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Building Inspector Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Building Systems Inspector - ICC B2 Certified

Portland, OR · On-site

$50 - $75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform daily inspections of building and structural systems not limited to but including: * Reinforced concrete foundations, walls, slabs, and structural components * Structural steel erection ...

Building Systems Inspector - ICC B2 Certified

Gresham, OR

$50 - $75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform daily inspections of building and structural systems not limited to but including: * Reinforced concrete foundations, walls, slabs, and structural components * Structural steel erection ...

Construction Inspector

Vancouver, WA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Experience should be directly related to Building Construction, Building Inspection, and Site civil construction inspection. Knowledge of requirements associated with OSHA 1910.269. Technical ...

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Building Inspector information

See Portland, OR salary details

$38.2K

$73K

$109.2K

How much do building inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for building inspector in Portland, OR is $73,049.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,300.00 and $85,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by building inspectors during site inspections?

Building Inspectors often encounter challenges such as managing tight inspection schedules, staying updated with evolving building codes, and effectively communicating compliance issues to contractors and property owners. They may also have to navigate difficult weather conditions or access hard-to-reach areas on construction sites. Successfully balancing these demands requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to resolve compliance issues efficiently.

What does a building inspector do?

A Building Inspector is responsible for examining buildings, structures, and construction sites to ensure they comply with local, state, and federal codes and regulations. They review plans, issue permits, and conduct on-site inspections at various stages of construction or renovation. Their main goal is to ensure the safety, structural integrity, and accessibility of buildings for occupants and the public. Building Inspectors may also investigate complaints, issue violation notices, and advise on necessary corrections to bring properties up to code.

Do you need experience to be a building inspector?

Building inspector positions typically require some prior experience in construction, architecture, or engineering, along with knowledge of building codes and inspection procedures. Many employers prefer candidates with relevant certifications or training, such as a state-issued license or certification from a professional organization. Entry-level roles may be available for those with related education and a willingness to learn on the job.

Are building inspectors in high demand?

Building inspectors are in steady demand due to ongoing construction, renovation projects, and the need for safety compliance. Employment for this role is expected to grow as building codes become more stringent and inspections remain a critical part of the construction process. Certification and knowledge of local building codes can enhance job prospects in this field.

What is the difference between Building Inspector vs Construction Inspector?

AspectBuilding InspectorConstruction Inspector
Required CredentialsState or local licensing, certifications in building codesSimilar licensing, often with additional construction-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentInspecting residential, commercial, and public buildingsMonitoring construction sites, ensuring compliance during building phases
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, private firms, construction companiesConstruction firms, government agencies, project developers

Building Inspectors primarily review completed structures for code compliance, while Construction Inspectors oversee ongoing construction projects to ensure standards are met during building. Both roles require similar credentials and often work in overlapping environments, but their focus differs in timing and scope.

What is a building inspector?

A building inspector’s primary job responsibilities are to look at public buildings and ensure they are up to federal, state, and local codes. In this job, your duties are to look at the structural integrity, electrical wiring, water connections, and other aspects of the construction and make sure that everything works as it should and complies with all safety regulations. Inspectors have to know a variety of building disciplines and trades, or at least the laws related to them. For example, you have to know basic wiring codes and how to recognize a dangerous situation, such as broken or loose wiring, as well as general building hazards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a building inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Building Inspector, you need in-depth knowledge of building codes, construction practices, and safety regulations, typically backed by relevant certifications or formal education in construction or engineering. Familiarity with inspection management software, digital reporting tools, and sometimes licensing such as ICC certification is usually required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and impartial judgment are essential soft skills for ensuring accurate inspections and clear interactions with contractors and property owners. These skills and qualities are crucial because they help maintain safety standards, regulatory compliance, and trust in the built environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Building Inspector jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Building Inspector jobs in Portland, OR are:

What job categories do people searching Building Inspector jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Building Inspector jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Building Inspector jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Building Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Building Inspector job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,049 per year, or $35.1 per hour.

