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The differences between utility inspectors and electrical 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 an electrical inspector. Additionally, an electrical inspector has an average salary of $43,943, 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 an electrical inspector are inspection reports, electrical equipment, and electrical code.
| Utility Inspector | Electrical Inspector | |
| Yearly salary | $43,725 | $43,943 |
| Hourly rate | $21.02 | $21.13 |
| Growth rate | -4% | -4% |
| Number of jobs | 23,106 | 42,321 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 33% | Bachelor's Degree, 36% |
| 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.
An electrical inspector ensures that an establishment's wiring and other electrical components are working properly and hazard free for those who will occupy the space. The tasks of being an electrical inspector include determining electrical hazards and checking if there are any uncovered permanent or if there are any outdated wiring. They test the safety switches and examine the power box, and test the place's lighting and source of power. Their responsibilities may involve the evaluation of the electrical service's level especially the DIY wiring and noting and testing of smoke alarm location. Also, they make sure that all electrical items in the area comply with government regulations.
Utility inspectors and electrical inspectors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Utility Inspector | Electrical Inspector | |
| Average salary | $43,725 | $43,943 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $58,000 | Between $28,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | Hollister, CA |
| Highest paying state | Montana | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | RS&H | City of Detroit |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Construction |
There are a few differences between a utility inspector and an electrical inspector in terms of educational background:
| Utility Inspector | Electrical Inspector | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 33% | Bachelor's Degree, 36% |
| Most common major | Business | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | San Diego State University | Purdue University |
Here are the differences between utility inspectors' and electrical inspectors' demographics:
| Utility Inspector | Electrical 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, 8.4% 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% |