Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Construction and building inspectors usually need a high school diploma and work experience in a construction trade to enter the occupation. They typically learn on the job to attain competency. Many states and localities require some type of license or certification. PayThe median annual wage for construction and building inspectors was $74,690 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of construction and building inspectors is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035. Despite limited employment growth, about 14,800 openings for construction and building inspectors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for construction and building inspectors. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of construction and building inspectors with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about construction and building inspectors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for construction and building inspectors was $74,690 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of construction and building inspectors is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035. Despite limited employment growth, about 14,800 openings for construction and building inspectors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for construction and building inspectors. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of construction and building inspectors with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about construction and building inspectors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of construction and building inspectors is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035. Despite limited employment growth, about 14,800 openings for construction and building inspectors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for construction and building inspectors. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of construction and building inspectors with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about construction and building inspectors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Construction and building inspectors ensure that construction meets building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications.
Work Environment
Construction and building inspectors examine worksites, both alone and as part of a team. Some inspectors climb ladders or crawl in tight spaces. Most work full time during regular business hours.
How to Become a Construction or Building Inspector
Construction and building inspectors usually need a high school diploma and work experience in a construction trade to enter the occupation. They typically learn on the job to attain competency. Many states and localities require some type of license or certification.
Pay
The median annual wage for construction and building inspectors was $74,690 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of construction and building inspectors is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035.
Despite limited employment growth, about 14,800 openings for construction and building inspectors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for construction and building inspectors.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of construction and building inspectors with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about construction and building inspectors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Construction and building inspectors examine worksites, both alone and as part of a team. Some inspectors climb ladders or crawl in tight spaces. Most work full time during regular business hours.
How to Become a Construction or Building Inspector
Construction and building inspectors usually need a high school diploma and work experience in a construction trade to enter the occupation. They typically learn on the job to attain competency. Many states and localities require some type of license or certification.
Pay
The median annual wage for construction and building inspectors was $74,690 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of construction and building inspectors is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035.
Despite limited employment growth, about 14,800 openings for construction and building inspectors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for construction and building inspectors.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of construction and building inspectors with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about construction and building inspectors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for construction and building inspectors.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of construction and building inspectors with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about construction and building inspectors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about construction and building inspectors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Explore Training Options
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.