As of February 01, 2026, the average salary for a Building Inspector in the United States is $60,873 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a Building Inspector's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Building Inspector'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Building Inspector'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Building Inspector | $60,364 |
| Intermediate Level Building Inspector | $61,103 |
| Senior Level Building Inspector | $62,824 |
| Specialist Level Building Inspector | $63,168 |
| Expert Level Building Inspector | $63,398 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Building Inspectors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail | 3.83% |
| API | 3.38% |
| Microsoft Office | 2.4% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Oral Communication
|
$65,743 |
8%
|
|
Construction Management
|
$65,743 |
8%
|
|
Presentation
|
$65,743 |
8%
|
|
Purchasing
|
$65,134 |
7%
|
|
Project Management
|
$65,134 |
7%
|
|
Innovation
|
$65,134 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Building Inspectors 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 Building Inspector with a Associate's Degree is between $60,178 and $64,902).
Building Inspector Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
Understanding how a Building Inspector'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 February 01, 2026
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A Building Inspector's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Building Inspector earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Building Inspector is $76,779.
The highest pay for Building Inspector is $75,562.
The lowest pay for Building Inspector is $47,846.
Inspects various building structures to ensure safety and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. Documents inspection results and details violations and corrective actions required for compliance. Issues warnings, citations, or notices to comply and revisits violation sites to verify issues have been resolved. Investigates complaints about potential code violations such as illegal structures or zoning violations. Maintains technical knowledge and a deep understanding of structural quality, building codes and standards, and electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. Requires a high school diploma. Requires Building Inspection Certification. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.
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.)
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