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Bridge Inspector Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Perform bridge inspection of culverts to large complex bridges and ancillary structures (signs, light poles, traffic signals) * Develop inspection reports and review * Office responsibilities will ...

Senior Bridge Inspector --Knoxville, TN Hourly Rate Range: $39 - $42/HR plus OT depending on experience and certifications TTL is seeking a Senior Bridge Inspector to join our team in Knoxville, TN.

This Bridge Inspection Team Leader will primarily perform SNBI bridge inspection tasks, including field inspection and associated office work. This will include travel to locations across the state ...

This Bridge Inspection Team Leader will primarily perform SNBI bridge inspection tasks, including field inspection and associated office work. This will include travel to locations across the state ...

RK&K is seeking talented Senior Roadway and Bridge Inspectors to work in the Nashville area, with a focus in providing construction engineering inspection services on transportation projects for ...

Senior Bridge Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$105K - $150K/yr

Lead and deliver bridge and structural projects (new design, inspection, repair, rehabilitation), providing technical direction while overseeing plans, calculations, specifications, and QA/QC ...

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Bridge Inspector information

See Tennessee salary details

$27.2K

$63.2K

$114.4K

How much do bridge inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for bridge inspector in Tennessee is $63,182.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,400.00 and $81,700.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Bridge Inspector jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Bridge Inspector jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Bridge Inspector jobs in Tennessee?

For Bridge Inspector jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Bridge Inspector jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Bridge Inspector jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Bridge Inspector jobs in TN?

For Bridge Inspector jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Bridge Inspector job openings in Tennessee as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,182 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

Senior Bridge Inspector

Memphis, TN • On-site

Volkert Inc
Civil Engineering Construction • 1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform bridge inspection of culverts to large complex bridges and ancillary structures

  • Develop inspection reports and review them

  • Complete report writing, review, and data entry as part of office responsibilities


Volkert rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Are we the road to your future?


We are currently searching for an experienced Senior Bridge Inspector to support our Gulf Region located in Memphis, TN


To be considered for this position, applicants must have, at minimum, a high school diploma or equivalent.


What you’ll be doing:

  • Perform bridge inspection of culverts to large complex bridges and ancillary structures (signs, light poles, traffic signals)
  • Develop inspection reports and review
  • Office responsibilities will include report writing, review and data entry

What you need to have:

  • Understanding of national bridge inspection methods, evaluations, and report preparation is preferred
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
  • Ability to travel out of state, overnight stays may be required
  • Ability to climb ladders, and work at heights
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening to ensure a safe and productive work environment. Volkert adheres to federal guidelines, which may include testing for substances such as marijuana. Please note that federal regulations may differ from state-specific guidelines
  • Valid driver’s license and a satisfactory motor vehicle report (MVR)

Bonus points if you have:

  • Minimum of 5 years of bridge and/or ancillary inspection experience
  • Successful Completion of FHWA/NHI Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges

 

Why Volkert?

Volkert is employee owned and a Top 100 design firm, committed to providing clients with creative solutions for sustainability, including improvements to infrastructure, the environment, and natural resources. Founded in 1925, Volkert is celebrating a century of serving our employees, clients, partners, and communities. 


Key Benefits:

  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Medical, Dental, & Vision
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan + employer matching
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and holidays
  • Employer-Paid Life/AD&D insurance
  • Employer-Paid short-term disability and long-term disability
  • Wellness incentives
  • Student Debt Retirement Match
  • Additional voluntary benefits


The words from our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Thomas A. Hand, PE, capture best how you can make an impact while working for Volkert.


“For a century, Volkert has done meaningful work that improves our infrastructure and quality of life throughout our communities. We are proud of our one-hundred-year legacy and humbled by the opportunities ahead of us as we look forward to our next century of service. With our commitment to employee ownership and sustainable growth, you can build a career here that really makes a difference.”

– Thomas A. Hand, PE, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer


EOE-Race/Sex/Vets/Disabled


Volkert does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies or fee-based recruitment services.

#LI-SD1

Tennessee


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