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Building inspector: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 26, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$74,690median pay per year, or $35.91 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $47,140lowest 10% earn less
  2. $58,86025th percentile
  3. $74,690median
  4. $94,71075th percentile
  5. $114,200top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[3]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[4]

Construction and Building Inspectors, the BLS category that covers building inspector jobs, earned a median of $74,690 a year in May 2025[1]. BLS projects employment to stay about the same from 2025 to 2035[2].

Job growth, 2025–35
+0%[2]
Openings per year
14,800[5]
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent[6]

How much do building inspectors make?

BLS tracks this work as Construction and Building Inspectors. In May 2025 the median wage was $74,690 a year, or $35.91 an hour[1]. The average was $77,730 a year, or $37.37 an hour[7]. The median annual wage for all occupations was $50,980[4], so the median here is higher.

Percentile Annual wage Hourly wage
10th[3][8] $47,140 $22.66
25th[3][8] $58,860 $28.30
Median[1] $74,690 $35.91
75th[3][8] $94,710 $45.54
90th[3][8] $114,200 $54.91

The lowest-paid 10% of workers earned less than $47,140[3]. A percentile is a boundary, and BLS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary[9]. The figures cover people paid a wage or salary. They leave out the self-employed, nonproduction bonuses and employer-paid benefits such as health insurance[10]. About 146,720 people held these wage and salary jobs[11].

Pay by state and city

Among the 50 states and DC with published data, Alaska had the highest median at $102,410[12]. California followed at $101,290 and Connecticut at $98,670[12]. Mississippi had the lowest listed median, $50,250[12].

Texas had the most jobs, 18,230[13]. Florida had 13,860, California 13,420, New York 11,160 and Virginia 6,550[13].

Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA had the highest median at $129,750[14]. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA came next at $125,130, then Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA at $112,550[14]. The metro area with the most jobs was New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ, with 10,340 jobs and a median of $90,800[15].

Show median pay in 50 states and DC
StateMedian per yearJobs
Alaska[12]$102,410270
California$101,29013,420
Connecticut$98,6701,430
Washington$96,1403,090
Minnesota$88,6701,390
District of Columbia$86,200370
Oregon$84,5101,780
Massachusetts$83,2004,290
New Jersey$81,7605,950
Colorado$79,9503,700
New York$79,46011,160
Hawaii$79,320710
North Dakota$78,570180
Illinois$78,3402,560
Rhode Island$77,420270
Maryland$76,6402,780
Montana$75,700290
Virginia$75,6606,550
Wisconsin$75,6101,270
Nevada$75,2901,780
Maine$74,670710
Ohio$74,4903,490
Utah$74,1301,240
Arizona$73,4403,330
Delaware$72,700570
Iowa$71,6301,140
Michigan$71,0403,090
Louisiana$68,2601,440
Florida$68,17013,860
Vermont$66,580120
North Carolina$66,0806,490
Georgia$65,9804,510
Pennsylvania$65,8705,320
New Hampshire$65,640420
New Mexico$65,420800
Nebraska$65,000570
South Dakota$64,940200
Texas$64,81018,230
West Virginia$64,000540
Idaho$63,5701,000
Kansas$63,150840
Missouri$62,9701,640
Indiana$62,8502,110
Wyoming$61,870370
Alabama$61,3001,420
Kentucky$60,2001,380
Tennessee$59,8702,500
Oklahoma$59,2802,090
South Carolina$58,8402,500
Arkansas$52,700800
Mississippi$50,250800

How to become a building inspector

BLS describes the typical path into Construction and Building Inspectors this way:

The Occupational Outlook Handbook says employers want inspectors to hold at least a high school diploma, even if they have a lot of experience[16]. It says employers may prefer people who have trade experience, and that many inspectors have worked as carpenters, electricians or plumbers[17]. Some employers look for a bachelor's degree in engineering or architecture or another postsecondary credential[18]. Many community colleges offer a certificate or associate's degree in building inspection technology[18].

In an O*NET survey of 25 workers, 36% said a high school diploma or equivalent is the education level required, 36% said a post-secondary certificate and 16% said a bachelor's degree[19]. This is a small survey, so read it as a rough guide.

Much of the training happens on the job. Trainees work with an experienced inspector and learn codes, inspection techniques and reporting duties[20]. Training requirements vary by state, locality and type of inspector[20].

The handbook says many states and localities require a license or certification[21]. Some states run their own licensing programs for inspectors, while others may require certification by professional associations[22]. Some places require continuing education to keep credentials[23]. Inspectors also need a valid driver's license to reach inspection sites[24]. Requirements differ by place, so the handbook points to state licensing boards through CareerOneStop[25].

What building inspectors do

O*NET describes the work as inspecting structures for soundness and for compliance with specifications, building codes and other rules[26]. Some inspections cover one area, such as electrical systems or plumbing[26]. Common tasks include:

Workers report job titles such as building official, code enforcement officer and electrical inspector[28].

