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The differences between electrical inspectors and plans examiners can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both an electrical inspector and a plans examiner. Additionally, a plans examiner has an average salary of $59,697, which is higher than the $43,943 average annual salary of an electrical inspector.
The top three skills for an electrical inspector include inspection reports, electrical equipment and electrical code. The most important skills for a plans examiner are plumbing, customer service, and life safety.
| Electrical Inspector | Plans Examiner | |
| Yearly salary | $43,943 | $59,697 |
| Hourly rate | $21.13 | $28.70 |
| Growth rate | -4% | -4% |
| Number of jobs | 42,321 | 4,018 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 36% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Average age | 50 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
An electrical inspector ensures that an establishment's wiring and other electrical components are working properly and hazard free for those who will occupy the space. The tasks of being an electrical inspector include determining electrical hazards and checking if there are any uncovered permanent or if there are any outdated wiring. They test the safety switches and examine the power box, and test the place's lighting and source of power. Their responsibilities may involve the evaluation of the electrical service's level especially the DIY wiring and noting and testing of smoke alarm location. Also, they make sure that all electrical items in the area comply with government regulations.
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.
Electrical inspectors and plans examiners have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electrical Inspector | Plans Examiner | |
| Average salary | $43,943 | $59,697 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $67,000 | Between $41,000 And $85,000 |
| Highest paying City | Hollister, CA | Fairfield, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | California |
| Best paying company | City of Detroit | Icma-rc |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Government |
There are a few differences between an electrical inspector and a plans examiner in terms of educational background:
| Electrical Inspector | Plans Examiner | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 36% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Architecture |
| Most common college | Purdue University | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities |
Here are the differences between electrical inspectors' and plans examiners' demographics:
| Electrical Inspector | Plans Examiner | |
| Average age | 50 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.2% Female, 5.8% | Male, 73.7% Female, 26.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 13.1% Asian, 3.4% White, 68.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | Black or African American, 8.1% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 3.4% White, 69.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |