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Field inspector vs building inspector

The differences between field inspectors and building 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 field inspector and a building inspector. Additionally, a building inspector has an average salary of $51,781, which is higher than the $49,794 average annual salary of a field inspector.

The top three skills for a field inspector include customer service, sketch and inspection reports. The most important skills for a building inspector are plumbing, customer service, and building construction.

Field inspector vs building inspector overview

Field InspectorBuilding Inspector
Yearly salary$49,794$51,781
Hourly rate$23.94$24.89
Growth rate-4%-4%
Number of jobs60,86620,962
Job satisfaction4-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 52%Bachelor's Degree, 44%
Average age5050
Years of experience66

What does a field inspector do?

A field inspector is responsible for evaluating the value of a property, determining the estimated amount for processing loan applications according to business requirements. Field inspectors inspect the condition of the property, including its purchase documents, commercial reviews, and other related reports to set the property appraisal rate. They also coordinate with the property managers to identify potential risks within the vicinity of the property. A field inspector reviews all the information before submitting it to the loan department for further investigation and approval.

What does a building inspector do?

A building inspector is responsible for inspecting the safety and security of the building location, including its structural quality and construction documents. Building inspectors coordinate with landowners or institutions to verify code regulations compliance and submit work orders and permits. They also provide expense forecasting for development, identifying cost-reduction techniques by recommending trusted suppliers and third-party vendors on construction materials with the highest quality. A building inspector must have excellent communication and analytical skills, especially on negotiating contracts and processing occupation permits.

Field inspector vs building inspector salary

Field inspectors and building inspectors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Field InspectorBuilding Inspector
Average salary$49,794$51,781
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $79,000Between $31,000 And $84,000
Highest paying CityAnaheim, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyCohesityIcma-rc
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between field inspector and building inspector education

There are a few differences between a field inspector and a building inspector in terms of educational background:

Field InspectorBuilding Inspector
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 52%Bachelor's Degree, 44%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeSan Diego State UniversitySan Diego State University

Field inspector vs building inspector demographics

Here are the differences between field inspectors' and building inspectors' demographics:

Field InspectorBuilding Inspector
Average age5050
Gender ratioMale, 77.6% Female, 22.4%Male, 88.9% Female, 11.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 13.1% Asian, 3.4% White, 68.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%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%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between field inspector and building inspector duties and responsibilities

Field inspector example responsibilities.

  • Manage RFI files and records.
  • Manage and inspect fiber optic cable placement, fiber drop installations and associate construction activities for an assign OSP project.
  • Conduct tests such as, but not limit to, all common ACI field tests, all common ASTM laboratory tests.
  • Inspect the exterior and interior, including attach buildings, plumbing, HVAC systems, electrical system, attic and roof.
  • Perform interior and exterior BPO's.
  • Utilize ArcMap software to generate GIS mapping.
  • Show more

Building inspector example responsibilities.

  • Lead site excavations, form structuring, and supervise concrete pours.
  • Manage high volume case assignments to a final disposition of abatement, civil summons, criminal arrests or referral.
  • Work from ladders, hanging scaffolding, boats, and from the bucket of snooper and bucket trucks.
  • Assist in roofing and carpentry.
  • Administer FEMA floodplain and mitigation efforts.
  • Work orders for HVAC and architectural contractors.
  • Show more

Field inspector vs building inspector skills

Common field inspector skills
  • Customer Service, 18%
  • Sketch, 11%
  • Inspection Reports, 6%
  • Asphalt, 5%
  • Ladders, 5%
  • GPS, 4%
Common building inspector skills
  • Plumbing, 14%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Building Construction, 9%
  • Ladders, 8%
  • Construction Sites, 5%
  • Code Violations, 5%

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