How To Become A Plans Examiner: What It Is and Career Path

What is a plans examiner and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

The job of the plans examiner is to review construction plans to make sure that proper legal codes are followed. This individual is responsible for ensuring that new construction meets the criteria laid out by public safety and health standards.

Plans examiners look at blueprints for both residential and commercial properties. Their specific duties and responsibilities are to evaluate zoning compliance, work with architects, builders, and homeowners to obtain compliance, make recommendations for whether or not to issue permits, and sometimes supervise individuals who research codes and zoning ordinances. A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required to start a career as a plans examiner. Moreover, certifications from certain institutions, such as the ICC and OIC, may be required.

The average hourly salary for the position is $28.14, which equates to $58,523 annually. The career is expected to grow substantially in the near future and create new opportunities across the United States. As long as new buildings are being constructed, the job of a plans examiner will stay relevant.

ScorePlans ExaminerUS Average

Salary

4.7

Avg. Salary $59,697

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.4

Growth rate -4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

2.9

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.89%

Asian 3.37%

Black or African American 8.15%

Hispanic or Latino 12.86%

Unknown 5.74%

White 68.99%

Gender

female 26.26%

male 73.74%

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 a plans examiner

Explore plans examiner education requirements

Most common plans examiner degrees

Bachelor's

51.8 %

Associate

31.2 %

Master's

9.0 %

Start to develop specific plans examiner skills

Skills	Percentages
Plumbing	15.09%
Customer Service	12.77%
Life Safety	6.87%
Fire Protection	5.22%
Community Development	5.07%

Complete relevant plans examiner training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New plans examiners 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 plans examiner based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real plans examiner resumes.

Research plans examiner duties and responsibilities

Manage high volume case assignments to a final disposition of abatement, civil summons, criminal arrests or referral.
Issue permits to trade contractors for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and building construction work.
Determine if licensee is compliant with the BSA, AML, UCC and NACHA operating rules.
Certify FBI digital evidence extraction technician.

Prepare your plans examiner resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your plans examiner 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 plans examiner resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable plans examiner resume templates

Build a professional plans examiner 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 plans examiner resume.