1

Bridge Inspector Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Bridge Design Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$93K - $140K/yr

Summary The Bridge Design Engineer is responsible for independently performing engineering tasks ... in-service inspections, structural, roadway, and other civil engineering tasks. Job ...

Bridge Design Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$93K - $140K/hr

Summary The Bridge Design Engineer is responsible for independently performing engineering tasks ... in-service inspections, structural, roadway, and other civil engineering tasks. Job ...

Store Sales Associate I

Tukwila, WA · On-site

$17 - $19.75/hr

Ben Bridge Jeweler has thirty-six stores, across the United States. We are committed to serving our ... Inspect and clean customers' jewelry and consult on repairs for jewelry and timepieces Required ...

Store Sales Associate I

Tacoma, WA

$16 - $18.50/hr

Ben Bridge Jeweler has thirty-two stores, across the United States. We are committed to serving our ... Inspect and clean customers' jewelry and consult on repairs for jewelry and timepieces Required ...

Store Sales Associate I

Tukwila, WA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Ben Bridge Jeweler has thirty-six stores, across the United States. We are committed to serving our ... Inspect and clean customers' jewelry and consult on repairs for jewelry and timepieces Required ...

Store Sales Associate I

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$16 - $18.50/hr

Ben Bridge Jeweler has thirty-two stores, across the United States. We are committed to serving our ... Inspect and clean customers' jewelry and consult on repairs for jewelry and timepieces Required ...

CM Inspector 2

Seattle, 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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Bridge Inspector information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$34.1K

$79.2K

$143.4K

How much do bridge inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for bridge inspector in Seattle, WA is $79,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,600.00 and $102,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do bridge inspectors get paid?

Bridge inspectors typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level inspectors may start at lower wages, while experienced professionals or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries. Overtime and fieldwork can also impact overall compensation.

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 is the role of a bridge inspector?

A bridge inspector evaluates the safety and structural integrity of bridges by inspecting components such as supports, decks, and cables. They identify damage, corrosion, or wear, and often use tools like drones or testing equipment to assess conditions, ensuring bridges meet safety standards and regulations.

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 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 type of inspector gets paid the most?

In the field of bridge inspection, senior or specialized inspectors with extensive experience, certifications, and advanced skills tend to earn the highest salaries. These roles often involve overseeing complex projects, using advanced tools, and may require certifications such as NACE or NICET levels, which can lead to higher pay compared to entry-level inspectors.

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.

How do I become a bridge inspector?

To become a bridge inspector, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience or training in civil engineering, construction, or related fields. Many positions require certification such as the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) certification, and inspectors often use tools like drones or inspection equipment to assess bridge conditions regularly.

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 popular job titles related to Bridge Inspector jobs in Seattle, WA? For Bridge Inspector jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Bridge Inspector jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Bridge Inspector jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Bridge Inspector jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Bridge Inspector job openings:
Infographic showing various Bridge Inspector job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,220 per year, or $38.1 per hour.
Bridge Design Engineer

