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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Public Works Inspector in Iowa is $80,114 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, a Public Works Inspector's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Public Works Inspector Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $87,299 | $7,275 | $1,679 | $42 |
| Average | $80,114 | $6,676 | $1,541 | $39 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,898 | $5,908 | $1,363 | $34 |
Government Jobs - Johnston, IA
City of Davenport, IA - Davenport, IA
City of Marion - Marion, IA
City of Johnston, IA - Johnston, IA
A Public Works 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Public Works 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 |
|---|---|
| Field Eng... Level Public Works Inspector | $69,479 |
| Public Wo... Level Public Works Inspector | $80,754 |
| Field Eng... Level Public Works Inspector | $93,018 |
| Field Eng... Level Public Works Inspector | $117,134 |
| Field Eng... Level Public Works Inspector | $112,444 |
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 Public Works Inspectors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Public Works Inspector roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Business Services and Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Public Works Inspector positions in Construction or Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Public Works Inspector as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Services | $120,172 | $58.0 | 50% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $104,149 | $50.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $96,137 | $46.0 | 20% |
| Hospitality & Leisure | $92,132 | $44.0 | 15% |
| MFG Nondurable | $88,126 | $42.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Public Works 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $87,299 | $7,275 | $1,679 | $42 |
| Average | $80,114 | $6,676 | $1,541 | $39 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,898 | $5,908 | $1,363 | $34 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Public Works Inspector job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
City of Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids, IA
City of Cedar Rapids | Cedar Rapids, IA
Public Works Traffic Maintenance Worker I Or II. Help keep Cedar Rapids moving safely. As a Public Works Traffic Maintenance Worker I or II, you'll maintai... more
6 Days Ago
City of Cedar Rapids, IA
Cedar Rapids, IA
City of Cedar Rapids, IA | Cedar Rapids, IA
Salary : $35,360.00 - $37,440.00 AnnuallyLocation : Cedar Rapids, IAJob Type: TemporaryDepartment: Public WorksDivision: StreetsOpening Date: 02/02/2026Clo... more
7 Days Ago
Transylvania County
BREVARD, NC
Transylvania County | BREVARD, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Join Our Team as a Public Health Nurse I – Make a Meaningful Impact. Are you a compassionate nurse looking to serve your ... more
15 Days Ago
City of Fort Lauderdale
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL
City of Fort Lauderdale | FORT LAUDERDALE, FL
Position Title: Project Manager II - Public Works Utility Modeling Department: Public Works Job Type: Full Time Salary Range: $85,379.21 - $132,344.16 Annu... more
5 Days Ago
Transylvania County
BREVARD, NC
Transylvania County | BREVARD, NC
Join Our Team as a Public Health Nurse I – Make a Meaningful Impact. Are you a compassionate nurse looking to serve your community. Transylvania County Pub... more
14 Days Ago
The LiRo Group
ROCHESTER, NY
The LiRo Group | ROCHESTER, NY
Construction Inspector US-NY-Rochester Job ID: 2026-3271 of Openings: 1 Category: Construction Management Liro-Hill Overview We have an immediate need for ... more
5 Days Ago
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