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Bridge Inspector Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Bridge Inspection Team Lead

Herndon, VA · On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

... the Bridge Inspector's Reference Manual * Working familiarity with analysis, design, and production software including but not limited to Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint, Bluebeam Revu, and ...

New

Senior Bridge Engineer

Fulton, MD · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

NHI Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges OR Bridge Inspection Refresher certification * NHI Fracture Critical Inspection Techniques for Steel Bridges OR Bridge Inspection Techniques for NSTM ...

Senior Bridge Engineer

Fulton, MD · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

NHI Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges OR Bridge Inspection Refresher certification * NHI Fracture Critical Inspection Techniques for Steel Bridges OR Bridge Inspection Techniques for NSTM ...

Showing results 21-40

Bridge Inspector information

See Washington salary details

$34K

$78.8K

$142.7K

How much do bridge inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for bridge inspector in Washington is $78,843.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,400.00 and $101,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do bridge inspectors get paid?

Bridge inspectors typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level inspectors may start at lower wages, while experienced professionals or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries. Overtime and fieldwork can also impact overall compensation.

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 is the role of a bridge inspector?

A bridge inspector evaluates the safety and structural integrity of bridges by inspecting components such as supports, decks, and cables. They identify damage, corrosion, or wear, and often use tools like drones or testing equipment to assess conditions, ensuring bridges meet safety standards and regulations.

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 type of inspector gets paid the most?

In the field of bridge inspection, senior or specialized inspectors with extensive experience, certifications, and advanced skills tend to earn the highest salaries. These roles often involve overseeing complex projects, using advanced tools, and may require certifications such as NACE or NICET levels, which can lead to higher pay compared to entry-level inspectors.

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.

How do I become a bridge inspector?

To become a bridge inspector, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience or training in civil engineering, construction, or related fields. Many positions require certification such as the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) certification, and inspectors often use tools like drones or inspection equipment to assess bridge conditions regularly.

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.
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What cities in Washington are hiring for Bridge Inspector jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Bridge Inspector job openings:
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Infographic showing various Bridge Inspector job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,843 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

Bridge Project Engineer

Greenman-Pedersen, Inc.

Columbia, MD • On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Description
GPI has an immediate opening for a Bridge Project Engineer in any of our Maryland or Delaware offices. We offer opportunities to work in a collaborative and team-oriented environment on a variety of transportation projects for federal, state, local and private clients. Ideal candidates will hold a Professional Engineer certification and have experience working with public clients in Maryland, Delaware and/or Virginia.
Do you value a company that puts employee satisfaction and diversity at the forefront of who they are? If so, GPI wants you!
GPI is a multi-discipline engineering firm providing planning, design, and construction services for transportation infrastructure and building system projects throughout the United States for over 50 years. Ranked in the Top 100 Firms by Engineering News Record, GPI is a forward-thinking, innovative firm with a culture committed to excellence and fosters staff empowerment. For more information, visit: www.gpinet.com
Responsibilities:
  • Conduct structural analyses, evaluations and designs; develop design options or recommendations with supporting calculations
  • Review structural documents for areas of conflict with all disciplines
  • Develop and coordinate plans, specifications and estimates for bridge and other transportation structure projects
  • Perform quality control reviews of work products developed by junior engineers
  • Assist planning and management of all aspects of bridge inspection, design and rehabilitation projects
  • Participate in reviews with various governing agencies for code compliance
  • Lead routine bridge inspections for state and local agencies
  • Manage and review load rating computations for structures owned by state and local agencies
  • Develop and coordinate design recommendation reports
  • Oversee and review bridge hydrology and hydraulics analyses

Qualifications:
  • 4+ years of experience
  • B.S. in Structural Engineering degree is required (M.S. is preferred)
  • PE licensure (preferred)
  • Experience with MDOT-SHA, MDOT-MDTA, DelDOT and/or VDOT
  • Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Positive attitude and good work ethic with desire to work in a collaborative environment
  • NHI #130055 Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges (preferred)
  • NHI #130078 Fracture Critical Inspection Techniques for Steel Bridges (preferred)

Requirements
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
  • Maintain a valid driver's license with a clean motor vehicle report (MVR) for final consideration
  • Read, write, and understand plans and directions given in the English language
  • Basic computer skills with the ability to create and edit Microsoft Word and Excel documents, create Outlook emails and utilize SharePoint and Microsoft Teams to communicate with other team members
  • Able to traverse a construction job site consisting of uneven ground varying in height and consistency of material, with a variation of elevation 19" or less (mud, gravel, rutted ground, etc.)
  • Able to climb and leave a ladder to a platform varying from 6' to 20'
  • Able to wear GPI required PPE, i.e., hard hats, safety vest, work boots, and/or safety glasses/goggles while working