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Public works inspector salary
Average public works inspector salary
$48,864
Average Public Works Inspector Salary
As of October 2025, the average salary for a Public Works Inspector in the United States stands at $48,864 per year. This figure can vary significantly based on several factors. For instance, inspectors with more experience typically command higher salaries, while those in urban areas may also see increased pay due to higher living costs.
How Much Does a Public Works Inspector Make?
Entry-level positions may start around $35,000, while experienced inspectors can earn upwards of $65,000 annually. Geographic location plays a crucial role in salary variations. States like California and New York often offer salaries above the national average, while positions in rural areas may be lower.
Where Can a Public Works Inspector Earn More?
Inspectors working for government agencies, private contractors, or specialized firms may find more lucrative opportunities. Additionally, certifications and advanced training can lead to higher pay rates and advancement opportunities within the field.
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Where can a Public Works Inspector earn more?
Public works inspector salaries by experience level
| Experience level | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level public works inspector | $33,300 | $16.03 |
| Mid-level public works inspector | $50,600 | $24.35 |
| Senior-level public works inspector | $83,800 | $40.29 |
Public works inspector salary estimates from across the web
Average public works inspector salary by state
The highest-paying states for public works inspectors are New Jersey, New York, and California. The lowest average public works inspector salary states are South Carolina, South Dakota, and Missouri.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for public works inspectors
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York | $70,977 | $34.12 |
| 2 | California | $64,535 | $31.03 |
| 3 | Pennsylvania | $59,868 | $28.78 |
| 4 | Virginia | $56,331 | $27.08 |
| 5 | New Jersey | $71,251 | $34.26 |
| 6 | Maine | $51,507 | $24.76 |
| 7 | Arizona | $55,597 | $26.73 |
| 8 | North Carolina | $49,735 | $23.91 |
| 9 | Illinois | $59,001 | $28.37 |
| 10 | Indiana | $49,687 | $23.89 |
| 11 | Wisconsin | $51,603 | $24.81 |
| 12 | Iowa | $56,092 | $26.97 |
| 13 | Michigan | $48,711 | $23.42 |
| 14 | Minnesota | $50,574 | $24.31 |
| 15 | North Dakota | $54,532 | $26.22 |
| 16 | Kansas | $53,890 | $25.91 |
| 17 | Oregon | $50,759 | $24.40 |
| 18 | Alabama | $46,482 | $22.35 |
| 19 | Texas | $45,242 | $21.75 |
| 20 | Idaho | $46,429 | $22.32 |
| 21 | Washington | $49,189 | $23.65 |
| 22 | Florida | $42,536 | $20.45 |
| 23 | New Mexico | $46,323 | $22.27 |
| 24 | Georgia | $40,899 | $19.66 |
| 25 | Wyoming | $44,213 | $21.26 |
| 26 | Alaska | $46,839 | $22.52 |
| 27 | Connecticut | $41,689 | $20.04 |
| 28 | Nevada | $40,175 | $19.31 |
| 29 | District of Columbia | $41,159 | $19.79 |
| 30 | Tennessee | $40,806 | $19.62 |
| 31 | Maryland | $41,462 | $19.93 |
| 32 | New Hampshire | $38,420 | $18.47 |
| 33 | Rhode Island | $40,715 | $19.57 |
| 34 | Vermont | $36,987 | $17.78 |
| 35 | Massachusetts | $39,709 | $19.09 |
| 36 | Oklahoma | $41,091 | $19.76 |
| 37 | Arkansas | $40,778 | $19.60 |
| 38 | Delaware | $42,167 | $20.27 |
| 39 | West Virginia | $37,462 | $18.01 |
| 40 | Ohio | $37,468 | $18.01 |
| 41 | Montana | $32,020 | $15.39 |
| 42 | Colorado | $31,871 | $15.32 |
| 43 | South Carolina | $32,841 | $15.79 |
| 44 | Mississippi | $33,097 | $15.91 |
| 45 | Kentucky | $33,757 | $16.23 |
| 46 | Utah | $32,948 | $15.84 |
| 47 | Louisiana | $34,666 | $16.67 |
| 48 | Hawaii | $35,451 | $17.04 |
| 49 | South Dakota | $32,789 | $15.76 |
| 50 | Missouri | $32,401 | $15.58 |
| 51 | Nebraska | $32,228 | $15.49 |
Highest paying cities for public works inspectors
The highest-paying cities for public works inspectors are San Bruno, CA, Pittsburgh, PA, and Scottsdale, AZ.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Bruno, CA | $66,635 | $32.04 |
| 2 | Pittsburgh, PA | $57,090 | $27.45 |
| 3 | Scottsdale, AZ | $55,482 | $26.67 |
| 4 | Collinsville, IL | $55,046 | $26.46 |
| 5 | Portland, OR | $50,164 | $24.12 |
| 6 | Dallas, TX | $44,235 | $21.27 |
