How to hire a utility inspector

How to hire a utility inspector, step by step

Here's a step-by-step utility inspector hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a utility inspector job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new utility inspector
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a utility inspector do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your utility inspector job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a utility inspector for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a utility inspector to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a utility inspector that fits the bill.

   The following list breaks down different types of utility inspectors and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Utility Inspector	Description	Hourly rate
   Utility Inspector	Construction and building inspectors ensure that construction meets local and national building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications.	$15-27
   Construction Analyst	A Construction Analyst prepares statements, annual financial reports, exhibits, transmittal letters, schedules, statistical tables, management analysis, and management discussion. They handle business forecast analysis, cash flow projection analysis, statistical report analysis, government requirement analysis, financial plan analysis, budget analysis, and forecast analysis... Show more	$25-56
   Plans Examiner	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... Show more	$19-40

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Pipeline Construction
   • Gas Meters
   • Backfill
   • Safety Procedures
   • Utility Poles
   • DOT
   • GPS
   • HDD
   • Utility Inspection
   • Hydrostatic Testing
   • Pipeline Project
   • Lower-In
   • API
   • Inspection Reports

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Remain compliant with API 1104 and Enogex WPS's and manage technical documents and information sharing.
   • Inspect all coating application to ensure proper application and WFT is achieved per clients and manufacturers specifications and standards.
   • Document heat numbers of pipe and x-ray numbers and GPS coordinates of welds.
   • Conduct internal quality audits to ensure compliance with all FAA, EASA, OSHA and ISO regularity compliance.
   • Perform inspection and classification of various construction materials and construction activities including installation of asphalt, concrete, and soil foundations.
   • Ensure contractors have and used PPE.

   More utility inspector duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your utility inspector job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A utility inspector can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, utility inspectors' average salary in kentucky is 51% less than in montana.
   • Seniority. Entry-level utility inspectors 45% less than senior-level utility inspectors.
   • Certifications. A utility inspector with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a utility inspector's salary.

   Average utility inspector salary

   $43,725yearly

   $21.02 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level utility inspector salary

   $32,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 20, 2025

   Average utility inspector salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$53,019	$25
   2	South Dakota	$51,664	$25
   3	Nevada	$49,438	$24
   4	New Jersey	$48,095	$23
   5	Connecticut	$46,218	$22
   6	Delaware	$46,087	$22
   7	Maine	$44,961	$22
   8	Utah	$44,931	$22
   9	North Dakota	$44,564	$21
   10	Minnesota	$43,366	$21
   11	New Mexico	$42,948	$21
   12	Wyoming	$42,098	$20
   13	Vermont	$41,879	$20
   14	Iowa	$41,849	$20
   15	Colorado	$41,650	$20
   16	Oregon	$41,173	$20
   17	Illinois	$40,432	$19
   18	New Hampshire	$40,125	$19
   19	Texas	$39,735	$19
   20	Massachusetts	$38,734	$19

   Average utility inspector salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	RS&H	$61,861	$29.74	37
   2	Gresham Smith	$51,449	$24.74	8
   3	Koppers	$46,765	$22.48
   4	International Paper	$45,089	$21.68	7
   5	WSB	$44,933	$21.60	27
   6	Icma-rc	$44,418	$21.35
   7	Sanderson Farms	$44,368	$21.33
   8	USIC	$43,750	$21.03
   9	TRC Companies	$43,533	$20.93	28
   10	EN Engineering	$43,219	$20.78	3
   11	ACRT Services	$43,213	$20.78	6
   12	RK&K	$43,206	$20.77
   13	Osmose Holdings, Inc.	$43,102	$20.72	240
   14	Whitman	$43,005	$20.68	33
   15	Toho Water Authority	$41,851	$20.12
   16	AmeriPride Services	$41,059	$19.74
   17	Tyson Foods	$40,554	$19.50	1
   18	Conagra Brands	$40,005	$19.23	1
   19	Pasco	$37,521	$18.04
   20	AGY	$36,972	$17.77

4. Writing a utility inspector job description

   A utility inspector job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a utility inspector job description:

   Utility inspector job description example

   Forge ahead with WSB. WSB was founded on the understanding that culture drives results and we've dedicated ourselves to the value of strong relationships, collaboration, and forward-thinking ideas. We've inspired each other to discover thoughtful and creative solutions that look beyond the needs of today to the opportunities of tomorrow. We invite you to forge ahead with us.
   
   Our Pipeline group is growing, and we have immediate openings for a full-time, Natural Gas Pipeline Construction Inspectors. We offer exceptional opportunities in our Contract Administration and Construction Inspection areas. If you want more than a job and if you're looking for a career with growth opportunities and a chance to be a leader, WSB is the place for you. Paid training will be provided to ensure projects and client specific deliverables are met.
   This position is located in Jonesboro, AR.
   
   What You Will Do: We have roles for natural gas pipeline inspectors who want to better themselves and want to be challenged. You will be part of our Oil & Gas Services Group working around natural gas distribution pipelines and facilities. As a Distribution/Utility inspector, you will be enforcing strict adherence to client requirements as it relates to the safety and construction of natural gas pipelines.
   
   Responsibilities and expectations will include:
   
   * The ability to pass the Operator Qualification modules and other training requirements in a timely fashion
   * All aspects of the job are to be performed with an emphasis on safety.
   * To build and maintain a working knowledge of federal, local, and company compliances.
   * Field observation including verifying and documenting federal, local, and company compliance. This will include:
   * Completing inspection reports daily. All documentation is completed electronically on a company provided iPad including Daily Reports, Pictures, Schedules, Time, and Expenses.
   * Working with detailed plans and procedures, tracking quantities and material; verifying the accuracy of mapping and as-built documentation.
   * Inspection of installation of natural gas pipeline activities including Excavation, installation, and backfill/restoration.
   
   * This is a full-time position; There are no limits to your growth and how you can progress with your career at WSB.
   * Travel may be required for up to 25% of the time.
   
   What You Will Bring:
   
   Required:
   
   * Must have Distribution Experience
   * Excellent technical, communication, and organizational skills
   * Construction or Construction Inspection background
   * Additional requirements include a minimum of a high school diploma.
   * Valid driver's license with a good driving record is required.
   * A pre-employment drug test as well as quarterly random drug testing is also required.
   * Must be willing to work daily in the Jonesboro, AR area.
   * Ability to lift up to 75 lbs.
   
   You must be comfortable working in all weather conditions. Due to the physical nature of the work, you must be able to lift 50 lbs. - 75 lbs. periodically. You're required to work with your hands, and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. At times you may be working at or on uneven terrain, slopes, in confined spaces, or reinforced trenches.
   
   Preferred:
   
   * Candidates with knowledge of CFR49/192/195 and/or who are Certified Welding Inspectors (AWS CWI / or CPWI+V)
   * A two-year technical degree from an accredited school in a field related to civil engineering construction is a plus, and/or a degree from a four-year accredited college will increase your opportunities for growth
   * Familiarity with construction processes, installation methods, utility mapping (as-builts)
   
   Who We Are: WSB is a design and consulting firm specializing in engineering, community planning, environmental, and construction services. We provide solutions for the places, spaces and systems that support our lives. We offer services in more than 30 complementary areas across the nation.
   
   WSB does not accept resumes from third parties.
   
   All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right utility inspector for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your utility inspector job on Zippia to find and recruit utility inspector candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites such as constructionjobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting utility inspectors requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new utility inspector

   Once you've found the utility inspector candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a utility inspector?