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Construction and Building Inspectors

General Information

Description

Inspect structures using engineering skills to determine structural soundness and compliance with specifications, building codes, and other regulations. Inspections may be general in nature or may be limited to a specific area, such as electrical systems or plumbing.

Business Breakdown

People in this career work in these sectors.

  1. Private, for profit45.23%
  2. State and local government32.55%
  3. Self-employed15.66%
  4. Federal government4.13%
  5. Private, not for profit2.03%

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Industry areas

  • Government & Public Administration

Job Outlook

Projected Job Growth (2022 - 2032)
-2%
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Related Military Careers

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    • Construction Managers
      • Construction managers provide construction, survey and design, and electrical engineering expertise across a broad spectrum of construction operations in a variety of units. They coordinate and plan the development and support of military construction programs and maintain technical liaison with systems commands and fleet commands on facilities logistic problems. Navigate to Military Career Page
    • Construction Specialists
      • Construction specialists perform and manage the construction of buildings, bridges, foundations, utility systems, dams, and bunkers. They manage, construct, repair, and modify structural systems and wooden, masonry, metal, and concrete buildings. They also oversee bridge building, rafting, and river crossing operations to coordinate the building of structures during combat. Construction specialists must have a working knowledge of carpentry and masonry. Navigate to Military Career Page
    • Environmental Health and Safety Officers
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    • Environmental Health and Safety Specialists
      • Environmental health and safety specialists protect the military community through programs to ensure that military facilities and food supplies are free of disease, germs, and other hazardous conditions. These specialists identify, research, and mitigate occupational and environmental health hazards and risks that may negatively impact health, human performance, and environmental health quality. They manage programs related to communicable disease control and prevention, food safety, sanitary compliance, occupational health and safety, hazardous material control, and public health contingency response. They also assess Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear safety. Navigate to Military Career Page
    • Heating and Cooling Mechanics
      • Heating and cooling mechanics are responsible for providing the Military with technical and mechanical services regarding heating, cooling, and related systems. They install, operate, and perform inspections, testing, troubleshooting, and repairs on malfunctioning systems. They perform maintenance and quality control functions, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. They supervise and provide guidance to subordinates and they provide recommendations regarding installation and repair of HVAC/R and related systems. Navigate to Military Career Page
    • Marine Equipment Mechanics
      • The Military operates many types of watercraft from small motor launches to large ships, many of which are powered by gasoline or diesel engines. These vessels also contain mechanical and electrical systems that are critical to their overall operation. It is the job of marine equipment mechanics to maintain and operate these systems. Navigate to Military Career Page
    • Facilities Managers
      • Facilities managers plan for base realignment and closure; identify facility requirements; oversee operation, maintenance, and repair budgets; and supervise those performing construction, repair, and maintenance duties. They may participate in new construction final acceptance inspection. Navigate to Military Career Page
    • Plumbers and Pipefitters
    • Power Plant Mechanics
      • Power plant mechanics install, maintain, and repair mechanical equipment in power-generating stations. They maintain various types of power-generating equipment on land, ships, and submarines. They also support the mobile utility equipment that the Military provides as portable, temporary sources of electricity. Navigate to Military Career Page
    • Inspectors and Evaluators
      • Inspectors and evaluators review and ensure the quality of military processes and resources. They may inspect the status of equipment, facilities, vehicles, or personnel, and collect information through observation and interviews. They verify compliance with appropriate regulations and prepare reports and recommendations to communicate findings. Navigate to Military Career Page
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Salary

Salary Information

Median Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

$64,480

State-by-state Salary

Gray states indicate no data available

Salary Range Salary varies based on years of experience, degree level and location.

$24,170
$93,600
No Information for this section

Education & Interests

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Post-secondary certificate 34%
  • High school 21%
  • Bachelor's degree 17%
  • Associate's degree 17%
  • Some college 4%
  • Post-master's certificate 4%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Less than high school 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • First professional degree 0%

Related College Majors

Select major to see colleges that offer it

PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS

You may find this career fulfilling if you consider yourself to be:

  • Realistic — You have an interest in physically working with equipment, materials or structures.
  • Conventional — You have an interest in following procedures and regulations to organize information or data.
  • Investigative — You have an interest in studying and researching objects, organisms, and other things.

Not sure what characteristics best describe you? Take the RIASEC Test.

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership

Knowledge

  • Building and Construction
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Design
  • Mechanical

Gain insights into your knowledge by using the ASVAB Career Exploration Program

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