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Building Code Enforcement Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Ability to: - Interpret, explain, and enforce Department policies and procedures. - Interpret and apply pertinent Federal, State, and Village codes and ordinances relating to building construction ...

Maintenance Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Ensure properties meet company standards and local building codes * Enforce Fair Housing laws and company policies across the team * Collaborate with other departments to support operational goals

Maintenance Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Ensure properties meet company standards and local building codes * Enforce Fair Housing laws and company policies across the team * Collaborate with other departments to support operational goals

Ensure properties meet company standards and local building codes * Enforce Fair Housing laws and company policies across the team * Collaborate with other departments to support operational goals

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Showing results 1-20

Building Code Enforcement information

See Illinois salary details

$27.1K

$95.1K

$143.4K

How much do building code enforcement jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for building code enforcement in Illinois is $95,105.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,600.00 and $116,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Building Code Enforcement Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Building Code Enforcement Officer, you need a solid understanding of building codes, construction practices, and inspection procedures, often supported by a degree in construction management or a related field. Familiarity with inspection software, permitting systems, and relevant certifications such as ICC (International Code Council) certification is typically required. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to handle conflict diplomatically set exceptional officers apart. These skills are vital to ensure public safety, legal compliance, and effective collaboration with contractors, property owners, and government agencies.

What is the difference between Building Code Enforcement vs Building Inspector?

AspectBuilding Code EnforcementBuilding Inspector
CredentialsTypically requires certifications in code enforcement or building inspection, such as ICC certificationsRequires ICC Building Inspector certifications or equivalent
Work EnvironmentEnforces building codes, reviews plans, conducts inspections, and ensures compliancePerforms inspections, reviews plans, and enforces building codes at construction sites or existing structures
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by local governments, municipalities, and building departmentsEmployed by similar entities, often overlapping with code enforcement roles

Building Code Enforcement focuses on ensuring compliance with building codes through inspections and enforcement actions, while Building Inspectors primarily conduct inspections and review plans to verify code adherence. Both roles require similar certifications and work within the same industry environment, often overlapping in duties but with different emphasis on enforcement versus inspection.

What is building code enforcement?

Building code enforcement refers to the process by which local government officials ensure that construction and renovation projects comply with established building codes, zoning regulations, and safety standards. Code enforcement officers inspect buildings, review plans, and issue permits to guarantee that structures are safe, accessible, and built according to legal requirements. Their work helps protect public health and safety by preventing unsafe construction practices and addressing violations. They may also investigate complaints from the public regarding potential code violations. Overall, building code enforcement is essential for maintaining the structural integrity and safety of communities.

What are some common challenges faced by building code enforcement officers, and how can they be addressed?

Building code enforcement officers often encounter challenges such as managing interactions with property owners who may be unfamiliar with regulations or resistant to compliance. They must also keep up with evolving codes and handle a broad range of inspections across residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Strong communication, ongoing training, and a collaborative approach with colleagues and other municipal departments help address these challenges, ensuring both safety standards and positive community relations are maintained.
What are popular job titles related to Building Code Enforcement jobs in Illinois? For Building Code Enforcement jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Building Code Enforcement jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Building Code Enforcement job openings:
Infographic showing various Building Code Enforcement job openings in Illinois as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,105 per year, or $45.7 per hour.
BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR

BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR

City of Chicago

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$93K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

