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Bridge Inspector Jobs in Charleston, WV (NOW HIRING)

exp

Senior Bridge Engineer

Charleston, WV · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

What a day at EXP has in store for you * Assist with on-site inspection, analysis and condition assessment of existing structures. * Develop complex bridge designs (steel, concrete, prestressed ...

EXP

Senior Bridge Engineer

Charleston, WV · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

What a day at EXP has in store for you * Assist with on-site inspection, analysis and condition assessment of existing structures. * Develop complex bridge designs (steel, concrete, prestressed ...

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All JobsBridge Inspector JobsBridge Inspector Jobs in Charleston, WV

Bridge Inspector information

See Charleston, WV salary details

$29.2K

$67.8K

$122.7K

How much do bridge inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for bridge inspector in Charleston, WV is $67,775.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,300.00 and $87,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.
More about Bridge Inspector jobs
What cities near Charleston, WV are hiring for Bridge Inspector jobs? Cities near Charleston, WV with the most Bridge Inspector job openings:
Bridge Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bridge Inspector job openings in Charleston, WV as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,775 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Transportation Bridge Safety Inspector 1 - Mercer County

West Virginia Department of Transportation (WV)

Charleston, WV

$35K - $50K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New

West Virginia Department Of Transportation rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

737th of 841 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Nature of Work **Disclaimer-this position will be considered classified-exempt and "at will." The Transportation Bridge Safety Inspector 1 (TBSAIN level 1) will report to the Bridge Department located at the District 10 Headquarters. This position performs entry level bridge safety inspection work as a member of a highway bridge safety inspection team. Performs strenuous manual labor in rigging scaffolds and ladders to access bridge structures

Acquires and applies the knowledge and abilities to perform bridge safety inspection work. Assists higher level inspectors in bridge safety inspections. Documents findings as part of an evaluation program to determine structural integrity and safety of state highway bridges.

The work requires strenuous physical labor. Hazardous working conditions involve climbing on the superstructure and substructure of bridges. The work may involve exposure to severe weather conditions.

Performs related work as required. Pay Grade 8 Typical Duties and Responsibilities Rigs scaffolds and ladders to provide access to bridge structure. Chips dirt and scale from bridge members to allow inspection and measurement.

Works with other inspection team members to obtain dimensions and other details of the bridge. Takes routine field notes and makes routine sketches of bridge conditions. Takes photographs of bridge deterioration.

Travel may be required; therefore, a valid driver's license is required. Skills and Knowledge Knowledge of basic safety precautions. Ability to follow written and oral instructions.

Ability to apply basic mathematics. Ability to make field notes. Ability to make field sketches.

Ability to climb bridge structures and perform strenuous physical activities. Minimum Requirements REQUIRED TRAINING/EDUCATION High school diploma or the equivalent. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE This is the entry level classification in this series.

No prior experience is required. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT This is a tested position. Applicants will receive further communication from CourseMill upon closure of the posting.

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