| 7 | Reno, NV | $40,650 | $19.54 |
| 8 | Washington, UT | $38,819 | $18.66 |
| 9 | Henderson, KY | $32,958 | $15.85 |
| 10 | Saint Charles, MO | $32,716 | $15.73 |
| 11 | Loveland, CO | $31,533 | $15.16 |
Public works inspector salary details
A public works inspector's salary ranges from $28,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $84,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a public works inspector's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $84,000 | $7,000 | $40 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,000 | $5,417 | $31 |
| Average | $48,864 | $4,072 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,000 | $3,000 | $17 |
| 10th Percentile | $28,000 | $2,333 | $13 |
Highest paying public works inspector jobs
The highest paying types of public works inspectors are design project inspector, construction inspector, and property inspector.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Inspector | $52,306 | $4,359 | $25.15 | 42,007 |
| Property Inspector | $48,547 | $4,046 | $23.34 | 22,804 |
Top companies hiring public works inspectors now:
Which companies pay public works inspectors the most?
Public works inspector salaries at Willdan and City of Louisville are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average public works inspector salary at companies like Bureau Veritas and City of Visalia are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Willdan | $73,834 | $35.50 |
| 2 | City of Louisville | $53,458 | $25.70 |
| 3 | Bureau Veritas | $50,818 | $24.43 |
| 4 | City of Visalia | $50,668 | $24.36 |
| 5 | County of Kauaʻi | $50,639 | $24.35 |
| 6 | City of Pittsburgh | $49,749 | $23.92 |
| 7 | City of Scottsdale | $49,644 | $23.87 |
| 8 | Minnesota Limited | $49,127 | $23.62 |
| 9 | San Bernardino County | $48,698 | $23.41 |
| 10 | City of Dallas Employees | $48,603 | $23.37 |
| 11 | City of Portland | $47,386 | $22.78 |
| 12 | City of Davis | $46,624 | $22.42 |
| 13 | City of Reno | $46,337 | $22.28 |
| 14 | City of Astoria | $45,859 | $22.05 |
| 15 | City of Santa Monica | $45,789 | $22.01 |
| 16 | City of Renton | $45,510 | $21.88 |
| 17 | City of Newport | $45,254 | $21.76 |
| 18 | City of Union City | $45,239 | $21.75 |
| 19 | City of Collinsville | $44,969 | $21.62 |
| 20 | City of Henderson | $44,700 | $21.49 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Public works inspector salary trends
The average public works inspector salary has risen by $7,120 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average public works inspector earned $41,744 annually, but today, they earn $48,864 a year. That works out to a 7% change in pay for public works inspectors over the last decade.
Compare public works inspector salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average public works inspector salary over time
Compare public works inspector salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Public works inspector salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $48,900 | $23.49 | +2.9% |
| 2025 | $47,500 | $22.82 | +0.3% |
| 2024 | $47,300 | $22.75 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $46,600 | $22.43 | +2.0% |
| 2022 | $45,700 | $21.99 | +1.4% |
Recently added public works inspector salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ardurra Group, Inc. | Public Works Inspector | Oakdale, CA | 06/23/2025 | $62,610 |
| City of Rosemead | Public Works Inspector | Rosemead, CA | 06/19/2025 | $72,456 |
| Washington City | Public Works Inspector | Washington, UT | 06/04/2025 | $46,773 |
| Bowman | Public Works Inspector I (Temporary) | Brea, CA | 06/03/2025 | $73,045 |
| Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. | Public Works Inspector I (Temporary) | Brea, CA | 06/03/2025 | $73,045 |
| City of Baltimore, Md | Public Works Inspector II-Department of Transportation | Baltimore, MD | 05/29/2025 | $50,797 |
| Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. | Public Works Inspector II (Temporary) | Brea, CA | 05/29/2025 | $83,480 |
| Ardurra Group, Inc. | Public Works Inspector | Oakdale, CA | 05/24/2025 | $62,610 |
| City of Simi Valley, Ca | Public Works Inspector (20625279) | Simi Valley, CA | 05/22/2025 | $66,033 |
| City of Chino, Ca | Public Works Inspector | Chino, CA | 05/10/2025 | $29,865 |
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