How much does a construction and building inspector make?
The median construction and building inspector in the United States earns $72,120 per year, about $34.67 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all construction and building inspectors earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. SOC code 47-4011.
Construction and building inspector salary range
Pay for construction and building inspectors spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $46,560 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $112,320. The average (mean) wage of $76,430 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,560 | $22.38 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $57,300 | $27.55 | |
| Median (50th) | $72,120 | $34.67 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $92,330 | $44.39 | |
| 90th percentile | $112,320 | $54.00 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for construction and building inspectors (SOC 47-4011), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
Construction and building inspector salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Construction and building inspectors earn the most in California at $101,160 a year, and the least in Mississippi at $49,750. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| California | $101,160 | 14,010 |
| Alaska | $94,030 | 270 |
| District of Columbia | $91,630 | 300 |
| Washington | $89,360 | 2,960 |
| Connecticut | $87,290 | 990 |
| Minnesota | $83,890 | 1,300 |
| Oregon | $82,220 | 1,670 |
| New Jersey | $82,210 | 7,040 |
| Massachusetts | $79,220 | 4,000 |
| Colorado | $78,940 | 3,540 |
| New York | $78,570 | 10,160 |
| Nevada | $76,560 | 1,050 |
| North Dakota | $74,970 | 210 |
| Illinois | $73,050 | 3,350 |
| Arizona | $73,040 | 3,580 |
| Rhode Island | $72,790 | 280 |
| Maryland | $71,990 | 3,170 |
| Utah | $71,040 | 1,260 |
| Ohio | $70,890 | 3,170 |
| Nebraska | $70,730 | 520 |
| Wisconsin | $70,700 | 1,200 |
| Virginia | $69,960 | 5,260 |
| Michigan | $69,890 | 3,080 |
| Hawaii | $69,560 | 610 |
| Louisiana | $69,150 | 1,290 |
| New Hampshire | $66,750 | 490 |
| Vermont | $66,130 | 130 |
| North Carolina | $65,830 | 6,020 |
| Idaho | $65,720 | 670 |
| Maine | $65,670 | 710 |
| Florida | $65,340 | 11,270 |
| Delaware | $64,990 | 650 |
| Georgia | $64,290 | 4,270 |
| Iowa | $63,830 | 1,260 |
| Kentucky | $63,770 | 1,060 |
| Indiana | $63,750 | 2,070 |
| South Dakota | $63,320 | 220 |
| Pennsylvania | $63,180 | 5,570 |
| New Mexico | $62,470 | 610 |
| Missouri | $62,230 | 1,690 |
| Texas | $62,110 | 15,920 |
| Kansas | $61,850 | 1,010 |
| Alabama | $61,500 | 1,110 |
| Montana | $60,500 | 340 |
| Wyoming | $60,320 | 280 |
| South Carolina | $60,050 | 1,960 |
| Tennessee | $59,850 | 1,810 |
| Oklahoma | $58,810 | 1,730 |
| West Virginia | $57,240 | 520 |
| Arkansas | $52,970 | 650 |
| Mississippi | $49,750 | 850 |
State median wages for construction and building inspectors (SOC 47-4011), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2024. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for construction and building inspectors
The BLS projects employment of construction and building inspectors to hold roughly steady from 2025 to 2035. That is little or no change, compared with 3.5% average growth for all occupations. That works out to roughly 153,900 jobs in 2025 moving toward 153,900 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 14,800 openings a year for construction and building inspectors. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a construction and building inspector
The typical entry-level education for construction and building inspectors is a high school diploma or equivalent, according to the BLS. Most roles also expect 5 years or more of work experience in a related occupation. New hires typically complete moderate-term on-the-job training to reach full competency.
A four-year college degree is usually not required to start, which makes this one of the jobs you can enter without a bachelor's degree. See more high paying jobs without a degree .
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a construction and building inspector earns
Experience, licensing, certifications, region, and overtime move these numbers the most. A licensed, experienced worker in a high cost metro or a strong union market lands near the top of the range, while apprentices and workers in rural areas start closer to the bottom.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (California, $101,160) and the lowest (Mississippi, $49,750) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 137,210 people work as construction and building inspectors in the United States. At $72,120 a year, the job pays above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs.
Construction and building inspector salary FAQ
How much does a construction and building inspector make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a construction and building inspector is $34.67. The middle half of construction and building inspectors earn between $27.55 and $44.39 per hour.
What is the highest construction and building inspector salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of construction and building inspectors earn more than $112,320 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a construction and building inspector make a year?
The median annual salary for a construction and building inspector is $72,120. The average (mean) wage of $76,430 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a construction and building inspector a well paid job?
At $72,120 a year, a construction and building inspector earns above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs. About 137,210 people work as construction and building inspectors in the United States.
Which state pays construction and building inspectors the most?
California has the highest median salary for construction and building inspectors at $101,160 a year. Alaska ($94,030) and District of Columbia ($91,630) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2024.
Is being a construction and building inspector a good career?
Employment of construction and building inspectors is projected to hold roughly steady 0% from 2025 to 2035, little or no change, compared with 3.5% average growth for all occupations. The BLS projects about 14,800 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a construction and building inspector?
No. The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for construction and building inspectors as a high school diploma or equivalent, so a four-year degree is usually not required to start.
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