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Bridge Culvert Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HDR

Bridge Designer/Inspector

Plymouth Meeting, PA · On-site

... culvert, and interchange design for highway and railway projects. • Perform structural ... PennDOT Bridge Safety Inspector Certification. • Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate. • ...

HDR

Bridge Designer/Inspector

Plymouth Meeting, PA · On-site

Physical ability to perform field inspections of in-service bridge and culvert structures, tunnel ... structures, highway structures, overhead sign structures, and hydraulic structures, including ...

CDM Smith

Bridge Engineer 5

Boston, MA

Participate in bridge and culvert inspections. Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers. Contribute to the growth of the Massachusetts and New England bridge practice through ...

HDR

Bridge Inspector

Charleston, SC

This position requires physical ability to perform filed inspections of in-service bridge and culvert structures, tunnel structures, highway structures, overhead sign structures, hydraulic structures ...

HDR

Bridge Inspector

Charleston, SC · On-site

This position requires physical ability to perform filed inspections of in-service bridge and culvert structures, tunnel structures, highway structures, overhead sign structures, hydraulic structures ...

HDR

Bridge Inspector EIT/Coordinator

Denver, CO · On-site

This position requires physical ability to perform field inspections of in-service bridge and culvert structures, tunnel structures, highway structures, overhead sign structures, hydraulic structures ...

HDR

Bridge Inspector EIT/Coordinator

Denver, CO

This position requires physical ability to perform field inspections of in-service bridge and culvert structures, tunnel structures, highway structures, overhead sign structures, hydraulic structures ...

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Bridge Culvert Inspector information

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$24.5K

$54.9K

$99K

How much do bridge culvert inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for bridge culvert inspector in the United States is $54,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $63,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What type of inspectors make the most money?

Senior or specialized inspectors, such as structural or civil inspectors with extensive experience and certifications, tend to earn higher salaries. In the context of bridge culvert inspection, inspectors with advanced training, certifications, and leadership roles typically make more than entry-level inspectors. Factors like location, employer, and project complexity also influence earnings.

What are some common challenges faced by Bridge Culvert Inspectors during field inspections?

Bridge Culvert Inspectors often face challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, accessing difficult or remote sites, and ensuring safety while conducting inspections in active traffic or near water. Additionally, interpreting structural issues that may not be immediately visible and accurately documenting findings for reporting purposes can be demanding. Effective communication with engineers, construction crews, and regulatory agencies is also crucial for addressing any deficiencies and coordinating maintenance or repairs.

What is the hardest part of a bridge inspection?

The hardest part of a bridge culvert inspection for inspectors is often accessing difficult or confined areas, such as underneath or inside the culvert, which may require specialized equipment and safety precautions. Additionally, identifying hidden structural issues like corrosion or cracks can be challenging without thorough visual and sometimes non-destructive testing methods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Bridge Culvert Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bridge Culvert Inspector, you need a solid understanding of civil engineering principles, construction materials, and inspection procedures, often supported by a degree or certification in civil engineering or a related field. Familiarity with inspection tools, structural analysis software, and compliance with standards such as AASHTO and DOT regulations is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help inspectors identify and report structural issues accurately. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure the safety, longevity, and regulatory compliance of bridge and culvert infrastructure.

What is the difference between Bridge Culvert Inspector vs Bridge Inspector?

AspectBridge Culvert InspectorBridge Inspector
CertificationsOften requires certifications in civil engineering or construction safetyTypically requires similar certifications, sometimes with additional structural engineering credentials
Work EnvironmentFocuses on inspecting culverts, drainage structures, and related infrastructureInspects entire bridges, including decks, supports, and foundations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by transportation departments, construction firms, and civil engineering companiesEmployed by government agencies, engineering firms, and transportation authorities

Both roles involve inspecting infrastructure, but Bridge Culvert Inspectors focus on culverts and drainage structures, while Bridge Inspectors evaluate entire bridge structures. The certifications, work environments, and employers overlap significantly, making them closely related roles within civil infrastructure inspection.

How do I become a bridge inspector?

To become a bridge inspector, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by relevant training in bridge inspection techniques and safety procedures. Many inspectors obtain certifications such as the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) certification and may need to gain experience in civil engineering or construction before working independently.

How much do bridge inspectors get paid?

Bridge culvert inspectors typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on government or private sector employment, with some inspectors earning higher wages with specialized skills or advanced training.

What are bridge culvert inspectors?

Bridge culvert inspectors are professionals responsible for examining the condition and structural integrity of bridges and culverts. They conduct regular inspections to identify any signs of wear, damage, or potential safety hazards, ensuring that these critical infrastructures remain safe for public use. Their work includes documenting findings, recommending repairs, and sometimes overseeing maintenance or repairs. Bridge culvert inspectors play a vital role in public safety and infrastructure management.
Infographic showing various Bridge Culvert Inspector job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,939 per year, or $26.4 per hour.
Bridge Designer/Inspector

Bridge Designer/Inspector

HDR

Plymouth Meeting, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 356 rated engineering

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
In the role of Bridge Designer/Inspector, we'll count on you to:
• Participate in bridge inspections, develop inspection reports, and perform structural load rating calculations.
• Perform inspections from ground level, ladder access, or hydraulic lift equipment.
• Apply structural engineering and detailing techniques in the development of bridge designs.
• Work on projects that typically include bridge (steel plate girder, prestress concrete, segmental and cable), box culvert, and interchange design for highway and railway projects.
• Perform structural calculations and assist with geometric layout and quantity development.
• Select standard bridge engineering/design procedures and develop structural details using specialized software.
• Perform other duties as needed.
Preferred Qualification
• NHI 130055 Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges Training.
• PennDOT Bridge Safety Inspector Certification.
• Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate.
• Candidates without their EIT will be placed into a Design Coordinator job code and will be expected to obtain their EIT for career progression.
• Master's Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• MS Office, MathCAD, MicroStation, and AutoCAD.
• Experience in structural design, load rating, and/or inspection.
• Familiar with BMS2 and BMS3 as well as PennDOT Inspection Publications 100A and 238.
• Possess a valid driver's license.
• Physical ability to perform field inspections of in-service bridge and culvert structures, tunnel structures, highway structures, overhead sign structures, and hydraulic structures, including positioning and climbing extension ladders, maneuvering small boats, driving long distances, air travel, occasionally working at night, and walking long distances on uneven surfaces.
• Candidate should be comfortable with exposure to various field conditions and elements that may be encountered, such as but not limited to, hot and cold temperatures, water, work-at-height, confined spaces, plant, animals, and insects.
• Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT) Certification.
• Local candidates preferred
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Familiarity with Bluebeam Revu and knowledge of engineering software packages such as: LEAP Bridge Enterprise, FB-MultiPier, LPile, AASHTOWare BrR, midas Civil, CSiBridge, RM Bridge, spColumn, STLBridgeLRFD, or STLBridge.
  • Bently OpenBridge Modeler and/or Autodesk Infraworks and Civil3d
  • Strong understanding and hands-on use of computers for structural layout and design
  • Good communication skills and willing to work in a team environment
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

What HDR employees say

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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917

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