Where they work

Local government, excluding education and hospitals, was the largest employer, at 36% of jobs in 2025[29]. Inspectors spend much of their time at worksites. They also do office work, such as reviewing blueprints, writing reports and scheduling inspections[30]. Some climb ladders or crawl in tight spaces[31]. Inspectors typically work alone, though large and complex projects may call for a team[32]. Regular business hours and full-time work are typical. Extra hours can come during busy construction periods or after a site accident, and self-employed inspectors such as home inspectors may work evenings and weekends[33]. In 2025, 3.3% of Construction and Building Inspectors were self-employed[34].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment of Construction and Building Inspectors to stay about the same, at 0% change, from 2025 to 2035[2]. The projection shows about 153,900 jobs at both ends of that period[2]. Employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% over the same years[35]. The projection counts include self-employed workers[2]. BLS names more use of remote inspection technology as a factor that lowers this occupation's share of employment[36].

About 14,800 openings a year are projected on average from 2025 to 2035[5]. Openings include jobs that come open when people retire or change occupations, not only new jobs[5]. Each year, 5.2% of workers leave the labor force and 4.4% move to a different occupation[37].

For comparison, O*NET lists related occupations such as Construction Managers with a median of $114,990 and projected growth of 9.1%, and Electricians with a median of $63,190 and growth of 9.2%[38].

Is it a good fit?

The facts point to a job that does not require a degree but does ask for experience. BLS lists a high school diploma and 5 years or more of related work as the typical path[6]. Median pay was above the all-occupations median[1][4], and it varies by place, from $102,410 in Alaska to $50,250 in Mississippi[12]. Employment is projected to stay flat, though about 14,800 openings a year are still expected[2][5]. Licensing or certification is common, so local rules are worth checking[21][22].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[38].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a building inspector make an hour?
The median wage was $35.91 an hour in May 2025[1]. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $22.66 and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $54.91[8].
What do you need to become a building inspector?
BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent, 5 years or more of related work experience and moderate-term on-the-job training as the typical path[6]. Many states and localities require a license or certification[21].
Is building inspector a growing field?
BLS projects employment to stay about the same from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3.5% growth for all occupations[2][35]. About 14,800 openings a year are expected[5].
What is the highest paying state for building inspectors?
Alaska had the highest median at $102,410, followed by California at $101,290[12].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Construction and Building Inspectors in the US was $74,690 per year and $35.91 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Construction and Building Inspectors is projected to stay about the same 0% from 2025 to 2035, from about 153,900 to 153,900 jobs (a change of +0). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  3. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Construction and Building Inspectors: 10th percentile $47,140, 25th percentile $58,860, 75th percentile $94,710, 90th percentile $114,200. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS Employment Projections: about 14,800 openings for Construction and Building Inspectors are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  6. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Construction and Building Inspectors: education needed for entry: High school diploma or equivalent; work experience in a related occupation: 5 years or more; typical on-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Construction and Building Inspectors was $77,730 per year and $37.37 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  8. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Construction and Building Inspectors: 10th percentile $22.66, 25th percentile $28.30, 75th percentile $45.54, 90th percentile $54.91. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 146,720 people were employed as Construction and Building Inspectors in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. Median annual wage for Construction and Building Inspectors in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Construction and Building Inspectors jobs: Texas 18,230; Florida 13,860; California 13,420; New York 11,160; Virginia 6,550. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Construction and Building Inspectors (areas with at least 100 jobs): San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $129,750; San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $125,130; Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $112,550; Vallejo, CA $108,180; Anchorage, AK $106,780; Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $103,980; Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $102,830; Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT $102,130. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Construction and Building Inspectors jobs: New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 10,340 (median $90,800); Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 5,450 (median $69,020); Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX 4,980 (median $66,780); Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL 4,380 (median $76,610); Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 4,060 (median $80,150); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 3,870 (median $100,280). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Work Experience in a Related Occupation. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. O*NET 47-4011.00 survey of workers (25 respondents), education level they say is required: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) 36%, Post-Secondary Certificate 36%, Bachelor's Degree 16% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  24. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  25. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  26. O*NET description of Construction and Building Inspectors. O*NET OnLine
  27. O*NET task list for Construction and Building Inspectors. O*NET OnLine
  28. O*NET 47-4011.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Building Code Administrator, Building Inspector, Building Official, Code Enforcement Officer, Code Inspector, Combination Building Inspector, Construction Inspector, Electrical Inspector. O*NET OnLine
  29. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of construction and building inspectors in 2025: Local government, excluding education and hospitals 36%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  30. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  31. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  34. BLS Employment Projections: 3.3% of Construction and Building Inspectors were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
  35. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  36. BLS Employment Projections, factor affecting employment of Construction and Building Inspectors: Productivity change - share decreases as more remote inspection technology is used. BLS Employment Projections
  37. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Construction and Building Inspectors: 5.2% of workers leave the labor force each year and 4.4% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  38. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.