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Bridge Inspector Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

Senior Bridge Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$102.20K - $140.40K/yr

Plan, direct, and deliver projects that include bridge design, bridge rehabilitation, bridge inspection and structures design on DOT and local agency projects. This position may include being ...

Senior Bridge Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$102.20K - $140.40K/yr

The primary responsibilities of the Senior Bridge Engineer include: • Plan, direct, and deliver projects that include bridge design, bridge rehabilitation, bridge inspection and structures design ...

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 ...

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Bridge Inspector information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$27.4K

$63.7K

$115.3K

How much do bridge inspector jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for bridge inspector in Detroit, MI is $63,695.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,700.00 and $82,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

How much do inspectors make per inspection?

Bridge inspectors typically do not get paid per inspection but earn an hourly or salary wage, which can range from $20 to $40 per hour depending on experience, location, and certification level. The number of inspections performed influences overall earnings, but pay is usually structured as a regular wage rather than a per-inspection fee.

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 popular job titles related to Bridge Inspector jobs in Detroit, MI? For Bridge Inspector jobs in Detroit, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Bridge Inspector jobs in Detroit, MI look for? The top searched job categories for Bridge Inspector jobs in Detroit, MI are:
What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Bridge Inspector jobs? Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Bridge Inspector job openings:
Infographic showing various Bridge Inspector job openings in Detroit, MI as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 15% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,695 per year, or $30.6 per hour.
Bridge Engineer - Project Manager

Bridge Engineer - Project Manager

Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.

Wixom, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Overview
Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. (CEC) is looking for an experienced Bridge Engineer (PE) to join our growing bridge and transportation team based in Toledo, Ohio or Detroit (Wixom), Michigan.
This is a unique opportunity to help build and lead a growing bridge practice in the Midwest, while contributing to impactful public infrastructure projects. You'll play a key role in delivering high-quality design work, mentoring staff, and expanding CEC's presence with DOT and municipal clients. You'll work alongside multidisciplinary teams on a diverse range of transportation infrastructure projects while helping shape the direction of a growing bridge practice. This role offers the opportunity to take on increasing responsibility, mentor others, and expand your impact within a collaborative, employee-owned firm.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead the design and development of bridges, retaining walls, culverts, and related transportation structures from concept through final design
  • Perform and review structural analysis, load ratings, and design calculations in accordance with AASHTO LRFD and applicable DOT standards
  • Prepare and oversee plans, specifications, cost estimates, and technical reports for transportation infrastructure projects
  • Provide quality assurance and technical oversight of calculations, reports, and plan sets
  • Coordinate with roadway, geotechnical, survey, and environmental teams to deliver integrated design solutions
  • Support project scoping, budgets, and schedules to ensure successful project delivery
  • Serve as a technical mentor and resource to junior and mid-level engineers
  • Build and maintain relationships with DOT, municipal, and agency clients
  • Support proposals, pursuits, and interviews, with the opportunity to take on increasing responsibility in business development
  • Contribute to the continued growth and direction of CEC's bridge and transportation practice

At CEC, you'll have the opportunity to combine strong technical leadership with the ability to help grow a bridge practice, all within a collaborative, employee-owned firm. Our teams work across a diverse portfolio of transportation and infrastructure projects, giving you the opportunity to expand your expertise while contributing to meaningful work in the communities we serve. If you're looking for a role that offers greater ownership, visibility, and long-term growth, CEC provides the platform to continue building your career while making a lasting impact.
What We Offer
  • 100% employee-owned firm with a clear path to ownership within your first year of employment
  • Competitive compensation with multiple income streams, including bonuses and stock ownership
  • 55% of profits distributed through employee bonuses
  • Opportunity to help build and shape a growing bridge practice
  • Diverse and impactful transportation infrastructure projects
  • Flexible and hybrid work schedule options
  • Comprehensive benefits starting day one (healthcare, dental, vision), along with a 401(k) with company match and profit sharing beginning the first of the month following your start date
  • A collaborative environment that supports mentorship, innovation, and continued professional growth

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil, Structural, or Transportation Engineering required
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license (OH or MI, or ability to obtain via reciprocity) required
  • 8+ years of Bridge Design and/or Transportation Infrastructure experience, including plan development and project delivery required
  • Strong experience designing steel and concrete bridge structures required
  • Experience reviewing engineering work and providing technical design leadership required
  • Proficiency with OpenRoads or Civil 3D required
  • Experience with bridge design and analysis tools such as OpenBridge Designer, AASHTOWare BrR, LEAP Bridge, or similar is a plus
  • Bridge Inspection Experience is a plus
  • Working knowledge of AASHTO LRFD and DOT standards (ODOT, MDOT, or similar) is a plus

About Us
We have experts! CEC is consistently ranked as a Top 500 Design Firm and Top 200 Environmental Firm by Engineering News-Record. We are looking for people who enjoy using their education and experience to solve difficult technical problems and work on interesting projects. You can accomplish this while working with a team of professionals who are equally motivated to provide high levels of service to our clients and to teach you along the way.
We have support! We have a variety of Employee Resource Groups, including CEC Community - focused on giving back to the communities in which we work; CEC Ignite - focused on helping professionals early in their careers to develop their pathway; CEC iDEA - focused on inclusion, diversity, equality, and acceptance; and CEC Women - focused on creating internal and external opportunities for women to network and leverage professional experience!
We care about our people! People and Culture are two of the five elements of our strategic plan. When you care about your people, they will want to grow a career with you - that is our goal. CEC offers you a small-firm work environment with large-firm opportunities. Not only will we help you develop professionally, but we will also provide an opportunity to become an owner of the firm and share in its success.
CEC offers a matching 401(k); profit sharing; a performance bonus; company stock; medical, dental, and vision insurance; short and long-term disability; tuition assistance; professional development; and work-life balance.
CEC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in recruiting, hiring or promotion based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis or characteristic prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law.
THIRD PARTY RECRUITERS
If CEC has not expressly requested recruiting services or contractually engaged with you for recruiting services on a specific position, any resumes or candidate profiles sent to CEC shall be considered unsolicited. Therefore, any such submissions will be considered property of CEC, with no associated fees due to your firm.