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Bridge Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The ideal candidate will have experience in bridge design, rehabilitation, and inspections and must have an interest in learning and working on diverse project assignments which may include highway ...

The ideal candidate will have experience in bridge design, rehabilitation, and inspections and must have an interest in learning and working on diverse project assignments which may include highway ...

The ideal candidate will have experience in bridge design, rehabilitation, and inspections and must have an interest in learning and working on diverse project assignments which may include highway ...

Participate in bridge inspection, perform structural load calculations and assist with geometric layout and quantity development * Perform other duties as needed Preferred Qualifications * Master ...

Participate in bridge inspection, perform structural load calculations and assist with geometric layout and quantity development * Perform other duties as needed Preferred Qualifications * Master ...

Perform on-site structural inspections, condition assessments, and evaluations of existing ... Expertise in bridge design principles; bridge inspection experience strongly preferred.

Sr. Bridge Project Manager

Lisle, IL · Hybrid

$140K - $197K/yr

Farnsworth Group is seeking a Senior Bridge Project Manager in the below posting location. In this ... Field investigations, inspections, and repair recommendations * Identify opportunities and lead ...

Sr. Bridge Project Manager

Lisle, IL · On-site

$140K - $197K/yr

Farnsworth Group is seeking a Senior Bridge Project Manager in the below posting location. In this ... Field investigations, inspections, and repair recommendations * Identify opportunities and lead ...

Bridge Field Technician

Northbrook, IL

$20 - $27.50/hr

This role will require regularnationwide travel to perform field investigations and bridge inspections, collect samples, test materials in order to assist in the diagnosis process, perform ...

Approved Team Leader by IDOT for NBIS Bridge Inspections (preferred). * Experience with DOT bridge design practices and standards. * Project experience with IDOT, Illinois Tollway, FDOT, and TxDOT ...

Structural Bridge Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

Approved Team Leader by IDOT for NBIS Bridge Inspections (preferred). * Experience with DOT bridge design practices and standards. * Project experience with IDOT, Illinois Tollway, FDOT, and TxDOT ...

Showing results 21-40

Bridge Inspector information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30.9K

$71.8K

$129.9K

How much do bridge inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for bridge inspector in Chicago, IL is $71,768.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,900.00 and $92,800.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Bridge Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Bridge Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Bridge Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

Infographic showing various Bridge Inspector job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,768 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Group Leader, Bridge

GFT.

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

GFT is seeking a Group Leader, Bridge to join our Transportation Team in the Chicagoland Area! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Chicago or Schaumburg, IL office.

Working on the transportation 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. Explore some of our signature transportation projects here.

What you’ll be challenged to do:

GFT is hiring an experienced Bridge Team Leader for Schaumburg or Chicago. The ideal candidate will have experience in bridge design, rehabilitation, and inspections and must have an interest in learning and working on diverse project assignments which may include highway bridges, freight and passenger rail structures, and miscellaneous structural assignments. This person is able and willing to travel to work in other offices is required. Knowledge of bridge engineering requirements (AASHTO LRFD and/or AREMA) is critical. Proven ability to work in a team environment and share experience and expertise with teammates is ideal.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following: 

  • Lead a Bridge Team in either the Chicago Office or Schaumburg Office. This would include staffing plans, mentoring staff, and day-to-day tasks to manage the Bridge Team.
  • Perform personnel duties for the Bridge Team, such as setting performance evaluation review goals, evaluations, providing feedback, training, recommending promotions, raises, and general supervisor responsibilities.
  • Prepare an annual budget for team and office expenses that include personnel utilization, training, licensing, organization memberships, continuing education, inspection equipment, etc.
  • Participate in the recruiting and hiring process for adding new staff.
  • Prepares and directs structural design and plan preparation of structural drawings.
  • Plans and develops engineering projects with unique problems. This involves exploration of subject area, definition of scope and selection of problems for investigation, and development of novel concepts and approaches.
  • Organizes and develops a project team to execute specific phases or aspects of a project such as technical studies, project design, preparation of specifications and technical plans, and project inspection. Must be able to delegate.
  • Reviews project design for general compliance with engineering principles, company standards, and customer contract requirements, and related specifications.
  • Coordinates activities concerned with technical developments, scheduling, and staffing, resolving engineering design problems.
  • Evaluates and approves design changes, specifications, and drawing releases.
  • Maintains liaison with individuals and units within or outside the organization with responsibility for acting independently on technical matters pertaining to the field.
  • Develop and present proposals to clients.
  • Manage workloads and any changes in project schedule or scope or additional services.
  • Plans and executes project meetings. May negotiate a difficult project issue with the client, such as scope changes or schedule acceleration.
  • Assures the project meets quality control and quality assurance guidelines.
  • Assist with business development strategies for clients, projects, and organizations.
  • Maintain professional, technical, and supervisory skills by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
  • Limited national travel.

What you will bring to our firm: 
  • Bachelor’s and/or Master’s Degree in Civil and/or Structural Engineering with an emphasis in structures from an ABET-accredited university or college.
  • A minimum of 8 years' professional bridge design experience.
  • Licensed Professional Engineer in Illinois
  • Experience in new bridge design, bridge rehabilitation, load ratings and/or inspection of bridges.
  • Working knowledge of bridge engineering codes (AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications and AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering)
  • Experience with MDX, OpenBridge, LARSA (or other design/modeling software), MicroStation, and Mathcad
  • Will have supervisory responsibilities for day-to-day activities with staff and report to the Senior Bridge Team Leader

What we prefer you will bring:

  • A Structural Engineer license in Illinois is preferred.
  • A Master’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineer is preferred.
  • IDOT/Tollway bridge design experience, rail bridge design preferred
  • Inspection experience and NHI inspection certification is preferred

Compensation:

The salary range for this role is $110,000 - $160,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.
 
Featured Benefits: 
• 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.


Location: Chicago, IL or Schaumburg, IL
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time
GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.


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