By: Kaitlin Erickson

Building Inspectors examine buildings, highways, streets, sewers, water systems, dams, bridges, and other structures in areas where certain types of sever weather or natural disasters, earthquakes and hurricanes are common. Inspectors monitor compliance with additional safety regulations designed to protect structures and occupants during those events.

Building Inspectors usually work alone. Several may be assigned to large, complex problems because inspectors tend to specialize in different areas of construction.

Inspectors also spend time in an office reviewing blueprints, answering letters or telephone calls, writing reports, and scheduling inspections.

Inspectors require a high school diploma, or the equivalent. Likely employers look for people that have a degree from a community college or junior college courses with building inspector.

Inspectors must posses the right mix of technical knowledge, experience, and education. Employers prefer applicants who have both former training and experience. Many inspectors were previously carpenters, electricians, and plumbers.

Building inspectors should be best for highly experienced supervisors and construction craft workers who have some college education, engineering, or architectural training or certification as inspectors or plan examiners inspectors should experience faster than average employment growth.

Medium annual earning of wage and salary for building inspectors were $46,000 in May 2006. 50% earn $36,610 - $58,780. Lowest 10% make $29,210. Highest 10% $72,590.

Benefits vary by place of employment. Working for the government and private companies typically receive standard benefits including health and medical insurance, a retirement plan, and paid annual leave. People who are self employed provide their own benefits. More than a quarter of all building inspectors belong to a union.

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