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The differences between utility inspectors and bridge 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 utility inspector and a bridge inspector. Additionally, a bridge inspector has an average salary of $52,316, which is higher than the $43,725 average annual salary of a utility inspector.
The top three skills for a utility inspector include pipeline construction, gas meters and backfill. The most important skills for a bridge inspector are DOT, asphalt, and construction inspection.
| Utility Inspector | Bridge Inspector | |
| Yearly salary | $43,725 | $52,316 |
| Hourly rate | $21.02 | $25.15 |
| Growth rate | -4% | -4% |
| Number of jobs | 23,106 | 17,216 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 33% | Bachelor's Degree, 49% |
| Average age | 50 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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.
Bridge inspectors are civil engineer construction specialists whose job is to assess the conditions of bridges, ensuring public safety. The inspectors inspect any damage and deterioration of the bridges, culverts, waterways, and trestles. They are familiar with the analysis system of load rating. Their job involves monitoring construction-related activities to make sure that contractors will comply with design drawings, safety requirements, and specifications. Also, they function as a liaison project engineer between the project and field engineer.
Utility inspectors and bridge inspectors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Utility Inspector | Bridge Inspector | |
| Average salary | $43,725 | $52,316 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $58,000 | Between $33,000 And $82,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | Olympia, WA |
| Highest paying state | Montana | Washington |
| Best paying company | RS&H | Parsons |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a utility inspector and a bridge inspector in terms of educational background:
| Utility Inspector | Bridge Inspector | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 33% | Bachelor's Degree, 49% |
| Most common major | Business | Civil Engineering |
| Most common college | San Diego State University | San Diego State University |
Here are the differences between utility inspectors' and bridge inspectors' demographics:
| Utility Inspector | Bridge Inspector | |
| Average age | 50 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% | Male, 94.2% Female, 5.8% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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% |