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Bridge Inspector Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

HS Diploma or equivalent 8+ years of construction experience with 4+ years in roadway/bridge inspection or a Civil Engineering degree and 3 years of road and bridge construction engineering and ...

... bridge inspection or a Civil Engineering degree and 3 years of road and bridge construction engineering and inspection experience • Ability to read and interpret construction plans and ...

... bridge inspection or a Civil Engineering degree and 3 years of road and bridge construction engineering and inspection experience • Ability to read and interpret construction plans and ...

Our offices provide bridge design and maintenance inspection services to DOTs, transit agencies, and municipalities throughout the Carolinas. This is a great opportunity to join a growing ...

Senior Bridge Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site

$96K - $132K/yr

Bridge construction inspection experience a plus * Ability to work in a strong team environment of highly motivated professionals for a family-owned and oriented company that prides itself on ...

Senior Bridge Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site

$96K - $132K/yr

Bridge construction inspection experience a plus * Ability to work in a strong team environment of highly motivated professionals for a family-owned and oriented company that prides itself on ...

Senior Bridge Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site

$96K - $132K/yr

Bridge construction inspection experience a plus * Ability to work in a strong team environment of highly motivated professionals for a family-owned and oriented company that prides itself on ...

Senior Bridge Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site

$96K - $132K/yr

Bridge construction inspection experience a plus * Ability to work in a strong team environment of highly motivated professionals for a family-owned and oriented company that prides itself on ...

Senior Bridge Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site

$96K - $132K/yr

Bridge construction inspection experience a plus * Ability to work in a strong team environment of highly motivated professionals for a family-owned and oriented company that prides itself on ...

Senior Bridge Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site

$96K - $132K/yr

Bridge construction inspection experience a plus * Ability to work in a strong team environment of highly motivated professionals for a family-owned and oriented company that prides itself on ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 13, 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Bridge Inspector jobs in Columbia, SC?

The most popular types of Bridge Inspector jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What are popular job titles related to Bridge Inspector jobs in Columbia, SC?

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

What job categories do people searching Bridge Inspector jobs in Columbia, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Bridge Inspector jobs in Columbia, SC are:

Infographic showing various Bridge Inspector job openings in Columbia, SC as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,401 per year, or $31 per hour.

Senior CEI Inspector

Columbia, SC • On-site

RS&H
Architectural Services • 1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

The Opportunity

We are seeking experienced CEI Inspectors with experience in structure inspection. Experience should reflect work on major highway structures (including concrete and steel bridges) along with retaining wall inspection experience (MSE walls, Soil Nail walls, Drilled Shaft walls) for our Transportation-Construction Management (T-CM) team in the Florence, Columbia, Orangeburg, Newberry, Blythewood, and Camden, SC areas.

As a Senior CEI Inspector, you will monitor the contractor's on-site construction activities and inspect materials to ensure compliance with plans, specifications, and other contract documents. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, be a team player, and be enthusiastic, motivated, honest, and dependable.**Along with your resume, please provide a project list that includes your role on the project and the project construction value.**Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Maintain detailed records of the contractor's daily operations including manpower, equipment, construction methods, and events that affect the work Monitor work zone traffic control plan and identify discrepancies and potential issues Monitor the erosion control plan and identify discrepancies and potential issues Perform sampling and testing of component materials and completed work Verify the dimensions of prepared and completed work Inspect the construction work and conduct field tests Track/measure completed work quantities for payment Perform survey checks

Qualifications:

HS Diploma or equivalent 8+ years of construction experience with 4+ years in roadway/bridge inspection or a Civil Engineering degree and 3 years of road and bridge construction engineering and inspection experience Ability to read and interpret construction plans and specifications Must have a Valid Driver's License with a good driving record Must obtain any required certifications and pass appropriate qualifications tests for the position in specified time frames Ability to sit, stand, climb, bend, twist or stoop frequently and for prolonged periods, under various outside conditions Ability to reach horizontally as well as vertically for required tasks Ability to use construction or inspection safety equipment including fall protection Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and shake up to 20 pounds

Preferred Certifications / Credentials:

  • OSHA 10 Hour
  • SCDOT Experience/ Certifications

Benefits:

  • Paid Vacation, Personal Time Off, and Holiday Pay
  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Certification and Licensure Support
  • Career Advancement Opportunities
  • Pet Insurance
  • Cellphone Stipend
  • Company Vehicle
  • And much more!

#LI-KZ1

If this sounds like the role for you and you're ready to join an amazing team, please apply.

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.

Please note: no agency representation or submissions will be recognized for this vacancy. Candidates should apply directly to this role to be considered. It is the responsibility of all third-party recruiting and employment agencies to know and adhere to our recruiting policy.

The Team

While RS&H was founded in 1941, we have been providing construction management services as one of our primary business practices since 1984.  RS&H's Transportation-Construction Management Practice serves numerous state departments of transportation, mobility/transportation authorities, turnpike/toll authorities, rail/port authorities, municipal/county governments, and private clients throughout the United States. Our Construction Engineering and Inspections (CEI) teams as well as our Construction Management teams are industry leading experts who provide a full range of construction engineering, program management, specialized testing, and inspection services from the preconstruction phase through maintenance and operations.  By joining our team, you too can provide unique expertise in the full life cycle of transportation delivery, and lead the evolution of transportation.

The Company

Employee-owned, RS&H is one of the nation's leading architecture, engineering, and consulting firms, with associates who work hard every day to create tomorrow together. We offer an exceptional journey from start to future. Our integrated teams translate experience into insight, turn challenges into opportunities, and build relationships that are as strong as the buildings and infrastructure we deliver together. We attribute our success to our unwavering commitment to our core values: integrity, accountability, curiosity, and teamwork.

Employment Type: OTHER

RS&H logo

About RS&H

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

RS&H provides fully integrated architecture, engineering, and consulting services to help clients realize their most complex facility and infrastructure projects for land, air, and space. We are committed to bringing extraordinary solutions to our clients through the promise of imagination, ingenuity, and innovation. With a tradition of excellence that began in 1941, we are consistently ranked among the nation's top 100 design firms. We attribute our success to an unwavering commitment to our core values of: integrity, quality service, business success and valuing associates.

Industry

Architectural services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

South Jacksonville, FL, US

Year founded

1941