Utility inspector vs pipeline construction inspector

The differences between utility inspectors and pipeline 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 a pipeline construction inspector. Additionally, a pipeline construction inspector has an average salary of $48,554, 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 pipeline construction inspector are OSHA, inspection reports, and API.

Utility inspector vs pipeline construction inspector overview

	Utility Inspector	Pipeline Construction Inspector
Yearly salary	$43,725	$48,554
Hourly rate	$21.02	$23.34
Growth rate	-4%	-4%
Number of jobs	23,106	42,200
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 33%	High School Diploma, 31%
Average age	50	50
Years of experience	6	6

Utility inspector vs pipeline construction inspector salary

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

	Utility Inspector	Pipeline Construction Inspector
Average salary	$43,725	$48,554
Salary range	Between $32,000 And $58,000	Between $30,000 And $76,000
Highest paying City	Sacramento, CA	-
Highest paying state	Montana	-
Best paying company	RS&H	-
Best paying industry	Technology	-

Differences between utility inspector and pipeline construction inspector education

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

	Utility Inspector	Pipeline Construction Inspector
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 33%	High School Diploma, 31%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	San Diego State University	San Diego State University

Utility inspector vs pipeline construction inspector demographics

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

	Utility Inspector	Pipeline Construction Inspector
Average age	50	50
Gender ratio	Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0%	Male, 96.1% Female, 3.9%
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, 8.3% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 13.0% Asian, 3.4% White, 68.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between utility inspector and pipeline 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.

Pipeline construction inspector example responsibilities.

Coordinate, manage, and conduct geotechnical engineering and engineering geology subsurface investigations.
Review and approve all MTR's, welding procedures and NDE personnel qualifications.
Look at construction methods for footings, foundations, excavations and concrete work.
Coordinate with NDE crews and document all testing done according to codes or specs.
Launch and receive cleaning pigs and assist with the launch and receiving of smart pigs.
Inspect over welding process and utilities procedures under appropriate codes: API, ASME per company standards.

Utility inspector vs pipeline construction inspector skills

Common utility inspector skills

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

Common pipeline construction inspector skills

OSHA, 13%
Inspection Reports, 11%
API, 11%
Nace, 10%
As-Built, 7%
Cathodic Protection, 5%

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Utility Inspector vs Pipeline Construction Inspector

Updated January 8, 2025

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