Utility inspector vs safety inspector

The differences between utility inspectors and safety 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 safety inspector. Additionally, a safety inspector has an average salary of $48,765, 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 safety inspector are OSHA, safety procedures, and safety inspections.

Utility inspector vs safety inspector overview

	Utility Inspector	Safety Inspector
Yearly salary	$43,725	$48,765
Hourly rate	$21.02	$23.44
Growth rate	-4%	6%
Number of jobs	23,106	30,193
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 33%	Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age	50	45
Years of experience	6	6

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 safety inspector do?

A safety inspector is in charge of performing inspections to ensure that workplaces comply with the company or government's safety standards and regulations. Their responsibilities include inspecting tools and equipment, reviewing documents and specifications, assessing the workforce performances and conditions, observing facilities, and ensuring that employees have protective gear and safety measure knowledge. Moreover, a safety inspector utilizes the findings of their observation to recommend methods that will help workplaces maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone. They may also investigate workplace incidents to keep them from happening again.

Utility inspector vs safety inspector salary

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

	Utility Inspector	Safety Inspector
Average salary	$43,725	$48,765
Salary range	Between $32,000 And $58,000	Between $34,000 And $69,000
Highest paying City	Sacramento, CA	Sacramento, CA
Highest paying state	Montana	Alaska
Best paying company	RS&H	Volkert
Best paying industry	Technology	Energy

Differences between utility inspector and safety inspector education

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

	Utility Inspector	Safety Inspector
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 33%	Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	San Diego State University	-

Utility inspector vs safety inspector demographics

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

	Utility Inspector	Safety Inspector
Average age	50	45
Gender ratio	Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0%	Male, 82.1% Female, 17.9%
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, 10.1% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 14.3% Asian, 5.7% White, 62.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	5%	7%

Differences between utility inspector and safety 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.

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Safety inspector example responsibilities.

Assist with ergonomics assessments, assist in managing HAZMAT and chemical storage programs, and evaluate fire prevention plans.
Complete workshop and laboratory equipment safety for all university buildings for compliance with OSHA and other appropriate regulations.
Investigate and document incidents using accurate and industry relate terminology to protect against lawsuits and to provide OSHA with additional information.
Upgrade and assist with the maintenance of the facility MSDS system, in particular the raw material MSDS's.
Detail record keeping of JSAs, tool, ladder and PPE inspections.
Participate in new equipment planning and installation team activities to include PSM processes documentation and validation i.e.

Utility inspector vs safety inspector skills

Common utility inspector skills

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

Common safety inspector skills

OSHA, 13%
Safety Procedures, 7%
Safety Inspections, 6%
Fire Protection, 5%
Safety Standards, 5%
Contractor Safety, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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