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Bridge Inspector Jobs in Montana (NOW HIRING)

Montana

Bridge Inspection Supervisor

Missoula, MT · Hybrid

The Area Bridge Inspection Manager directs and oversees the bridge inspection program for the assigned inspection area. Duties include bridge inspection program planning and management, inspection ...

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Bridge Inspector information

See Montana salary details

$27.5K

$63.9K

$115.6K

How much do bridge inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for bridge inspector in Montana is $63,894.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,800.00 and $82,600.00 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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Bridge Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bridge Inspector job openings in Montana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,894 per year, or $30.7 per hour.

Bridge Inspection Supervisor

State of Montana

Missoula, MT • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

State Of Montana rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 50 rated states

Job description

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for an Area Bridge Inspection Manager. The Area Bridge Inspection Manager directs and oversees the bridge inspection program for the assigned inspection area. Duties include bridge inspection program planning and management, inspection quality control, and supervision of bridge inspectors.  This position works closely with the Bridge Inspection Program Manager in the Bridge Bureau to help ensure that statewide goals of the bridge inspection program are met.  This position is supervised by the Bridge Inspection Program Manager in the Bridge Bureau, with indirect supervision provided by the District Project Delivery Engineer.  

For a full job description, please contact Elisa Schock at eschock@mt.gov.

Benefits of working for MDT and the State of Montana include:

  • Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
  • Potential hybrid remote work arrangement available
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families
  • State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)
  • Employees in this position receive overtime compensation or compensatory time for all time in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek
  • Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
  • Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
  • Benefits apply on first day of employment
  • Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate at the time of offer

For information on the Montana Department of Transportation's mission, vision, and values, please visit our website: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/about.aspx#values

The successful candidate for this position is eligible for a $5000 sign-on bonus. For more information, please contact MDT People Operations Bureau.

Desired Qualifications:

  • The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, or a related field from an ABET accredited Engineering program that includes civil structural engineering courses in structural analysis.

  • The alternative experience options are as follows:

  • Registration as a Professional Engineer in Montana, and 2 years of in-service bridge inspection experience with a minimum of 1 year of experience as a Bridge Inspection Team Leader

  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Technology, or a related field from an ABET accredited program, and proof of passage of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam,

  • and 4 years of in-service bridge inspection experience with a minimum of 2 years of experience as a Bridge Inspection Team Leader

  • 7 years of in-service bridge inspection experience with a minimum of 2 years of experience as a Bridge Inspection Team Leader, or 5 years of in-service bridge inspection experience and 2 years of bridge inspection related experience with a minimum of 2 years of experience as a Bridge Inspection Team Leader.

  • A minimum of 1 year of supervision or leadership experience. 

Certifications, licensure, or other credentials include: Montana Certified Bridge Inspection Team Leader. 

Graduate degrees with concentrations in structural analysis and design will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Required Application Materials:

  • A resume detailing your qualifications and work history.
  • A cover letter of no more than two pages addressing your qualifications for the position.

Your online application and all required materials must be submitted before midnight on the closing date. Ensure all materials submitted are selected as "Relevant."

If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR representative listed below.

Other Information

The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division, at 406.444.6054.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury-free workplace.

Driver's record will be verified. Successful applicants will be required to sign a release form which authorizes the Department to obtain the applicant's permanent driving records. Compliance with Mont. Admin. R. 2.6.201, "State Vehicle Use," and MDT Policy #6.03.001, "State Vehicle Use Policy" are conditions of employment. 

Effective 5/26/2026, MDT is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov.

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