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Bridge Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

GFT.

Rail Bridge Engineer

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$108K - $150K/yr

Perform bridge inspections for railway bridges. * Ensure accuracy of engineering design, reports, load ratings, and plans. Work product must be prepared with a focus on quality, presentation ...

GFT.

Rail Bridge Engineer

Santa Ana, CA

$108K - $150K/yr

Perform bridge inspections for railway bridges. * Ensure accuracy of engineering design, reports, load ratings, and plans. Work product must be prepared with a focus on quality, presentation ...

GFT.

Rail Bridge Engineer

Irvine, CA

$108K - $150K/yr

Perform bridge inspections for railway bridges. * Ensure accuracy of engineering design, reports, load ratings, and plans. Work product must be prepared with a focus on quality, presentation ...

GFT.

Rail Bridge Engineer

Santa Ana, CA

$108K - $150K/yr

Perform bridge inspections for railway bridges. * Ensure accuracy of engineering design, reports, load ratings, and plans. Work product must be prepared with a focus on quality, presentation ...

GFT.

Rail Bridge Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$108K - $150K/yr

Perform bridge inspections for railway bridges. * Ensure accuracy of engineering design, reports, load ratings, and plans. Work product must be prepared with a focus on quality, presentation ...

GFT.

Rail Bridge Engineer

San Diego, CA

$108K - $150K/yr

Perform bridge inspections for railway bridges. * Ensure accuracy of engineering design, reports, load ratings, and plans. Work product must be prepared with a focus on quality, presentation ...

HDR

Bridge EIT

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

Participate in bridge inspection, perform structural load calculations and assist with geometric layout and quantity development * Perform other duties as needed Preferred Qualifications * Experience ...

HDR

Bridge EIT

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

Participate in bridge inspection, perform structural load calculations and assist with geometric layout and quantity development * Perform other duties as needed Preferred Qualifications * Experience ...

Cordoba Corporation

Railroad Bridge Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$140K - $220K/yr

Provide engineering support for the construction, inspection, and acceptance of railroad bridges, guideways, retaining structures, culverts, and related structural components * Review bridge design ...

Cordoba Corporation

Railroad Bridge Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$140K - $220K/yr

Provide engineering support for the construction, inspection, and acceptance of railroad bridges, guideways, retaining structures, culverts, and related structural components * Review bridge design ...

AECOM

Railroad Bridge Engineer

Sacramento, CA

Provide engineering support for the construction, inspection, and acceptance of railroad bridges, guideways, retaining structures, culverts, and related structural components * Review bridge design ...

AECOM

Railroad Bridge Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

Provide engineering support for the construction, inspection, and acceptance of railroad bridges, guideways, retaining structures, culverts, and related structural components * Review bridge design ...

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All JobsBridge Inspector JobsBridge Inspector Jobs in California

Bridge Inspector information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$68.7K

$124.3K

How much do bridge inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for bridge inspector in California is $68,701.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,900.00 and $88,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Bridge Inspector vs Structural Engineer?

AspectBridge InspectorStructural Engineer
CertificationsTypically requires state-specific inspector certifications and safety trainingRequires a Professional Engineer (PE) license and engineering degree
Work EnvironmentOn-site inspections of bridges, often outdoors and in various weather conditionsDesign, analysis, and planning in offices or on-site for larger projects
Employer & Industry UsagePublic agencies, transportation departments, construction firmsEngineering consulting firms, construction companies, government agencies

Bridge Inspectors focus on evaluating the safety and condition of existing bridges through on-site inspections, while Structural Engineers design and analyze new or existing structures, including bridges. Both roles require technical knowledge, but their responsibilities and certifications differ significantly.

What does a bridge inspector do?

A Bridge Inspector is responsible for examining and evaluating the structural integrity and safety of bridges. They conduct regular inspections to identify any signs of wear, damage, or potential hazards, and document their findings in detailed reports. Bridge Inspectors often use specialized equipment and may work in challenging conditions to ensure that bridges meet safety standards and regulations. Their work is critical in preventing accidents and ensuring public safety on transportation infrastructure.

What are some common challenges faced by bridge inspectors during fieldwork?

Bridge inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, accessing hard-to-reach structural elements, and ensuring safety while operating near traffic or over water. Field inspections may require specialized equipment and coordination with other engineers or traffic authorities. Adaptability, attention to detail, and strong communication skills are essential to overcome these challenges and ensure thorough, accurate inspections.

What does a bridge inspector do?

