A building inspector is responsible for checking buildings and structures to ensure they meet safety codes and regulations. Their job is important for keeping people safe in homes, offices, and other buildings. But how much do they make in the United States?
Average salary
The average salary for a building inspector in the USA is $65,619 per year. This means most inspectors earn about $31.55 per hour. However, salaries can vary based on experience, location, and job responsibilities.
Entry-level vs. experienced salaries
People who are new to the job usually start with a lower salary. Entry-level positions begin at around $52,385 per year. On the other hand, highly experienced building inspectors can make up to $91,976 per year.
Salary range by state
Salaries for building inspectors are different depending on the state. Some states pay much higher wages than others. Below is a list of how much building inspectors earn in different regions:
- California – $86,955
- Connecticut – $85,235
- Washington – $80,934
- Oregon – $75,989
- Wisconsin – $75,430
- Nevada – $75,296
- Massachusetts – $74,790
- Alaska – $74,544
- Illinois – $69,451
- Florida – $68,772
- Minnesota – $68,416
- New Jersey – $68,250
- New York – $68,035
- Michigan – $67,600
- Colorado – $67,324
- North Dakota – $66,754
- Wyoming – $66,563
- Utah – $64,834
- Maryland – $64,027
- New Hampshire – $63,911
- Nebraska – $62,764
- Pennsylvania – $62,400
- Ohio – $60,211
- Iowa – $60,000
- Hawaii – $58,824
- North Carolina – $57,757
- Arizona – $57,291
- New Mexico – $56,004
- Georgia – $55,000
- Idaho – $54,158
- Alabama – $52,145
- Texas – $52,009
- Kentucky – $51,792
- Louisiana – $51,675
- Missouri – $51,500
- Tennessee – $50,997
- Virginia – $50,730
- Montana – $50,616
- Kansas – $50,310
- South Carolina – $50,086
- Rhode Island – $49,129
- Oklahoma – $47,679
- South Dakota – $47,541
- Indiana – $46,240
- Arkansas – $41,856
Related jobs and salaries
Building inspectors are part of the construction and safety field. Other jobs in this field have different salary ranges. Here are some related jobs and their average salaries:
- Compliance manager – $113,883
- Compliance officer – $90,243
- Compliance analyst – $81,493
- Building engineer – $72,495
- Construction inspector – $66,668
- Compliance coordinator – $53,561
- Firefighter – $50,416
- Plant operator – $45,802
- Inspector – $44,724
- Construction technician – $44,724
What you must know
Building inspectors play an important role in ensuring structures are safe and meet government standards. Their salaries vary depending on experience and location. In some states, they earn much higher wages than in others. If you are interested in this career, it can be a stable and well-paying job, especially with experience and training.