Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Inspectors

Yes, building inspectors make good money. The median annual salary for construction and building inspectors is over $62,000. The lowest 10% of building inspectors earned less than $38,000. Meanwhile, the highest 10% earned more than $100,000.

The skills needed to become a construction inspector include knowledge of building safety regulations as well as a variety of soft skills. Both technical knowledge and soft skills are needed to be successful in the role of a construction inspector.

It takes about two to five years to become a construction inspector. A high school diploma is required to become a building inspector, but most employers may prefer that a person has either an associate's or bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, or building inspection technology.

Inspectors who make the most money are highly specialized with strong engineering backgrounds. Federal government inspectors earn similarly to private sector inspectors, while state inspectors are paid the least. Earnings vary based on seniority, education, and location.

A construction safety inspector makes over $62,000. The lowest 10% of building inspectors earned less than $38,000. Meanwhile, the highest 10% earned more than $100,000.

Construction safety inspectors make sure that the structure of buildings is in line with local and national safety regulations and zoning and contract regulations. This job is safer than most in the construction field, though workers do sometimes have to crawl into a tight space or climb high up on a ladder.