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The differences between utility inspectors and building 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 building inspector. Additionally, a building inspector has an average salary of $51,781, 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 building inspector are plumbing, customer service, and building construction.
| Utility Inspector | Building Inspector | |
| Yearly salary | $43,725 | $51,781 |
| Hourly rate | $21.02 | $24.89 |
| Growth rate | -4% | -4% |
| Number of jobs | 23,106 | 20,962 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 33% | Bachelor's Degree, 44% |
| 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.
A building inspector is responsible for inspecting the safety and security of the building location, including its structural quality and construction documents. Building inspectors coordinate with landowners or institutions to verify code regulations compliance and submit work orders and permits. They also provide expense forecasting for development, identifying cost-reduction techniques by recommending trusted suppliers and third-party vendors on construction materials with the highest quality. A building inspector must have excellent communication and analytical skills, especially on negotiating contracts and processing occupation permits.
Utility inspectors and building inspectors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Utility Inspector | Building Inspector | |
| Average salary | $43,725 | $51,781 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $58,000 | Between $31,000 And $84,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Montana | California |
| Best paying company | RS&H | Icma-rc |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a utility inspector and a building inspector in terms of educational background:
| Utility Inspector | Building Inspector | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 33% | Bachelor's Degree, 44% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | San Diego State University | San Diego State University |
Here are the differences between utility inspectors' and building inspectors' demographics:
| Utility Inspector | Building Inspector | |
| Average age | 50 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% | Male, 88.9% Female, 11.1% |
| 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, 8.4% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 13.1% Asian, 3.4% White, 68.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |