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Utility inspector vs home inspector

The differences between utility inspectors and home 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 home inspector. Additionally, a home inspector has an average salary of $51,264, 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 home inspector are crawl spaces, pest control, and plumbing.

Utility inspector vs home inspector overview

Utility InspectorHome Inspector
Yearly salary$43,725$51,264
Hourly rate$21.02$24.65
Growth rate-4%-4%
Number of jobs23,10655,491
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%Bachelor's Degree, 45%
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 a home inspector do?

A home inspector is primarily in charge of performing inspections and assessments to identify problem areas and potential risks. Although the extent of their responsibilities depends on their line of work or company of employment, it usually includes studying and assessing the structural elements of houses such as its floors and ceilings, testing the alarm or fire detecting equipment, inspecting drainage and pipe systems, and checking appliances should there be any. Moreover, a home inspector produces detailed reports along with recommendations to help the clients in making decisions.

Utility inspector vs home inspector salary

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

Utility InspectorHome Inspector
Average salary$43,725$51,264
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $58,000Between $32,000 And $82,000
Highest paying CitySacramento, CA-
Highest paying stateMontana-
Best paying companyRS&H-
Best paying industryTechnology-

Differences between utility inspector and home inspector education

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

Utility InspectorHome Inspector
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeSan Diego State UniversitySan Diego State University

Utility inspector vs home inspector demographics

Here are the differences between utility inspectors' and home inspectors' demographics:

Utility InspectorHome Inspector
Average age5050
Gender ratioMale, 92.0% Female, 8.0%Male, 85.7% Female, 14.3%
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, 8.1% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Asian, 3.4% White, 69.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between utility inspector and home 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

Home inspector example responsibilities.

  • Lead site excavations, form structuring, and supervise concrete pours.
  • Perform weekly boiler inspections at several APS schools
  • Perform NDT MPI/ LPI inspections on MWD and LWD tools used in the oil and gas industry.
  • Drive company vehicle to preset locations to meet with roofing contractors for final inspections for issuance of final warranties.
  • Test materials to make sure they are in conformance with ASHTO and ASTM and the Maryland book of standards.
  • Read structural blueprints to verify pile placement, inspect piles according to ASTM standards and record the driving depth.
  • Show more

Utility inspector vs home inspector skills

Common utility inspector skills
  • Pipeline Construction, 18%
  • Gas Meters, 12%
  • Backfill, 11%
  • Safety Procedures, 6%
  • Utility Poles, 5%
  • DOT, 4%
Common home inspector skills
  • Crawl Spaces, 17%
  • Pest Control, 14%
  • Plumbing, 12%
  • Inspection Reports, 8%
  • Inspection Services, 7%
  • Safety Issues, 6%

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