Utility inspector vs grade checker

The differences between utility inspectors and grade checkers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a grade checker has an average salary of $46,024, 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 grade checker are GPS, grade control, and hand tools.

Utility inspector vs grade checker overview

	Utility Inspector	Grade Checker
Yearly salary	$43,725	$46,024
Hourly rate	$21.02	$22.13
Growth rate	-4%	4%
Number of jobs	23,106	9,869
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 33%	High School Diploma, 36%
Average age	50	42
Years of experience	6	-

Utility inspector vs grade checker salary

Utility inspectors and grade checkers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Utility Inspector	Grade Checker
Average salary	$43,725	$46,024
Salary range	Between $32,000 And $58,000	Between $35,000 And $59,000
Highest paying City	Sacramento, CA	-
Highest paying state	Montana	-
Best paying company	RS&H	-
Best paying industry	Technology	-

Differences between utility inspector and grade checker education

There are a few differences between a utility inspector and a grade checker in terms of educational background:

	Utility Inspector	Grade Checker
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 33%	High School Diploma, 36%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	San Diego State University	San Diego State University

Utility inspector vs grade checker demographics

Here are the differences between utility inspectors' and grade checkers' demographics:

	Utility Inspector	Grade Checker
Average age	50	42
Gender ratio	Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0%	Male, 90.7% Female, 9.3%
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, 6.8% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 13.6% Asian, 3.8% White, 71.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	5%	9%

Differences between utility inspector and grade checker 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.

Grade checker example responsibilities.

Lead excavation crews in underground plumbing jobs.
Set and check grade with peep sight and GPS technology and level lasers.
Work as a laborer with asphalt.
Operate excavator, bobcat and loader.
Work with both Topcon and trimble rovers.
Operate bobcat loader and drive a bobtail dump truck.

Utility inspector vs grade checker skills

Common utility inspector skills

Pipeline Construction, 18%
Gas Meters, 12%
Backfill, 11%
Safety Procedures, 6%
Utility Poles, 5%
DOT, 4%

Common grade checker skills

GPS, 30%
Grade Control, 11%
Hand Tools, 11%
Highway Construction, 10%
Grade Stakes, 7%
Construction Projects, 5%