BID/JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Building Construction Inspector
Department of Buildings
(Conservation and Special Inspections)
Number of Positions: 9
(Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)
Starting Salary: $93,468
This position is open to the general public and to all current city employees covered under the terms of the City's collective bargaining agreement with the Carpenters-Inspectors Local 13 (BARGAINING UNIT 44).
Only employees in City job titles in this bargaining unit are eligible to bid.
BID INSTRUCTIONS: Apply on the bid site: https://chicago.taleo.net/careersection/103/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en AND
1. Check the box on your profile titled "Currently employed by the City of Chicago."
2. Enter your employee ID (located on your pay stub labeled 'payee/employee number')
3. Select your correct bargaining unit
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL RESULT IN A REJECTED BID APPLICATION
Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59 pm CDT on 06/09/202 6
Under general supervision, conducts inspections of existing buildings, demolition projects, new construction projects, rehabilitation work, repair work, public places of assembly, and/or public places of amusement for compliance with the Chicago Construction Codes and applicable municipal ordinances. Duties may also include the review of building plans and construction specifications, investigation of complaints, enforcement of code compliance, and other related duties as required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
  • Conducts comprehensive inspections of interior and exterior building conditions of occupied buildings for compliance with the Chicago Construction Codes.
  • Conducts inspections of demolition activities, excavation operations, and construction sites to ensure compliance with approved permits, public safety requirements, site protection standards, and applicable demolition and new construction regulations.
  • Conducts inspections of public places of assembly and public places of amusement to verify compliance with occupancy limitations, means of egress, fire and life safety systems, operational requirements, and applicable code and ordinance provisions.
  • Conducts inspections of buildings and structures that have sustained fire, weather, structural, or demolition-related damage to determine safety risks, occupancy concerns, and compliance requirements.
  • Conducts inspections of new construction, rehabilitation, alteration, and repair projects to ensure all work is performed in accordance with approved plans, issued permits, applicable construction specifications, and the requirements of the Chicago Construction Codes.
  • Conducts inspections in response to citizen complaints and inquiries related to unsafe building conditions, vacant and deteriorated properties, contractor licensing, permits, inspections, and construction-related concerns.
  • Prepare detailed inspection reports and standardized inspection checklists identifying code deficiencies, life safety concerns, structural issues, and conditions requiring corrective action to achieve compliance with the Chicago Construction Codes.
  • Interprets and communicates applicable code provisions to contractors, architects, engineers, design professionals, property owners, occupants, and developers to ensure understanding of compliance requirements and corrective actions.
  • Re-inspects buildings and/or structures prior to court proceedings to determine compliance status and provide the Court with updated information regarding correction of cited violations.
  • Ensures that property owners, contractors, and developers possess the proper permits, licenses, and approvals required for demolition, repairs, occupancy, alterations, and new construction activities.
  • Identifies materials, workmanship, and installation methods not in compliance with code requirements and recommends corrective measures necessary to achieve compliance.
  • Provides sworn testimony at court proceedings regarding violations, enforcement actions, inspection findings, and compliance determinations.

Additional duties may be required for this position
Location: 2045 W Washington Blvd
Days: Monday - Friday
Hours: 7:00 am to 3:30 pm
THIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICE
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training, and Experience
โ€ข Successful completion of a US Department of Labor registered building trade apprenticeship training program and journeyman status, plus two (2) years of journey-level building trade work experience, OR Should the above criteria not be fulfilled, the following options are available:
o Five (5) years of journey-level experience in skilled building construction or building inspection work experience
o Successful completion of an industry or company-sponsored apprenticeship training program in skilled building construction, plus four (4) years of journey-level building trade experience
o Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate's degree in Construction Management or Building Inspections, plus two (2) years of journey-level experience in skilled building construction or building inspection
o Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's or higher in Architecture or Construction-related Engineering
Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualification
โ€ข A valid State of Illinois driver's license is required
โ€ข Must have permanent use of an automobile that is properly insured, including a clause specifically insuring the City of Chicago from accident liability
WORKING CONDITIONS
โ€ข Exposure to noisy, dusty, or wet environments
โ€ข Exposure to outdoor inclement weather, extreme wind, and temperature conditions
โ€ข Exposure to hazardous conditions (e.g. heavy machinery, extreme heights, construction sites)
Educational & Employment Verification:
Please be advised that if you are selected to be hired, you must provide, upon request, adequate information regarding your education and employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position for which you are applying. If you received your degree internationally, all international transcripts/diplomas must be accompanied by a Foreign Credential Evaluation. If the City of Chicago cannot verify this information, any offer extended to you will be withdrawn and you will not be hired.
SELECTION REQUIREMENTS
This position requires applicants to successfully complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) who possess the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected.
For Information on our employees' benefits, please visit our benefits website at:
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html
For Information on our salary and title structure, visit our classifications website at:
https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dhr/supp_info/JobClassification/2025_Classification_and_Pay_Plan.pdf
APPLICATION EVALUATION: Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resources staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state, and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview or employment with the City of Chicago.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY: To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience, the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances: 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA), and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates, to be referred to departments for consideration. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders, as Collective Bargaining Agreements define the hiring process for bidders. For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates. To learn more about our hiring practices, click here.
ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.
The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.
City of Chicago
Brandon Johnson, Mayor