Asphalt, 9%
ACI, 8%
Construction Inspection, 8%
Construction Projects, 7%
Construction Management, 6%
Traffic Control, 6%

Common utility inspector skills

Pipeline Construction, 18%
Gas Meters, 12%
Backfill, 11%
Safety Procedures, 6%
Utility Poles, 5%
DOT, 4%

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Construction Inspector vs Utility Inspector

Updated January 8, 2025

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