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The differences between plans examiners and residential 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 plans examiner and a residential building inspector. Additionally, a plans examiner has an average salary of $59,697, which is higher than the $48,597 average annual salary of a residential building inspector.
The top three skills for a plans examiner include plumbing, customer service and life safety. The most important skills for a residential building inspector are sketch, windows, and plumbing.
| Plans Examiner | Residential Building Inspector | |
| Yearly salary | $59,697 | $48,597 |
| Hourly rate | $28.70 | $23.36 |
| Growth rate | -4% | -4% |
| Number of jobs | 4,018 | 28,745 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 45% |
| Average age | 50 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
A plans examiner is typically in charge of evaluating construction or work plans, ensuring compliance with regulations and zoning ordinances. Their responsibilities revolve around gathering and reviewing applications and documentation, verifying the accuracy and authenticity of requirements, and assuring that they adhere to the safety policies and standards. Furthermore, as a plans examiner, it is essential to liaise with clients and other officials, maintain records of all transactions, and provide advice on whether the applications are suitable for permits.
A residential building inspector is in charge of ensuring that residential properties comply with the national building codes and construction requirements. They visit residential establishments and conduct thorough inspections to determine if the structure complies with safety and quality standards. They are also responsible for producing reports, recommending action plans, and discussing procedures with clients. Moreover, a residential building inspector maintains an active communication line with staff, all while adhering to the agency's policies and regulations.
Plans examiners and residential building inspectors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Plans Examiner | Residential Building Inspector | |
| Average salary | $59,697 | $48,597 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $85,000 | Between $28,000 And $82,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fairfield, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | California | - |
| Best paying company | Icma-rc | - |
| Best paying industry | Government | - |
There are a few differences between a plans examiner and a residential building inspector in terms of educational background:
| Plans Examiner | Residential Building Inspector | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 45% |
| Most common major | Architecture | Business |
| Most common college | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | San Diego State University |
Here are the differences between plans examiners' and residential building inspectors' demographics:
| Plans Examiner | Residential Building Inspector | |
| Average age | 50 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.7% Female, 26.3% | Male, 87.6% Female, 12.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.1% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 3.4% White, 69.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | Black or African American, 8.1% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Asian, 3.4% White, 69.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |