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Bridge Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

ENGICON CM

Welding Inspector

Alhambra, CA · On-site

Previous inspection or trade experience in inspection or performing welding on bridge construction or bridge seismic retrofit projects. Roles and Responsibilities: * Under the oversight and direction ...

Owais Construction Group

Welding Inspector

Alhambra, CA · On-site

$85K/yr

Previous inspection or trade experience in inspection or performing welding on bridge construction or bridge seismic retrofit projects. Roles and Responsibilities: * Under the oversight and direction ...

BKF

Project Manager - Bridge & Structures

Sacramento, CA · On-site +1

$140K - $205K/yr

Lead bridge inspection and preventative maintenance projects, as applicable * Effectively communicate complex technical concepts in writing and verbally, representing the firm with professionalism

BKF

Project Manager - Bridge & Structures

Sacramento, CA · Hybrid

$140K - $205K/yr

Lead bridge inspection and preventative maintenance projects, as applicable * Effectively communicate complex technical concepts in writing and verbally, representing the firm with professionalism

BKF

Project Manager - Bridge & Structures

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

$140K - $205K/yr

Lead bridge inspection and preventative maintenance projects, as applicable * Effectively communicate complex technical concepts in writing and verbally, representing the firm with professionalism

BKF

Project Manager - Bridge & Structures

Fresno, CA · Hybrid

$140K - $205K/yr

Lead bridge inspection and preventative maintenance projects, as applicable * Effectively communicate complex technical concepts in writing and verbally, representing the firm with professionalism

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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 31, 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 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 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.

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 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.

How much do bridge inspectors make?

Bridge inspectors typically earn a median annual salary of around $65,000 to $75,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level inspectors may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn over $90,000 annually.
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For Bridge Inspector jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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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 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,701 per year, or $33 per hour.

Bridge EIT

HDR

Walnut Creek, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

HDR rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 450 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.
We believe transportation is more than movement, it's the foundation of connected, thriving communities. As part of HDR's Transportation Business Group, you'll help shape the systems that move people and goods safely, efficiently, and sustainably. From designing resilient highways and iconic bridges to advancing transit, passenger and freight rail, aviation, federal transportation ports and marine infrastructure, your work will directly support economic vitality, public safety, sustainable and resilient communities and quality of life. We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental, strategic communications, economists, management consultants and specialists across disciplines to solve complex mobility challenges with innovation, technical excellence, and a deep understanding of community needs. Whether you're modernizing aging infrastructure or pioneering next-generation transportation solutions, your contributions will help define the future of mobility. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to lead progress, drive meaningful impact, and leave a legacy of smarter, more connected transportation networks. We are all employee-owners at HDR, which is the foundation of our collaborative culture that connects employees around the world.
In the role of Bridge EIT, we'll count on you to:
  • Apply structural engineering and detailing techniques in the development of bridge designs
  • Work on projects that typically include bridge (steel beam/plate girder, prestress CIP concrete, prestressed prefabricated concrete), retaining wall, box culvert, and interchange design for highway and railway projects
  • Perform structural load calculations and assist with geometric layout and quantity development
  • Develop structural details using basic structural design and analysis software.
  • Select standard bridge engineering/design procedures, and develop structural details using specialized software
  • Participate in bridge inspection, perform structural load calculations and assist with geometric layout and quantity development
  • Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in bridge related structural design
  • Master's degree in Structural Engineering
  • Familiarity with engineering software packages such as: CSiBridge, LEAP Bridge Enterprise, VBent, VBridge, FB-MultiPier, LPile, spColumn,
  • California PE license

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate.
  • MS Office, MathCAD and AutoCAD, LARSA and Prestress Concrete Design experience
  • Knowledge of and some familiarity with Bluebeam Revu and engineering software packages such as: LEAP Bridge Enterprise, FB-MultiPier, LPile, AASHTOWare BrR, midas Civil, MDX, SAP2000, CSiBridge, RM Bridge, spColumn, STLBridgeLRFD, or STLBridge
  • Knowledge of Bentley OpenBridge Designer and 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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