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The differences between residential building inspectors and 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 residential building inspector and a construction inspector. Additionally, a construction inspector has an average salary of $52,306, which is higher than the $48,597 average annual salary of a residential building inspector.
The top three skills for a residential building inspector include sketch, windows and plumbing. The most important skills for a construction inspector are asphalt, ACI, and construction inspection.
| Residential Building Inspector | Construction Inspector | |
| Yearly salary | $48,597 | $52,306 |
| Hourly rate | $23.36 | $25.15 |
| Growth rate | -4% | -4% |
| Number of jobs | 28,745 | 42,007 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Average age | 50 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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.
A construction inspector is an individual who is responsible for inspecting construction sites to ensure that these sites are following local and building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications. Construction inspectors use survey equipment, metering devices, and test equipment to perform inspections of plumbing, electrical and other systems within the construction. They approve building plans that are satisfactory and issue violation notices and stop orders when there are violations. Construction inspectors also keep photographs taken during inspections and provide written documentation.
Residential building inspectors and construction inspectors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Residential Building Inspector | Construction Inspector | |
| Average salary | $48,597 | $52,306 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $82,000 | Between $36,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Oakland, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | California |
| Best paying company | - | Orange County Sanitation District |
| Best paying industry | - | Professional |
There are a few differences between a residential building inspector and a construction inspector in terms of educational background:
| Residential Building Inspector | Construction Inspector | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Most common major | Business | Civil Engineering |
| Most common college | San Diego State University | San Diego State University |
Here are the differences between residential building inspectors' and construction inspectors' demographics:
| Residential Building Inspector | Construction Inspector | |
| Average age | 50 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.6% Female, 12.4% | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 3.4% White, 68.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |