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Bridge Inspector Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Bridge Engineer

Rochester, NY · Hybrid

$74.50K - $88K/yr

Promote, utilize and support QA/QC processes to guarantee quality deliverables. * Assist with field inspections and prepare detailed bridge inspection reports and analyze foundation design. * Provide ...

Bridge Project Engineer

Rochester, NY · Hybrid

$95K - $135K/yr

Conduct field inspections, prepare detailed bridge inspection reports and analyze foundation design. * Provide technical support during construction, respond to RFIs and attend site visits.

Bridge Design Engineer

Rochester, NY · Hybrid

$85K - $100K/yr

Conduct field inspections and prepare detailed bridge inspection reports and analyze foundation design. * Provide technical support during construction, respond to RFIs and attend site visits.

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Bridge Inspector information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$29.6K

$68.7K

$124.3K

How much do bridge inspector jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for bridge inspector in Rochester, NY is $68,685.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,900.00 and $88,800.00 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 cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Bridge Inspector jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Bridge Inspector job openings:
Infographic showing various Bridge Inspector job openings in Rochester, NY as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 18% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,685 per year, or $33 per hour.
Team Leader, Bridge Inspection

Team Leader, Bridge Inspection

Popli Design Group

Rochester, NY

$110K - $185K/yr

Other

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Description

If you are a team player with a passion to drive your career in Bridge Inspection, Popli Design Group (PDG) is the place for you! PDG is seeking a Team Leader to add to our growing and talented team. 


As the Team Leader for Bridge Inspection, you will be evaluating and documenting the conditions of bridges and various other structures. This entails creating comprehensive condition reports utilizing agency-provided software or other designated formats. Additionally, you will be responsible for coordinating with an Assistant Team Leader (ATL) to ensure timely completion of inspections, while also providing guidance and mentorship to junior staff members. 


Effective communication skills will be crucial as you engage with team members, clients, and subcontractors, fostering clear and concise exchanges of information throughout the inspection process. A strong commitment to delivering high-quality work that aligns with technical guidelines is essential. The ideal candidate will possess recent experience in bridge inspection, preferably with entities such as NYSDOT, TBTA, Port Authority of NY&NJ, NYSTA, or NJDOT. Furthermore, they should hold a valid NYS PE license or NJ PE license with the capacity to transfer between states. 


Responsibilities

  • Evaluate and document conditions of bridges and other structures.
  • Write condition reports within agency provided software or other formats.
  • Responsible for coordinating with an ATL to complete inspections and mentoring junior staff.
  • Effectively communicate with team members and personnel from clients and subcontractors. 

Requirements

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document bridge conditions in the required format and in a clear concise manner.
  • Must be focused on providing quality work meeting technical guidelines.
  • Recent bridge inspection experience with NYSDOT, NYSTA, NYPA, NYSBA or similar. 

Experience, Education, and Certification 

  • NYS PE license
  • NHI Bridge Safety Inspection Course or NYSDOT Bridge Inspection Workshop
  • A Valid Driver's License and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) is required.


Work Environment 

  • Combination of professional office environment and field work.
  • Field work requires employee to be willing to work in various weather conditions and nature.
  • Required to travel to project sites. 

Physical Demands

  • Must physically be able to perform field inspection work, e.g., carry/climb ladders, wade in streams, work around traffic, work at heights, etc.
  • The job requires prolonged periods of sitting at a computer.
  • Ability to lift up to 50lbs. 

About Popli Design Group (PDG)

PDG is a well-established multi-disciplinary architecture and engineering firm that has been serving clients since 1982. With four decades of experience and expertise, we have evolved from a transportation engineering firm to a comprehensive, full-service organization with seven office locations in New York State. Our extensive portfolio of successful projects has earned us a trusted reputation among our clients. 


Popli Design Group is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability or protected veteran status, and any other basis protected by applicable local, state, or federal law or Executive Orders.


Good faith salary range is provided, and salary package will be commensurate with experience.