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Bridge Inspector Jobs in Harrisburg, PA (NOW HIRING)

This role performs engineering design and analysis for bridge and structural transportation projects, supporting inspection, rehabilitation, and replacement work. Applies engineering judgment ...

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Bridge Inspector information

See Harrisburg, PA salary details

$29.6K

$68.7K

$124.4K

How much do bridge inspector jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for bridge inspector in Harrisburg, PA is $68,730.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,900.00 and $88,900.00 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 Harrisburg, PA? For Bridge Inspector jobs in Harrisburg, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Bridge Inspector jobs in Harrisburg, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Bridge Inspector jobs in Harrisburg, PA are:
What cities near Harrisburg, PA are hiring for Bridge Inspector jobs? Cities near Harrisburg, PA with the most Bridge Inspector job openings:
Infographic showing various Bridge Inspector job openings in Harrisburg, PA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,730 per year, or $33 per hour.

Transportation Construction Inspector

QES Engineering Inspection

Harrisburg, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

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


Job description

Quality Engineering Solutions, Inc. (QES) is seeking all levels of Transportation Construction Inspectors to join our team. For more than 25 years, QES has committed to a mission of performing engineering and construction inspection services in a manner that is both safe and in compliance with all applicable regulatory and client requirements. At QES, we have established and continue to nurture a culture that is committed to providing quality services for our clients. We're looking for top talent to grow with our firm.
The ideal candidate will be responsible for conducting bridge and roadway construction inspections within PennDOT, Engineering District 8-0.
Responsibilities and Duties:
  • Perform technical inspections to assure that contractors build a quality construction project. The Inspector will monitor and document that roadway, highway, and bridge projects are constructed in accordance with the pertinent plans and specifications.
  • Quality assurance monitoring for materials testing, including but not limited to soils concrete, aggregates, and bituminous products.
  • Comply with the PA Turnpike, PennDOT and/or Client and project specific overtime requirements.
  • Meet with the Clients Project Engineer/ Manager/ Supervisor or Consultant Manager/ Supervisor daily, or as required, to receive instructions and assignments.
  • Complete project documentation requirements. Daily progress reports, periodic cost estimates, project work activities including records of labor, material, quantities, and equipment used.
  • Perform periodic highway occupancy permit compliance and erosion and sedimentation controls compliance.
  • Request from Manager/Supervisor assistance for any instruction or assignment in the inspection of materials and workmanship to ensure compliance with contract requirements and established standards.
Required Qualifications:
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field
  • NICET Certification in Transportation/Highway Construction
  • NECEPT Bituminous/Asphalt Field Technician Certificate
  • PennDOT Concrete Field Technician Certificate
  • Experience with ECMS
  • Proven experience in roadway and bridge construction
  • Two (2) years of transportation construction inspection experience and a High School Diploma
  • Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to read and interpret plans and specifications, measure and calculate quantities, and perform quality control testing on highway materials will be considered
  • Actively engages multiple perspectives when solving problems, seeks to learn from peers, and encourages reciprocal learning among team members
  • Previous experience working on PennDOT or Pennsylvania Projects is preferred.
Anticipated Positions of Employment:
  • Inspectors
  • Supervisors
  • Managers
ABOUT QES: QES is an engineering and construction inspection firm offering a full range of pavement engineering services. Founded in 1997, QES has built a first-rate reputation providing solutions to challenges in the pavement and transportation field using the latest proven engineering technology on pavement projects throughout North America.
QES is proud to offer competitive pay, a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental and vision benefits, and a 401(k) plan. We provide a generous paid time off package and encourage flexibility to promote a healthy work life balance.