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Bridge Inspector Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

HDR

Bridge Inspector

Columbia, SC · On-site

Bridge Inspector HDR Engineering is looking for a Bridge Inspector to join our South Carolina team. This position may be based out of any of the following HDR offices: Charleston, Columbia ...

HDR

Bridge Inspector

Columbia, SC · On-site

Bridge Inspector HDR Engineering is looking for a Bridge Inspector to join our South Carolina team. This position may be based out of any of the following HDR offices: Charleston, Columbia ...

Rummel Klepper and Kahl

Bridge Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site

Your primary function will be to serve as an NBIS Bridge Inspection Team Leader for a diverse inventory of bridges and structures for our numerous clients. This position would be supporting work ...

HDR

Bridge EIT/Designer

Columbia, SC · On-site

Perform other duties such as bridge inspection and construction observation as needed Preferred Qualifications * Engineer in Training (EIT) certification strongly preferred. Candidates hired without ...

HDR

Bridge EIT/Designer

Columbia, SC · On-site

Perform other duties such as bridge inspection and construction observation as needed Preferred Qualifications * Engineer in Training (EIT) certification strongly preferred. Candidates hired without ...

HDR

Bridge EIT/Designer

Columbia, SC · On-site

Perform other duties such as bridge inspection and construction observation as needed Preferred Qualifications * Engineer in Training (EIT) certification strongly preferred. Candidates hired without ...

Stantec

Bridge Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site

Bridge Condition Inspection experience is a plus. * Excellent verbal and written skills ... Experience on bridge design/analysis software. Education and Experience * Minimum of 5 years ...

Stantec

Bridge Design Manager

Columbia, SC · On-site

Bridge inspection experience is beneficial * PE license or ability to obtain the PE license in the State of SC Position will primarily work in an office setting. Columbia is our preferred location ...

Stantec

Bridge Design Manager

Columbia, SC · On-site

Bridge inspection experience is beneficial * PE license or ability to obtain the PE license in the State of SC Position will primarily work in an office setting. Columbia is our preferred location ...

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All JobsBridge Inspector JobsBridge Inspector Jobs in Columbia, SC

Bridge Inspector information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$27.8K

$64.4K

$116.6K

How much do bridge inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for bridge inspector in Columbia, SC is $64,401.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,200.00 and $83,300.00 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.
More about Bridge Inspector jobs

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For Bridge Inspector jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Bridge Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bridge Inspector job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,401 per year, or $31 per hour.

Bridge Inspector

HDR

Columbia, SC • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

HDR rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 449 rated engineering

Job description

Bridge Inspector

HDR Engineering is looking for a Bridge Inspector to join our South Carolina team. This position may be based out of any of the following HDR offices: Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Fort Milll. The Bridge Inspector will be expected to perform bridge inspections and some office engineering (rating, rehab/repair design, CADD). They will assist the Team Leader in performing bridge inspections and preparing reports in accordance with NBIS (National Bridge Inspection Standards) on a regular basis. In the role of Bridge Inspector, we'll count on you to:

  • Participate in bridge inspections, develop inspection reports, and perform structural load calculations
  • Work in a team environment and independently while challenging yourself to acquire knowledge and experience in engineering
  • Support HDR's national inspection program on an occasional basis
  • Perform and update load rating analyses using commercially available software such as BrR
  • Assist with bridge rehabilitation and design efforts
  • Coordinate and schedule with clients, subcontractors, and railroads to meet inspection deadlines on time
  • Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree or associate degree in civil engineering or a related field
  • 2+ years' bridge/structural inspection, rating experience or design experience
  • Completion of NHI 130055 "Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges training"
  • Experience with SCDOT bridge inspections according to BIGD and SCDOT load ratings according to LRGD
  • CADD experience, MicroStation preferred
  • Experience with ProjectWise, Google Earth and Bluebeam
  • Willing to work with other disciplines (bridge, roadway, hydraulic, construction, planning) within the office, as necessary, during inspection downtime
  • Must possess a valid driver's license with a safe driving record and can travel for multiple night stays during the week and on weekends
  • Strong client relationship skills

This position requires physical ability to perform filed inspections of in-service bridge and culvert structures, tunnel structures, highway structures, overhead sign structures, hydraulic structures, and metal traffic signal poles. Physical demands include positioning extension ladders, maneuvering small boats, driving long distances, confined space, air travel, occasionally working at night and on weekends, and walking long distances on uneven surfaces. Candidate should expect exposure to environmental hazards, such as, but not limited to, warm and cold temperatures, water, work-at-height, poisonous plants, snakes, ticks, spiders, and other creatures. Local candidates are preferred.

Required Qualifications:

  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Experience in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Strong written communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What HDR employees say

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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917

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