Construction and building inspectors
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$72,120
~$35/hr · ~$6,010/mo
US Jobs
148K
Decline
AI & Automation Risk
5/10
Moderate
AI & Automation Risk
Moderate 5/10
The occupation is a hybrid of physical site visits and digital knowledge work. AI and computer vision can significantly automate the 'plans examiner' and report-writing functions, while remote inspection technology is already projected to reduce labor demand. However, the core requirement for physical presence to navigate tight spaces, use manual testing equipment, and verify real-world conditions provides a substantial barrier to full automation.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CABEST VALUE | $129,160 | Above avg (113.1) | $114,241 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $125,150 | Above avg (117.6) | $106,464 |
| Vallejo, CA | $113,030 | Above avg (109.4) | $103,357 |
| Rochester, MN | $92,150 | Below avg (93.0) | $99,131 |
| Lake Charles, LA | $85,280 | Below avg (87.1) | $97,927 |
| Fairbanks-College, AK | $98,560 | Average (101.2) | $97,392 |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $87,700 | Below avg (90.8) | $96,593 |
| Redding, CA | $99,210 | Above avg (103.0) | $96,319 |
| Walla Walla, WA | $94,310 | Average (97.9) | $96,307 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $109,070 | Above avg (113.7) | $95,905 |
| Lafayette, LA | $83,190 | Below avg (87.6) | $95,017 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $102,380 | Above avg (109.1) | $93,848 |
| Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ | $79,350 | Below avg (87.3) | $90,902 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | $80,720 | Below avg (89.1) | $90,559 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $102,000 | Above avg (112.8) | $90,446 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
High school diploma or equivalent
10-Year Growth
-1% (Decline)
Hourly Rate
~$35/hr
Monthly Income
~$6,010/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)