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The differences between residential building inspectors and utility 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 utility inspector. Additionally, a residential building inspector has an average salary of $48,597, which is higher than the $43,725 average annual salary of a utility inspector.
The top three skills for a residential building inspector include sketch, windows and plumbing. The most important skills for a utility inspector are pipeline construction, gas meters, and backfill.
| Residential Building Inspector | Utility Inspector | |
| Yearly salary | $48,597 | $43,725 |
| Hourly rate | $23.36 | $21.02 |
| Growth rate | -4% | -4% |
| Number of jobs | 28,745 | 23,106 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 45% | High School Diploma, 33% |
| 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 utility inspector is responsible for ensuring the safety of facilities and the stability of components and equipment that support daily operational functions. Utility inspectors inspect utility tools and equipment, conduct preventive maintenance, and identify inconsistencies for immediate repairs or replacement. They also handle the installation of new equipment and machinery, requiring them to have an excellent analysis of schematics and blueprints for accuracy. A utility inspector must have excellent mechanical and organizational skills, especially in writing incident reports and developing resolutions to avoid potential hazards and operational delays.
Residential building inspectors and utility inspectors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Residential Building Inspector | Utility Inspector | |
| Average salary | $48,597 | $43,725 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $82,000 | Between $32,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Sacramento, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | Montana |
| Best paying company | - | RS&H |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between a residential building inspector and a utility inspector in terms of educational background:
| Residential Building Inspector | Utility Inspector | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 45% | High School Diploma, 33% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | San Diego State University | San Diego State University |
Here are the differences between residential building inspectors' and utility inspectors' demographics:
| Residential Building Inspector | Utility Inspector | |
| Average age | 50 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.6% Female, 12.4% | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% |
| 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, 8.3% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 13.0% Asian, 3.4% White, 68.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |