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Bridge Inspector Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Bridge Project Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

Experience in new bridge design, bridge rehabilitation, load ratings, and/or inspection of bridges. * Proficiency with AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications. * Complex structural analysis ...

Bridge Project Engineer

Nashville, TN · Hybrid

$115K - $140K/yr

Experience in new bridge design, bridge rehabilitation, load ratings, and/or inspection of bridges. * Proficiency with AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications. * Complex structural analysis ...

Bridge Project Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

Experience in new bridge design, bridge rehabilitation, load ratings, and/or inspection of bridges. * Proficiency with AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications. * Complex structural analysis ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Bridge Project Engineer

Nashville, TN • On-site

GFT.
Construction • 1 - 5K employees

$115K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead structural analyses, design development, and quality reviews of bridge design projects.

  • Develop structure plans for bridges and other transportation structures such as culverts, retaining walls, noise abatement walls, pedestrian bridges, and sign structures.

  • Prepare and review construction contract documents, including specifications, cost estimates, and shop drawings.


Job description

GFT is seeking a Bridge Project Engineer to support our Transportation Group in Metro Nashville, TN. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring a minimum of 3 days of onsite office attendance.
Working on the bridge team at GFT offers the opportunity to engage in transformative projects that enhance transportation infrastructure and improve community connectivity. Whether working on highways and bridges or traffic engineering, our team excels in resilient, sustainable design and construction, delivering innovative solutions that address the complexities of modern, multimodal roadway systems and ensure safe, efficient, and reliable travel for all.
What you'll be challenged to do:
As a Bridge Project Engineer, you'll take on a lead technical role in the planning, design, and delivery of structural projects that strengthen regional mobility. From multi-span highway overpasses and complex river crossings to pedestrian bridges and culvert upgrades, you'll lead elements of analysis, design, and plan development while ensuring technical quality and design consistency across multidisciplinary teams. You'll contribute to design-build and accelerated construction initiatives, coordinate with roadway, geotechnical, and traffic disciplines, and help shape solutions that advance multimodal connectivity and community value.
You'll also have opportunities to serve as a task lead, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate directly with project managers and clients. As part of the GFT Transportation Group, you'll operate in a hybrid work model supported by a culture that promotes continuous learning, professional growth, and leadership development.
In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
  • Lead structural analyses, design development, and quality reviews of bridge design projects.
  • Develop structure plans for bridges and other transportation structures such as culverts, retaining walls, noise abatement walls, pedestrian bridges, and sign structures.
  • Prepare and review construction contract documents, including specifications, cost estimates, and shop drawings.
  • Serve as a technical mentor to junior and support staff and contribute to internal knowledge sharing and best practices.
  • Assist in the recruitment of junior engineers.
  • Participate in the development of proposals as part of a pursuit team.
  • Support GFT efforts to grow our Transportation Practice within Tennessee.

What you will bring to our firm:
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil and/or Structural Engineering with a focus in structures from an ABET-accredited university or college.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license in Tennessee, or the ability to obtain licensure withing 3 months; additional state licensure is a plus.
  • 8-10 years of progressive experience in bridge design.
  • Experience in new bridge design, bridge rehabilitation, load ratings, and/or inspection of bridges.
  • Proficiency with AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications.
  • Complex structural analysis experience with structural design software such as CSiBridge, AASHTOWare BrR, Midas 3D Civil, STAAD Pro, MDX, LUSAS, OpenBridge Designer (LEAPSteel) and/or other structural analysis software and applications such as MathCAD.
  • Knowledge of plan development with CADD (Microstation, plus OpenBridge).
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Excel and Word for engineering and business applications.
  • Ability to work in a team environment, demonstrate initiative, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to collaboration and continuous improvement.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

What we prefer you bring:
  • Master's degree in Civil and or Structural Engineering with a focus in structures from an ABET-accredited university or college.
  • Prior experience with Tennessee Department of Transportation projects preferred including well versed in client design policies, standards and specifications.
  • Ability to work on multiple projects in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to actively engage in multiple perspectives when solving problems, is willing to learn from peers, and encourages reciprocal learning among team members.

Compensation:
The salary range for this role is $115,000 - $140,000. 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.
GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.
Location:
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time
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Applicants in the County of Los Angeles- Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
Applicants in the City of San Francisco- Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Applicants in the State of California-Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.