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Property inspector vs code enforcement officer

The differences between property inspectors and code enforcement officers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a property inspector has an average salary of $48,547, which is higher than the $40,706 average annual salary of a code enforcement officer.

The top three skills for a property inspector include property inspections, property management and digital photos. The most important skills for a code enforcement officer are patrol, public safety, and community development.

Property inspector vs code enforcement officer overview

Property InspectorCode Enforcement Officer
Yearly salary$48,547$40,706
Hourly rate$23.34$19.57
Growth rate-4%3%
Number of jobs22,804104,295
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 47%Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Average age4640
Years of experience12-

What does a property inspector do?

If you own a home and in a relatively nice neighborhood, then it's likely that your place was inspected and approved by a property inspector. Also called Home Inspectors, these people are responsible for evaluating both old and new properties whether they adhere to local policies, permits, and regulations. They also inspect residential structures for defects, violations, and other factors that may affect one's home's safety and value. Before purchasing a home, buyers will generally require a Property Inspector's advice before closing a deal.

What does a code enforcement officer do?

Code enforcement officers are professionals who work for the government to ensure that properties within their jurisdiction are following the zoning laws and building ordinances of a city, town, or county. These officers are required to inspect properties and record violations as part of their regular assessment or in response to complaints. They must explain to property owners about building codes and zoning laws so that they can avoid confusion and increase awareness of all violations. Code enforcement officers must also keep records of case violations and complaints while submitting the summary reports to their supervisors.

Property inspector vs code enforcement officer salary

Property inspectors and code enforcement officers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Property InspectorCode Enforcement Officer
Average salary$48,547$40,706
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $72,000Between $29,000 And $56,000
Highest paying City-San Rafael, CA
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-King County
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between property inspector and code enforcement officer education

There are a few differences between a property inspector and a code enforcement officer in terms of educational background:

Property InspectorCode Enforcement Officer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 47%Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Most common majorBusinessCriminal Justice
Most common collegeStanford UniversityCalifornia State University - Bakersfield

Property inspector vs code enforcement officer demographics

Here are the differences between property inspectors' and code enforcement officers' demographics:

Property InspectorCode Enforcement Officer
Average age4640
Gender ratioMale, 66.8% Female, 33.2%Male, 67.3% Female, 32.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 16.2% Asian, 7.6% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 12.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 19.7% Asian, 3.2% White, 59.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage12%7%

Differences between property inspector and code enforcement officer duties and responsibilities

Property inspector example responsibilities.

  • Preform require repairs as needed.
  • Attend and pass HQS certification training.
  • Qualify FHA and HUD inspector following federal safe home standards.
  • Train and supervise new employees to perform (REO) inspections and investigations.
  • Order and inspect all work perform by contractors to insure proper completion within HUD guidelines.
  • Execute each inspection with the effort to increase the number of dwellings that complies with HQS.
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Code enforcement officer example responsibilities.

  • Develop and manage firearms training programs, including weapons selection and qualification standards.
  • Review variance, special use and any land use applications.
  • Review plans and specifications for zoning, parking and setback requirements.
  • Enforce city and state ordinances, patrol city for violations against the city building code and animal laws.
  • Patrol assign areas within the city limits while operating a city vehicle to enforce nuisance and property maintenance codes.
  • Create simulations for force-on-force firearms training/defensive tactics for customers and train the trainers at Police/Sheriff departments.
  • Show more

Property inspector vs code enforcement officer skills

Common property inspector skills
  • Property Inspections, 19%
  • Property Management, 6%
  • Digital Photos, 6%
  • Inspection Reports, 6%
  • GPS, 6%
  • HVAC, 5%
Common code enforcement officer skills
  • Patrol, 12%
  • Public Safety, 7%
  • Community Development, 5%
  • Municipal Codes, 4%
  • Code Compliance, 4%
  • Plumbing, 4%

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