As a bridge inspector, your duties include monitoring construction sites, performing surveys and inspections, issuing violation notices or stop-work orders, creating written documentation, and reviewing plans to ensure compliance with ordinances, regulations, and building codes. Your responsibilities include ensuring a bridge (or another building) is safe from the design phase through to testing after construction. Being a bridge inspector requires you have some formal qualifications and education, typically at least a bachelor’s degree with a focus on building inspection and ideally further certification in building or bridge inspection. However, each state requires different training and skills from its inspectors, so be certain to check with your local regulatory agencies for particulars.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a bridge inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bridge Inspector, you need a solid understanding of civil engineering principles, structural analysis, and inspection procedures, often supported by a degree in civil engineering or a related field and relevant certifications. Experience with inspection tools, nondestructive testing equipment, and familiarity with reporting software like AASHTOWare are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help inspectors identify issues and clearly convey findings. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure public safety, maintain infrastructure integrity, and comply with regulatory standards.
More about Bridge Inspector jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Bridge Inspector jobs in California? The most popular types of Bridge Inspector jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Bridge Inspector jobs in California? For Bridge Inspector jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Bridge Inspector jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Bridge Inspector jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Bridge Inspector jobs? Cities in California with the most Bridge Inspector job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Bridge Inspector jobs in CA? For Bridge Inspector jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Bridge Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bridge Inspector job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $68,701 per year, or $33 per hour.

Rail Bridge Engineer

GFT.

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$108K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

GFT is seeking a Rail Bridge Engineer to join our Transportation Team in one of the following SoCAL offices: Santa Ana, Los Angeles, Irvine, or San Diego, CA! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at one of these offices.
Working on the Transportation team at GFT offers the opportunity to engage in transformative projects that enhance transportation infrastructure and improve community connectivity. Bridge design has been a core strength of ours for over a century, ranging from concrete or steel highway bridges to commuter, freight, or high-speed rail bridges. You will have the opportunity to work on complex rail projects for Class I railroads, short lines and transit agencies such as Merchant Bridge Replacement and Retrofit.
What you'll be challenged to do:
You will participate in complex design tasks for rail bridge projects. This role includes elements of structural design, rehabilitation, and inspection of bridges and other structures along with the preparation of load ratings, construction documents, specifications, and estimates. You will leverage your technical capabilities and excellent verbal and written communication skills, to effectively work with a team across multiple disciplinary projects. You will travel for project related work, with a willingness to work in the field conducting bridge inspections.
In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
  • Perform structural bridge analysis and design utilizing current AREMA and owners' design standards. Calculate structural quantities.
  • Perform bridge inspections for railway bridges.
  • Ensure accuracy of engineering design, reports, load ratings, and plans. Work product must be prepared with a focus on quality, presentation, thoroughness, and follow-through; with conformance to budgets, schedules, and company standards
  • Assures the project meets quality control and quality assurance guidelines.
  • Perform detailed checking of calculations and design drawings produced by others.
  • Assist with CADD drawing development and production.
  • Document and organize design calculations following GFT's Quality Management Plan.
  • Interpret changes in the contract and advises management on needed changes.
  • Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.

What you will bring to our firm:
  • Bachelor's degree in civil/structural engineering with an emphasis in structures from an ABET-accredited university or college.
  • A minimum of 4 years' professional experience with an emphasis on structural design for Class I and transit bridge projects.
  • Engineer-in-Training E.I.T. License
  • Structures design experience utilizing AREMA Manual for Railroad Engineering.
  • Familiarity with Class I railroad bridge standards.
  • Structural engineering background, knowledge of MicroStation and experience with structural engineering design drawings, specifications and cost estimates.
  • Team oriented engineer with strong communication skills.
  • Knowledge of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.), and experience with engineering design packages and structural analysis software systems such as LEAP Bridge Concrete, LPILE, GROUP, RISA or CSiBridge.
  • Willingness to travel within the continental United States.
  • Physically capable of performing field work including working at heights, carrying ladders and gear, working in adverse weather conditions, etc.
  • Valid Driver's License.

What we prefer you bring:
  • Registration as a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) and/or Structural Engineer (S.E.) preferred.
  • Master's degree in civil/structural engineering with an emphasis in structures from an ABET-accredited university or college.
  • AREMA member and Committee 7, 8, 9, 10 or 15 member.
  • Experience working directly with Class I railroads.

Compensation:
The salary range for this role is $108,000 - $150,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.
Featured Benefits:
• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.
At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships - that's why we're the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry's brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.
Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.
GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status or other characteristics protected by law.
Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.
Location: Santa Ana, CA; Irvine, CA; Los Angeles, CA Oor San Diego, CA
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time
Salary Range: $147,000 - $180,000
Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location
GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.
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