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Bridge Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Hansoninc

Structural Bridge Engineer

Chicago, IL

$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 ...

Hansoninc

Structural Bridge Engineer

Lisle, IL

$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 ...

Trilon Group

Lead Structural Engineer - Bridge

Aurora, IL · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Bridge inspection and design will be your playground, where you can showcase your skills and expertise while having a real impact on communities. Your knowledge of structural components, including ...

Epstein

Civil Project Engineer (Bridge)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Project types may include new structures as well as inspection, evaluation and rehabilitation of ... Expertise in bridge design principles and bridge inspection experience * Strong technical leader ...

Fehr Graham

Lead Structural Engineer - Bridge

Aurora, IL · On-site +1

$140K - $180K/yr

Bridge inspection and design will be your playground, where you can showcase your skills and expertise while having a real impact on communities. Your knowledge of structural components, including ...

Apply Early

Trilon

Lead Structural Engineer - Bridge

Aurora, IL · On-site +1

Bridge inspection and design will be your playground, where you can showcase your skills and expertise while having a real impact on communities. Your knowledge of structural components, including ...

Structural

Traveling Bridge Foreman

Chicago, IL

Our projects include new structure construction, including PT & rebar installation (stressing and grouting), bridge inspection/repair, unbonded PT repair, barrier cable installation and repair, FRP ...

Northern Impact

Bridge Practice Leader

Chicago, IL · On-site

Act as Project Principal or Lead Engineer on bridge design, rehab, and inspection projects, managing scope, schedule, staffing, budget, etc. * Make key contributions to project pursuits, facilitating ...

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All JobsBridge Inspector JobsBridge Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL

Bridge Inspector information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30.9K

$71.7K

$129.8K

How much do bridge inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for bridge inspector in Chicago, IL is $71,698.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,800.00 and $92,700.00 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.
More about Bridge Inspector jobs
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:
What job categories do people searching Bridge Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Bridge Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Bridge Inspector jobs near you
Bridge Field Technician

Bridge Field Technician

Wiss Janney Elstner Associates, Inc.

Northbrook, IL • On-site

$20 - $27.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is seeking an exceptional Field and Lab Technician to join our bridge engineering team, located at WJE's global headquarters in Northbrook, Illinois or WJE's branch office in Portland, Oregon.
At WJE, we spend almost as much time in the field, up close and personal with our projects, as we do in the office. This role will require regular nationwide travel to perform field investigations and bridge inspections, collect samples, test materials in order to assist in the diagnosis process, perform nondestructive and destructive testing, assist with specimen and full scale testing in our laboratory, perform fabrication of test components and retrofit components, and install structural retrofits. This position works under the general supervision of a Senior Specialist or Project Manager but completes routine and moderately complex tasks, testing and structure retrofit installations independently. As a Field and Lab Technician, you will perform various inspection techniques on a variety of bridge structures, both modern and historic.
A career at WJE will give you the opportunity to learn from and grow alongside industry-leading experts as you develop your technical expertise and your hands-on capabilities.
Essential Functions
  • Routinely completes lab and field technician work, which includes: participation in bridge structure inspections, retrofit of steel and concrete structures including installation of bolted or welded steel retrofits, installation of instrumentation and data acquisition equipment, concrete coring, steel sample removal, moderate to complex steel fabrication, and performing tests in lab and field with minimal supervision
  • Support other inspections to assess conditions such as corrosion, defects, or cracking of structural steel. Interpret indications of distress and report or record results per project requirements
  • Under the direction of experienced engineering staff, understand and execute inspections in accordance with AWS or other applicable codes
  • Assist in additional NDT or other work at WJE's laboratory or field equipment facilities
  • Responsible for equipment maintenance and purchase/rental
  • Calibrates laboratory and field testing equipment
  • Plays an active role in the quality assurance program
  • Understands, follows, and enforces all safety standards
  • Assists in work product development by operating a computer, iPad, or similar device
  • Develops computer sketches or drawings from field notes or hand sketches
  • Conducts specialized testing
  • Assume increasing responsibilities as your experience and capabilities develop
  • Travels to job sites for extended periods of time (up to 40% of the time throughout the year)

Requirements
  • High school diploma or equivalent or Associate's degree in related field and up to four years of relevant work experience
  • Hands on capabilities with experience in mechanical, construction, and/or applicable electronic trades
  • Developed understanding of routine tests
  • Ability to work independently and to perform tasks after verbal and written instruction
  • Ability and interest to obtain some or all of the certifications herein after undergoing required classroom training and workhour experience
  • Basic computer knowledge. Knowledge of MS Office, PDF editors, and CAD software preferred.
  • Detail-oriented, problem solving mindset
  • Effective written and oral communication skills

Preferred Qualifications
  • ACI field training and lab certification
  • Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or certified welder (SMAW, FCAW, GMAW to AWS D1.1/D1.5)
  • Commercial Driver License (Class A or B CDL)
  • SPRAT Level 1 Certification or Higher, or equivalent

Culture, Compensation, and Benefits:
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is a global firm of engineers, architects, and materials scientists. Clients worldwide seek our expertise to solve the most significant, interesting, and challenging problems in the built world. Our applied experience from more than 175,000 projects combined with unparalleled laboratory and testing capabilities have made WJE a leader in providing innovative yet practical solutions to the clients we serve.
Working at WJE is a team endeavor characterized by a culture of trust and personal responsibility. We encourage open communication, continuous learning, innovative thinking, ongoing mentoring, and free-flowing collaboration. We seek highly talented and hard-working individuals who want to be challenged, who want hands-on work, who want to set a higher standard, and who want to be mentored by the industry's most accomplished experts. People with outstanding Character, unwavering Commitment to our core and culture, strong Expertise, and genuine Enthusiasm for their work.
Learn more about the Extraordinary People we hire at WJE at www.wje.com/careers
WJE offers a robust, total compensation structure, where the hourly rate is just one component of an employee's annual earnings. Additionally, employees may be eligible to receive overtime and variable compensation based on personal and company performance, often resulting in above-market annual earnings. Actual hourly rate will be based on several factors including consideration for a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role while remaining mindful of our commitment to internal equity. A good faith estimate of the starting hourly rate (gross) for this position is in the following range:
$26.50 - $39.75
This non-exempt position is also eligible for WJE's industry-leading, total rewards package which enables our employees to grow and thrive with comprehensive health and financial benefits including:
  • Robust and affordable health plans for employees and their families, including HSA as well as low and high-deductible PPO options
  • Generous 401(k) matching of 110% for the first 6% of eligible pay vesting immediately
  • Time off to care for yourself and others
  • Investments in employees' educational assistance and professional development

Learn more about WJE's total rewards package here.
WJE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants to apply including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans (VEVRAA federal contractor).
WJE will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of Fair Chance Ordinances.

Apply