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Utility inspector vs engineering construction inspector

The differences between utility inspectors and engineering construction 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 engineering construction inspector. Additionally, an engineering construction inspector has an average salary of $51,630, 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 engineering construction inspector are construction projects, construction sites, and asphalt.

Utility inspector vs engineering construction inspector overview

Utility InspectorEngineering Construction Inspector
Yearly salary$43,725$51,630
Hourly rate$21.02$24.82
Growth rate-4%-4%
Number of jobs23,10695,430
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Average age5050
Years of experience66

What does a utility inspector do?

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.

What does an engineering construction inspector do?

Typically, an engineering construction inspector is in charge of the environmental and engineering needs of any building. Engineering construction inspectors perform inspection on the electrical, plumbing, and other related systems to ensure code compliance. They review building plans to ensure their compliance with local ordinances, contract specifications, and building codes. It is their job to keep everyday logs such as inspection photographs. They monitor the construction sites on a periodical basis.

Utility inspector vs engineering construction inspector salary

Utility inspectors and engineering construction inspectors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Utility InspectorEngineering Construction Inspector
Average salary$43,725$51,630
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $58,000Between $35,000 And $74,000
Highest paying CitySacramento, CAEugene, OR
Highest paying stateMontanaWashington
Best paying companyRS&HJacobs Engineering Group
Best paying industryTechnologyProfessional

Differences between utility inspector and engineering construction inspector education

There are a few differences between a utility inspector and an engineering construction inspector in terms of educational background:

Utility InspectorEngineering Construction Inspector
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Most common majorBusinessCivil Engineering
Most common collegeSan Diego State UniversitySan Diego State University

Utility inspector vs engineering construction inspector demographics

Here are the differences between utility inspectors' and engineering construction inspectors' demographics:

Utility InspectorEngineering Construction Inspector
Average age5050
Gender ratioMale, 92.0% Female, 8.0%Male, 90.9% Female, 9.1%
Race ratioBlack 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, 8.3% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 13.1% Asian, 3.4% White, 68.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between utility inspector and engineering construction inspector duties and responsibilities

Utility inspector example 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.
  • Show more

Engineering construction inspector example responsibilities.

  • Coordinate, manage, and conduct geotechnical engineering and engineering geology subsurface investigations.
  • Inspect general construction, plumbing, and electrical.
  • Calculate quantities of asphalt and concrete place and remove from construction job sites on a monthly basis.
  • Perform density tests, earthwork monitoring, geotechnical investigations.
  • Inspect entire asphalt paving operations and concrete to assure conformity to specifications.
  • Inspect installation of mechanical and plumbing systems to comply with construction drawings and specifications.
  • Show more

Utility inspector vs engineering construction inspector skills

Common utility inspector skills
  • Pipeline Construction, 18%
  • Gas Meters, 12%
  • Backfill, 11%
  • Safety Procedures, 6%
  • Utility Poles, 5%
  • DOT, 4%
Common engineering construction inspector skills
  • Construction Projects, 12%
  • Construction Sites, 11%
  • Asphalt, 9%
  • ACI, 7%
  • Highway Construction, 7%
  • Construction Engineering, 6%

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