How To Become An Electrical Inspector: What It Is and Career Path

What is an electrical inspector and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Fred Garber Ph.D.

An Electrical Inspector is responsible for the examination of wiring, heating, lighting, air-conditioning, and other electrical and construction systems. They may also examine generators and motors, as well as other appliances, in order to make sure that they are all in compliance with federal and state standards and building codes.

The Inspector may do this by hand, through the use of tools, or with the help of computers and various software, but most nonetheless maintain records and databases tied to their inspections and may have to repair damaged or dangerous equipment. Government-hired Inspectors are expected to report on anything which might be against the codes and which otherwise endangers people and the local area. No matter who they work for, the Inspector should have a good understanding of electrical and construction laws and regulations.

An Electrical Inspector needs to have a high school degree and previous experiences in positions that deal with electrical systems and their repair, design, or inspection. Certification and licensing might be necessary. A candidate should have training and knowledge of these systems before applying, but it is not uncommon as additional and more specific training is offered on the job. An Electrical Inspector, on average, earns $37.4 an hour.

What general advice would you give to an electrical inspector?

Fred Garber Ph.D.

Professor, Electrical Engineering, Wright State University

I think the primary question, in the minds of those who are yet to graduate or are still searching, is in regard to the strength of the technical job market, especially the local job market. But you are in a position to definitively answer that question.

In you article, I would ask that you address the following:
Number of employers looking to fill and number of job offerings in the region (by engineering and computer science major) compared to last year and to the previous five years.

Any noticeable differences in job descriptions Zippia is receiving relative to work environment, benefits, starting salaries, etc.

Many of our soon-to-graduate students would be very interested in these quantitative and qualitative comparisons. Additionally, vast numbers of potential students would benefit from such information to guide their career choices.

ScoreElectrical InspectorUS Average

Salary

3.4

Avg. Salary $43,943

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.4

Growth rate -4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

2.9

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.90%

Asian 3.42%

Black or African American 8.37%

Hispanic or Latino 13.10%

Unknown 5.75%

White 68.46%

Gender

female 5.78%

male 94.22%

Age - 52

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 52

Stress level

7.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.4

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an electrical inspector

Explore electrical inspector education requirements

Most common electrical inspector degrees

Bachelor's

36.3 %

Associate

28.1 %

High School Diploma

15.5 %

Start to develop specific electrical inspector skills

Skills	Percentages
Inspection Reports	7.68%
Electrical Equipment	7.48%
Electrical Code	7.21%
Electrical Installation	5.92%
OSHA	5.91%

Complete relevant electrical inspector training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New electrical inspectors learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an electrical inspector based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real electrical inspector resumes.

Gain additional electrical inspector certifications

Electrical inspector certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific electrical inspector certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for electrical inspectors include OSHA Safety Certificate and Certified Electrical Inspector - Master (CEI-M).

More About Certifications

Research electrical inspector duties and responsibilities

Manage high volume case assignments to a final disposition of abatement, civil summons, criminal arrests or referral.
Observe and in force all NEC and OSHA requirement for the duration of the project.
Repair mechanical and electrical components according to OSHA safety regulations.
Verify the installation of all material as per clients specs and to NEC code.

Prepare your electrical inspector resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your electrical inspector resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an electrical inspector resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable electrical inspector resume templates

Build a professional electrical inspector resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your electrical inspector resume.