Field inspector vs pipeline construction inspector

The differences between field inspectors and pipeline construction 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 pipeline construction inspector. Additionally, a field inspector has an average salary of $49,794, which is higher than the $48,554 average annual salary of a pipeline construction inspector.

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

Field inspector vs pipeline construction inspector overview

	Field Inspector	Pipeline Construction Inspector
Yearly salary	$49,794	$48,554
Hourly rate	$23.94	$23.34
Growth rate	-4%	-4%
Number of jobs	60,866	42,200
Job satisfaction	4	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 52%	High School Diploma, 31%
Average age	50	50
Years of experience	6	6

Field inspector vs pipeline construction inspector salary

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

	Field Inspector	Pipeline Construction Inspector
Average salary	$49,794	$48,554
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $79,000	Between $30,000 And $76,000
Highest paying City	Anaheim, CA	-
Highest paying state	California	-
Best paying company	Cohesity	-
Best paying industry	Technology	-

Differences between field inspector and pipeline construction inspector education

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

	Field Inspector	Pipeline Construction Inspector
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 52%	High School Diploma, 31%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	San Diego State University	San Diego State University

Field inspector vs pipeline construction inspector demographics

Here are the differences between field inspectors' and pipeline construction inspectors' demographics:

	Field Inspector	Pipeline Construction Inspector
Average age	50	50
Gender ratio	Male, 77.6% Female, 22.4%	Male, 96.1% Female, 3.9%
Race ratio	Black 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, 8.3% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 13.0% Asian, 3.4% White, 68.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between field inspector and pipeline construction 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.

Pipeline construction inspector example responsibilities.

Coordinate, manage, and conduct geotechnical engineering and engineering geology subsurface investigations.
Review and approve all MTR's, welding procedures and NDE personnel qualifications.
Look at construction methods for footings, foundations, excavations and concrete work.
Coordinate with NDE crews and document all testing done according to codes or specs.
Launch and receive cleaning pigs and assist with the launch and receiving of smart pigs.
Inspect over welding process and utilities procedures under appropriate codes: API, ASME per company standards.

Field inspector vs pipeline construction inspector skills

Common field inspector skills

Customer Service, 18%
Sketch, 11%
Inspection Reports, 6%
Asphalt, 5%
Ladders, 5%
GPS, 4%

Common pipeline construction inspector skills

OSHA, 13%
Inspection Reports, 11%
API, 11%
Nace, 10%
As-Built, 7%
Cathodic Protection, 5%

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Field Inspector vs Pipeline Construction Inspector

Updated January 8, 2025

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