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Construction Trades Inspector - Building Salary in the United States

How much does a Construction Trades Inspector - Building make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Construction Trades Inspector - Building in the United States is $60,990 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.

However, a Construction Trades Inspector - Building's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $75,700
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $54,090 to $68,690
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $47,808
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Construction Trades Inspector - Building Salaries

A Construction Trades Inspector - Building's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Construction Trades Inspector - Building Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Construction Trades Inspector - Building's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $60,475
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $61,220
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $62,944
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $63,289
  • Expert (over 8 years): $63,518
Levels Salary
Entry Level Construction Trades Inspector - Building$60,475
Intermediate Level Construction Trades Inspector - Building$61,220
Senior Level Construction Trades Inspector - Building$62,944
Specialist Level Construction Trades Inspector - Building$63,289
Expert Level Construction Trades Inspector - Building$63,518
View as Graph

How Do Construction Trades Inspector - Building Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Construction Trades Inspector - Buildings. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $67,490.
  • California: $67,190.
  • Massachusetts: $66,290.

Top Paying Cities for Construction Trades Inspector - Buildings

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $76,890
  • San Francisco: $75,990
  • Oakland: $74,390

What Skills Can Increase a Construction Trades Inspector - Building's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Attention to Detail (Mentioned in 3.83% Job Postings): Executing and completing a task with a high level of accuracy.
  • API (Mentioned in 3.38% Job Postings): An application programming interface is a way for two or more computer programs to communicate with each other. It is a type of software interface, offering a service to other pieces of software.
  • Microsoft Office (Mentioned in 2.4% Job Postings): Microsoft Office is a suite of desktop productivity applications that is designed by Microsoft for business use. You can create documents containing text and images, work with data in spreadsheets and databases, create presentations and posters.
Skills Demand Percentage
Attention to Detail 3.83%
API 3.38%
Microsoft Office 2.4%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Construction Trades Inspector - Building's salary.

  • Oral Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Construction Management: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Presentation: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Oral Communication $65,869
8%
Construction Management $65,869
8%
Presentation $65,869
8%
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Construction Trades Inspector - Building Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Construction Trades Inspector - Building salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $66,262. While startup companies pay approximate $56,157.

Construction Trades Inspector - Building Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $56,157
Growth Stage 51~500 $59,365
Established 501~5000 $64,016
Enterprise 5000+ $66,262

Construction Trades Inspector - Building Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Construction Trades Inspector - Building roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Construction Trades Inspector - Building positions in Retail & Wholesale or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Construction Trades Inspector - Building as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Construction Trades Inspector - Building

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$76,238$37.025%
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$67,089$32.010%
Construction$64,040$31.05%

How Education impacts a Construction Trades Inspector - Building's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Construction Trades Inspector - Buildings enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Construction Trades Inspector - Building with a Associate's Degree is between $56,799 and $62,212).

Construction Trades Inspector - Building Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Construction Trades Inspector - Building
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.6%
High School 46.3%
Associates 18.3%
Bachelors 31.1%
Masters 2.4%
Doctorate 1.2%
View as Graph

Construction Trades Inspector - Building Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Construction Trades Inspector - Building's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$54,090
Average $60,990/year
$68,690
$4,508
Average $5,083/month
$5,724
$1,040
Average $1,173/week
$1,321
$26
Average $29/hour
$33
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $68,690 $5,724 $1,321 $33
Average $60,990 $5,083 $1,173 $29
25th Percentile $54,090 $4,508 $1,040 $26

Most common benefits for Construction Trades Inspector - Building

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Construction Trades Inspector - Building

Here are companies hiring for Construction Trades Inspector - Building and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Construction Trades Inspector - Building

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Construction Trades Inspector - Building?

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Construction Trades Inspector - Building roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. Is there a shortage of building inspectors?

Inspections are essential for community safety and healthy living conditions. However, there is often a shortage of building inspectors, particularly as many qualified professionals approach retirement. The salary for a Construction Trades Inspector ranges from $57,490 to $76,190, which may impact recruitment and retention in this vital field.

3. What is the difference between a building inspector and a construction inspector?

Building inspectors, often referred to as construction inspectors, work for local governments to ensure construction projects comply with codes and regulations. Their role includes signing off on projects. In contrast, home inspectors assess properties for safety and repair issues, typically for prospective buyers. The salary for a Construction Trades Inspector - Building ranges from $57,490 to $76,190, with a median of $65,690.

4. How much do inspectors make per inspection?

Inspectors in the construction trades typically earn between $57,490 and $76,190 annually, with a mid-salary of $65,690. While the average home inspection fee ranges from $300 to $500, most inspectors earn around $400 per inspection. Income can increase significantly in a thriving real estate market.

5. Is property inspector a good job?

Being a Construction Trades Inspector can be a rewarding career, offering a salary range from $57,490 to $76,190, with a midpoint of $65,690. While the job can be physically demanding and involves some liability risks, it provides stability and the chance to make a good income for those willing to take on the challenges.

6. What type of inspector makes the most money?

The highest-paying inspector roles include positions like the Construction Trades Inspector - Building, with a salary range of approximately $57,490 to $76,190 annually. Other high-paying roles in the field include Licensed Home Inspectors and Zoning Administrators, with salaries varying widely based on experience and location.

7. What type of inspectors make the most money?

Construction Trades Inspectors in the building sector earn competitive salaries, with a minimum of $57,490, a mid-range salary of $65,690, and a maximum of $76,190. This positions them among the higher-earning inspectors, reflecting the specialized skills and responsibilities required in this field.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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