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Bridge Inspector Jobs in Olympia, WA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Engineer supervising bridge inspections shall obtain a bridge inspection number/license within 12 months of hire. A valid Washington State Driver's License is required. Must be registered as a ...

CM Inspector 2

Olympia, WA · On-site

$32 - $50/hr

... you're CM Inspector 2 ready to provide QA inspection support for heavy civil infrastructure ... bridge, transportation related experience required. Join a dynamic, value-driven, client- and ...

... you're CM Inspector 2 ready to provide QA inspection support for heavy civil infrastructure ... bridge, transportation related experience required. Join a dynamic, value-driven, client- and ...

CM Inspector 2

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$32 - $50/hr

... you're CM Inspector 2 ready to provide QA inspection support for heavy civil infrastructure ... bridge, transportation related experience required. Join a dynamic, value-driven, client- and ...

Pharmacist

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$86.73 - $116.55/hr

Where kids and families are always first At MultiCare Mary Bridge Children's Hospital & Health ... You will assist in the inspection of all pharmaceutical supplies on all services * You will provide ...

Pharmacist

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$75.89 - $101.98/hr

Where kids and families are always first At MultiCare Mary Bridge Children's Hospital & Health ... You will assist in the inspection of all pharmaceutical supplies on all services * You will provide ...

Transportation Engineer 2

Olympia, WA · On-site +1

$76K - $102K/yr

... bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation. The Opportunity WSDOT is currently ... Inspect highway construction projects to verify compliance with plans, specifications, contract ...

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Bridge Inspector information

See Olympia, WA salary details

$32.2K

$74.6K

$135.1K

How much do bridge inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for bridge inspector in Olympia, WA is $74,646.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,700.00 and $96,500.00 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 popular job titles related to Bridge Inspector jobs in Olympia, WA?

For Bridge Inspector jobs in Olympia, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Olympia, WA are hiring for Bridge Inspector jobs?

Cities near Olympia, WA with the most Bridge Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Bridge Inspector job openings in Olympia, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,646 per year, or $35.9 per hour.

Specifications and Estimates Engineer (BE5)

State of Washington

Olympia, WA • On-site, Remote

$102K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

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


State Of Washington rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 50 rated states


Job description

Description About WSDOT The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation.

The Opportunity WSDOT is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Bridge Engineer 5 to support the successful delivery of transportation improvement projects across Washington State. In this role, you will develop complete Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) packages for a wide range of bridge and transportation structure projects, including Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, rehabilitation, movable and floating bridges, and other complex infrastructure. Responsibilities include preparing project-specific specifications, construction cost estimates, and working day schedules, participating in constructability and value engineering reviews, and collaborating with project teams to ensure contract documents are accurate, comprehensive, and ready for advertisement.

By providing high-quality PS&E packages, this position directly supports WSDOT's mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options that strengthen communities and support Washington's economy. What to Expect Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Specifications and Estimates Engineer will: Assemble all applicable general special provisions, write pertinent project specific special provisions, and prepare cost and working days estimates for all types of transportation structures. Review all available data including final design plans, geotechnical report, job file, electrical and mechanical rehabilitation inspection reports, special provision checklist, and quantity calculations.

Research and write project specific special provisions for new and unique items of work. Develop cost estimates by determining unit prices for bid items and review the cost estimates for electrical and mechanical rehabilitation work. Develop construction working days schedules by analyzing the number of work items, the quantity of work in each work item, and the order of work.

Assemble the complete specifications, cost estimate and bid items and furnish plans for distribution to the Region and others. Review the civil and bridge contract plans, specifications, and estimate for all assigned projects. Coordinate the resolution of review comments pertaining to Bridge PS&E.

Attend task force meetings for projects as a Bridge Office representative. Qualifications To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required: Bridge Specifications and Contract Documents: Demonstrated expertise preparing and reviewing specifications, engineer's estimates, bid items, and construction schedules for bridge and transportation structure projects. Transportation Standards and Specifications: Demonstrated familiarity with the WSDOT Standard Specifications, General Special Provisions, and project-specific special provisions.

Bridge Engineering Principles: Demonstrated experience applying the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Bridge Design Specifications and sound engineering judgment to bridge and transportation structure projects. Construction Estimating and Quantification: Demonstrated experience preparing quantities takeoff calculations, working day schedules, and construction cost estimates for transportation structure projects. Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.

Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others. The following qualifications are also required: A Bachelor of Science degree in civil or structural engineering. Licensed as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or licensed in another state and able to obtain Washington licensure through reciprocity within six (6) months of appointment.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate/have: Complex Bridge Project Delivery: Experience supporting delivery of complex bridge projects such as movable, floating, curved, rehabilitation, or Design-Build structures. Project Risk and Value Analysis: Experience participating in Value Engineering (VE), Cost Estimate Validation Process (CEVP), Cost Risk Assessment (CRA), or similar project risk reviews. Bridge Inspection and Construction Support: Experience performing bridge inspections or supporting bridge construction.

Bridge Design Standards and Practices: Familiarity with the WSDOT Bridge Design Manual, Bridge Design Office policies, and bridge construction practices. Engineering Software and Technical Documentation: Demonstrated proficiency using engineering and business software to prepare specifications, estimates, technical documentation, and project coordination materials including Microsoft Office, Bluebeam, Adobe Acrobat or similar applications. *To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs. In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements.

Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code. This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options. WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).

For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov Why WSDOT Work-Life Balance - We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals' lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions. Paid Leave - In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year

Tuition Assistance - Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness. Plan For Your Future - WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more.

Go to State Benefits for more information. Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT. How to Apply Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically.

Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the "Work Experience" portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application: An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.

An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role. Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the "References" section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace.

All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter. Contact Us For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov

Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-00209 in the subject line.


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About State of Washington

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Washington is not a traditional company, but a governmental organization that is tasked with managing the various state-run services and enterprises in Washington. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, USA, the organization is responsible for the overall administration of the state's agencies and public services. Since the admission of Washington into the Union on November 11, 1890, the state government has aimed to provide a high quality of life for its residents through effective and efficient public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

Year founded

1889