Bridge Design Engineer

DOWL

Bellevue, WA • On-site

$93K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Why DOWL?
DOWL is a top-ranked, multi-disciplined consulting firm with over 60 years of experience in civil engineering and related services. Our in-house expertise spans Civil and Land Development, Construction-Related Services, Transportation and Structures, and Water and Environmental Services. At DOWL, you're valued, we support your growth, offer great benefits, and foster a culture of integrity, professionalism, and teamwork.
DOWL provides a comprehensive benefits package to support the health and financial well-being of our full-time employees and their families. DOWL offers a High Deductible Health Plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA) (including employer contribution). Other benefits include flexible spending account, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, dependent care account, employee assistance program, a 401(k) plan with discretionary employer contributions for matching, profit sharing, student debt repayment, paid time off, paid holidays. Paid Time Off (PTO) accrues at a minimum of 16 days per year and accruals being on first day of employment. Employees also receive nine paid holidays throughout the calendar year. For more details and eligibility please visit Careers - DOWL.
The Salary range for this position is $93,622.64 - $140,433.96.
In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position.
Bridges and Structures
With thousands of projects under our belt, we're proud to be a regional leader in heavy, unoccupied civil structures such as water reservoirs, pump stations, bridges, port and marine facilities and other significant concrete, masonry, steel and timber structures. Our proven approach provides clients with creative, efficient solutions. Our structural design team offers decades of experience in both new and existing construction, specializing in public infrastructure and industrial structures. If you are inspired to engineer structures that have significant impact on the communities we live and work in, we'd love you to be a part of our team!
Summary
The Bridge Design Engineer is responsible for independently performing engineering tasks related to structural design and analysis. The person in this position must be licensed to practice civil engineering in the state of primary practice or should be licensed in a different state with the ability to get the required license within 6 months of hire. This person is expected to exercise strong engineering judgment and demonstrate strong structural engineering fundamentals. The person in this position should show a strong working knowledge in AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications; and/or the International Building Code and ASCE 7: Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures. The person in this position should be able to quickly learn and apply other design codes as needed. The person in this position is also expected to work well with others, absorb and apply constructive criticism, and seek guidance from more experienced members of the team as necessary. This position requires a willingness to learn skills and perform a variety of tasks not directly related to the field of structural engineering, including, but not limited to: construction support assignments, in-service inspections, structural, roadway, and other civil engineering tasks.
Job Responsibilities and Duties
To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Software
  • Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) - Basic
  • Market Sector Software (MathCAD, AutoCAD or MicroStation) - Basic
  • Advanced understanding of structural analysis software
  • Model complex structures with mentoring
Technical Expertise
  • Solid understanding of engineering fundamentals
  • Performs complex structural design tasks independently
  • Independently checks basic designs
Teamwork
Anticipates needs of other disciplines. Collaborates on conceptual design of complex structures/elements. Meets interim deadlines to support downstream project execution.
Communication
  • Advanced understanding of technical writing skills
  • Prepares simple memos and technical reports
  • Reviews memos and reports deliverables
  • Tailors communication style, level of detail, and messaging to suit diverse audiences
  • Communication is clear, timely, relevant, and effective
Leadership
  • Effectively divides projects into individual tasks
  • Leads design efforts as engineer-of-record on small projects
  • Leads small structural design teams to complete structural tasks
Project Delivery
  • Prepares structural calculations and cost estimates independently
  • Creates CAD markups
  • Writes technical specifications and develops contract plans independently
  • Assembles structural calculation books
  • Oversees file management
  • Mentors others on above
Understanding Budget and Schedule
Advanced understanding of scopes, budgets, and schedules (i.e., estimate schedule for complex tasks). Able to predict and deliver individual tasks within a set level of effort. Able to consistently meet budget and schedule expectations on projects. Proactively identify and inform PM of out-of-scope work.
Industry Standards and Regulations
Advanced understanding of standard design codes. Employs standard design codes and client specific design manuals. Familiar with design codes from multiple jurisdictions.
Delivering Project Quality
Participate in quality processes as assigned by PM/EOR. Complete required checklists. Understand applicable OpEx procedures. Deliverables and documentation are consistently review-ready at start of review cycles. Schedule and initiate quality control processes on small projects. Engage reviewers appropriately to vet concepts prior to formal review cycles.
Client Interaction
Answers questions and resolves issues related to individual design tasks. Resolves project issues on small projects with internal team. Attends client meetings. Consistently uses appropriate communication tools (e.g., email versus phone).
Other
Other duties as assigned.
Level of Work/Accountability
Performs moderate to advanced levels of technical work on larger and more complex projects as assigned by the market sector. Operates with a moderate level of autonomy. Closes out daily priorities before signing off. May assist with some project management tasks.
Supervisory Duties
None
Education and/or Experience
  • Bachelor's Degree required; Master's Degree preferred
  • Years of experience required: 4 years
  • Years of experience required with advanced degree: 3 years
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
  • PE required
Driving Requirements
Must have a valid driver's license and a good driving record.
Engineers and designers frequently travel to job sites to assess site conditions of infrastructure such as transportation infrastructure, structures, water-related facilities, utility systems, and more. These visits are essential for:
  • Assessing site conditions for design feasibility and compliance.
  • Monitoring construction progress and ensuring structural safety.
  • Coordinating with contractors, surveyors, and clients at off-site locations.
  • Responding to urgent issues, such as structural failures or safety concerns.
  • Submitting permits and attending plan reviews at municipal offices.
  • Participating in public in-person meetings and stakeholder consultations related to project development.

Given the need for timely and flexible travel to various locations with limited notice-including remote or active construction sites-the ability to drive is essential for fulfilling these responsibilities effectively and efficiently.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.