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Bridge Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Bridge Inspector will be expected to perform bridge inspections and some office engineering (rating, rehab/repair design, CADD). They will assist the Team Leader in performing bridge inspections ...

Bridge Inspector - Structures Team ( KY locations: Louisville, Lexington, Frankfort and Somerset) Qk4 seeks Bridge Inspectors to join our growing structural field services teams in one of our ...

Certified Bridge Inspector Certified Bridge Safety Inspector (CBSI) Position Overview We are seeking a Certified Bridge Safety Inspector (CBSI) to perform thorough, standards-compliant inspections ...

This role involves assisting bridge inspection team leaders in performing in-depth structural condition assessments, and preparing thorough inspection reports compliant with the National Bridge ...

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Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. #LI-JG9 In the role of Bridge Inspector/Engineer, we'll count on you to: • ...

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Bridge Inspector information

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$30K

$69.6K

$126K

How much do bridge inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for bridge inspector in the United States is $69,613.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,500.00 and $90,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

How do you become a bridge inspector?

To become a bridge inspector, candidates 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 need to pass physical exams and safety training. Gaining experience with structural analysis, inspection tools, and safety protocols is also important.

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 inspector job pays the most?

Senior or specialized bridge inspectors with extensive experience, certifications, and advanced skills tend to earn the highest salaries in the inspection field. These roles often require additional training, such as NACE or NICET certifications, and may involve overseeing large projects or managing teams, which increases earning potential.

How much does a bridge inspector make?

The average salary for a bridge inspector in Florida is approximately $60,000 to $75,000 per year, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level inspectors may earn less, while those with specialized skills or senior roles can earn higher salaries. The job often requires knowledge of inspection tools and safety standards.

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.

How much money 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 or those in high-cost areas can earn over $90,000 annually. The job often requires knowledge of inspection tools and safety standards.
What cities are hiring for Bridge Inspector jobs? Cities with the most Bridge Inspector job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Bridge Inspector jobs? The most popular types of Bridge Inspector jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Bridge Inspector jobs? The top employers for Bridge Inspector jobs are:
What states have the most Bridge Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Bridge Inspector jobs include:
Infographic showing various Bridge Inspector job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 76% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,613 per year, or $33.5 per hour.
Bridge Inspector

Bridge Inspector

Traffic Planning & Design

Doylestown, PA

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description


Ranked the #4 Large Employer to Work for in America and residing in the Top 400 on Engineering News Record (ENR)'s List of Top Design Firms in the nation, TPD is currently hiring experienced Certified Bridge Safety Inspectors. This position can be based out of any of our Pennsylvania offices, including Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Doylestown, Pittsburgh, Pottstown, or West Chester.

Our ideal candidate has minimum of 2 years of experience, a strong work ethic, a desire to learn, the willingness to work cohesively within a team, and the ability to work on multiple projects. Additionally, we offer a creative, flexible, supportive and fun environment!

Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Assist in the planning and preparation of bridge inspections by collecting existing bridge reports and data, gathering equipment, coordinating inspection routes, etc.
  • Review and interpret plans and site layouts to obtain information about the bridges.
  • Assist in inspecting bridge superstructures, substructures, approach roadways, safety features (guide rail), stream channels, and signing as required for structural integrity, general safety, continued conformance to specifications and codes, and compliance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards NBIS and FHWA bridge inspection metrics.
  • Assigning Condition and Appraisal ratings to the various components of bridges in accordance with agency guidelines.
  • Collection of bridge inspection data and entry into PennDOT’s BMS3 Bridge Management.

Job Requirements

  • A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering is desirable but not required.
  • Certified Bridge Inspector (CBI) or willingness to complete a 3-week training course and pass the test to become a Certified Bridge Inspector (CBI)
  • A willingness and ability to work both indoors and outdoors during all types of weather and year-round. Inspections may be performed day or night, with work periods longer than 8 hours.
  • The ability to navigate in and around bridge structures, which may require traversing rugged terrain with thick vegetation, working at heights, climbing, wading in waterways, working from a boat, and working in and around traffic.
  • Willingness to travel within PA (Travel time is paid)
  • Valid Driver’s License

Don't meet every qualification or skill in the description? That's ok! We are fully committed to expanding our staff and culture to best serve our clients and our communities. If you are interested in this position but don't completely align with every qualification listed, we encourage you to apply. You may be what we are looking for, for this role or maybe for another open position.

At TPD we exist to improve the quality of life for the public, and are dedicated to Moving Forward Together®