Post job

What is a pipeline construction inspector and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
introduction image
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a pipeline construction inspector. For example, did you know that they make an average of $23.34 an hour? That's $48,554 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -4% and produce -5,700 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScorePipeline Construction InspectorUS Average
Salary
3.8

Avg. Salary $48,554

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 3.41%

Black or African American 8.32%

Hispanic or Latino 13.05%

Unknown 5.75%

White 68.58%

Gender

female 3.94%

male 96.06%

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

Pipeline construction inspector career paths

Key steps to become a pipeline construction inspector

  1. Explore pipeline construction inspector education requirements

    Most common pipeline construction inspector degrees

    High School Diploma

    30.6 %

    Bachelor's

    26.1 %

    Associate

    25.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific pipeline construction inspector skills

    SkillsPercentages
    OSHA13.22%
    Inspection Reports11.27%
    API10.95%
    Nace9.76%
    As-Built6.75%
  3. Complete relevant pipeline construction inspector training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New pipeline construction 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 a pipeline construction inspector based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real pipeline construction inspector resumes.
  4. Research pipeline construction inspector duties and 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.
  5. Get pipeline construction inspector experience

    Generally, it takes 4-6 years to become a pipeline construction inspector. The most common roles before becoming a pipeline construction inspector include utility inspector, welder team lead and foreman.
  6. Prepare your pipeline construction inspector resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your pipeline construction 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 a pipeline construction 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 pipeline construction inspector resume templates

    Build a professional pipeline construction 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 pipeline construction inspector resume.
    Pipeline Construction Inspector Resume
    Pipeline Construction Inspector Resume
    Pipeline Construction Inspector Resume
    Pipeline Construction Inspector Resume
    Pipeline Construction Inspector Resume
    Pipeline Construction Inspector Resume
    Pipeline Construction Inspector Resume
    Pipeline Construction Inspector Resume
    Pipeline Construction Inspector Resume
  7. Apply for pipeline construction inspector jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a pipeline construction inspector job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first pipeline construction inspector job

Zippi

Are you a pipeline construction inspector?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average pipeline construction inspector salary

The average pipeline construction inspector salary in the United States is $48,554 per year or $23 per hour. Pipeline construction inspector salaries range between $30,000 and $76,000 per year.

Average pipeline construction inspector salary
$48,554 Yearly
$23.34 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do pipeline construction inspectors rate their job?

Working as a pipeline construction inspector? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse construction and extraction jobs