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.
Construction inspector responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real construction inspector resumes:
- 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.
- Issue shut-down notifications to any contractor who are in violation of any site-safety regulations EPA and OSHA safety regulations.
- Verify that all work meet all DSA and ADA specs, code and prints.
- Coordinate NDE inspections with subcontractors.
- Skil to operate CMM machines.
- Train new employees on cad systems.
- Conduct concrete testing as ordered by EIC.
- Oversee clearing, grading and cleanup crews!
- Monitor concrete placement as per the ACI requirements.
- Maintain logs and records in accordance with NDT requirements.
Construction inspector skills and personality traits
We calculated that 9% of Construction Inspectors are proficient in Asphalt, ACI, and Construction Inspection. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Craft experience, and Detail oriented.
We break down the percentage of Construction Inspectors that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Asphalt, 9%
Performed density tests on compacted soil and asphalt paving to determine if materials complied with construction specification requirements.
- ACI, 8%
Performed all required ACI test, ensured all construction and materials are per specifications and plans.
- Construction Inspection, 8%
Manage County Roadway Resurfacing Program including assisting with Bid Documents and Analysis and conducting Roadway Construction Inspections.
- Construction Projects, 7%
Monitor municipal construction projects as a representative authority of a town to ensure infrastructure improvements are completed to design specifications.
- Construction Management, 6%
Performed construction management and inspection services for rehabilitation and upgrading of existing taxiways at Trenton-Mercer Airport in New Jersey.
- Traffic Control, 6%
Conducted traffic control safety reviews and assisted contractor and other inspectors with contract disputes and specification interpretation.
Most construction inspectors use their skills in "asphalt," "aci," and "construction inspection" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential construction inspector responsibilities here:
Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a construction inspector to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "inspectors must be able to explain problems they discover and to write a report that clearly describes their findings." Construction inspectors often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "performed these inspection services throughout the state of california for sprint telecommunications. "
Detail oriented. construction inspectors are also known for detail oriented, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to construction inspector responsibilities, because "inspectors thoroughly examine many different construction activities." A construction inspector resume example shows how detail oriented is used in the workplace: "compile accurate and detailed inspection reports. "
Mechanical knowledge. For certain construction inspector responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "mechanical knowledge." The day-to-day duties of a construction inspector rely on this skill, as "inspectors use a variety of testing equipment to check complex systems and must therefore understand how the systems operate." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what construction inspectors do: "gained knowledge in both concrete and hma testing, and the acceptance limits of each. "
The three companies that hire the most construction inspectors are:
- Parsons252 construction inspectors jobs
- HDR82 construction inspectors jobs
- Wsp USA Buildings Inc.57 construction inspectors jobs
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Compare different construction inspectors
Construction inspector vs. Prestressed concrete labour
Prestressed concrete labor works at construction sites where they are in charge of handling and processing prestressed concrete materials into structural forms. They typically coordinate with managers and engineers to learn the construction plans and guidelines, design and build structures, prepare materials, and perform corrective measures when necessary. They must also maintain an active communication line with staff, coordinating regularly. Moreover, prestressed concrete labor must abide by the construction site's safety policies and regulations for a safe and efficient work environment.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, construction inspector responsibilities require skills like "aci," "construction inspection," "construction management," and "traffic control." Meanwhile a typical prestressed concrete labour has skills in areas such as "rakes," "work ethic," "strong work ethic," and "shovels." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Prestressed concrete labours earn the highest salaries when working in the construction industry, with an average yearly salary of $38,973. On the other hand, construction inspectors are paid more in the professional industry with an average salary of $62,629.The education levels that prestressed concrete labours earn slightly differ from construction inspectors. In particular, prestressed concrete labours are 6.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a construction inspector. Additionally, they're 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Construction inspector vs. Concrete finisher
A concrete finisher is responsible for smoothing out concrete surfaces, ensuring that the final result followed the design and client's specifications. Concrete finishers operate special construction equipment to stabilize concrete forms. They also analyze blueprints and construction plans to identify necessary techniques and adjustments to deliver a high-quality project. A concrete finisher must also observe strict safety guidelines and procedures for doing the task and making sure that all tools are maintained. A concrete finisher must show excellent time-management, as well as the ability to multi-task to perform duties within a fast-paced environment.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that construction inspector responsibilities requires skills like "aci," "construction inspection," "construction management," and "traffic control." But a concrete finisher might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "hand tools," "work ethic," "strong work ethic," and "finishers."
Concrete finishers may earn a lower salary than construction inspectors, but concrete finishers earn the most pay in the construction industry with an average salary of $42,634. On the other hand, construction inspectors receive higher pay in the professional industry, where they earn an average salary of $62,629.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Concrete finishers tend to reach lower levels of education than construction inspectors. In fact, they're 5.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Construction inspector vs. General foreman
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.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from construction inspector resumes include skills like "asphalt," "aci," "construction inspection," and "construction management," whereas a general foreman is more likely to list skills in "safety procedures," "safety rules," "quality standards," and "oversight. "
General foremen earn the highest salary when working in the construction industry, where they receive an average salary of $54,753. Comparatively, construction inspectors have the highest earning potential in the professional industry, with an average salary of $62,629.Most general foremen achieve a similar degree level compared to construction inspectors. For example, they're 3.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Construction inspector vs. Project supervisor
A project supervisor is someone employed in industries like engineering, construction, manufacturing, as well as design and marketing industries to coordinate all aspects of a project. Common duties include participating in project planning, acting as a communication liaison, coordinating labor needs, and training employees. They meet with the account manager to assess and understand the client's needs and budget for the project. Together with the supply chain manager, they facilitate the purchasing and delivery of supplies needed to complete the project. Additionally, they make sure the project is completed on time and within budget.
Types of construction inspector
Updated January 8, 2025