Plumbing Building Inspector - Gresham, OR

City of Gresham

Gresham, OR

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Overview Join the City of Gresham as a Plumbing Building Inspector (Building Inspector 2), performing residential and commercial plumbing inspections. This full-time role includes Oregon PERS retirement and full medical, dental, and vision benefits. We're looking for a certified plumbing inspector who values a collaborative team, delivers quality customer service, and uses their code knowledge to keep Gresham's commercial and residential buildings safe.

Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code Inspector (PI) and Oregon Residential Plumbing Inspector (CAP) certifications are required at hire. This job is posted until the listed closing date; first resume reviews and interview consideration begin August 17. As Oregon's fourth-largest city, Gresham is a welcoming community of hard-working people where tradition and heritage meet innovation and opportunity.

Gresham is a dynamic and rapidly growing city where families and businesses have a mutual desire and drive to thrive. City of Gresham employees care deeply about the community they serve, and go 'one step beyond' to deliver services in collaborative, inventive, practical, and nimble ways. Our work is challenging, fast-paced and rewarding.

We believe that to deliver the highest level of service to all Gresham community members, it is crucial we employ a diverse workforce, foster an inclusive working environment, and ensure our policies and systems result in equitable outcomes. The City seeks candidates who will support these values by continuously incorporating equity in their daily work and actively contributing to a workplace culture that respects unique viewpoints, life experiences and cultural perspectives. Come build the future with us.

Benefits & Schedule Retirement: Oregon PERS Health: medical, dental, and vision coverage Schedule: full-time, Monday through Friday, 7:15 AM to 4:15 PM FTE, onsite in Gresham (Portland metro area, Multnomah County) If you feel you are a better match for one of the below positions, please apply to that position directly: Building Inspector Trainee Building Inspector 1 Electrical Building Inspector Structural Mechanical Building Inspector Position Description What you'll do Inspect new and existing residential, commercial, and accessory buildings for compliance with construction, safety, and specialty codes and City ordinances Notify contractors and homeowners of violations and follow up to confirm they're corrected Issue stop-work orders for non-compliance and determine required repairs or replacement Investigate health and safety complaints and violations Conduct field inspections and on-site plan review; provide code interpretation to contractors, builders, architects, and homeowners Perform accurate plan review and read/interpret plans, specifications, and engineering drawings against work in progress Maintain inspection records and prepare reports and compliance correspondence Represent the City to the public, other agencies, and jurisdictions; stay current on state and local codes Qualifications Minimum: Associate's degree or two years of college coursework in a Building Inspection Technology program or related trade/technical coursework, plus three (3) to six (6) years in one or more areas of building construction - or any combination of three to six years of related education, training, and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Required at hire: Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code Inspector (PI) certification (or equivalent) Oregon Residential Plumbing Inspector (CAP) certification (or equivalent) Valid driver's license and good driving record (based on our driving matrix below) Within 30 days of hire: Oregon Inspector Certification (OIC) Within 12 months of hire: Oregon Medical Gas Inspector (MIG) Driving Matrix You will be disqualified from this process if you possess any of the following driving infractions: A major traffic offense or accident that results in death or major injury. Driving under the influence (DUI) offense within the last 5 years.

Have more than 3 moving violations within a 3-year period or more than 2 within a one-year period. Have more than 2 accidents within a 3-year period. Have more than 2 accidents within a 3-year period.

Selection Process To apply for this position, click 'Apply' at the top of this job posting. Required application materials: Complete online application(Do not type 'see resume' in any fields or leave work experience fields blank in the application template.) Answers to supplemental questions Three or more professional references The City of Gresham offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on your experience, skills, and education verified in your application. We encourage you to clearly describe how you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials.Learn more about Oregon Equal Pay

If you desire a modification of this process to accommodate a disability, please provide your request in writing to HRRecruiting@GreshamOregon.gov, or by phone to 503-618-2729, upon submitting the required application documents. A review of application materials including your response to supplemental questions submitted will determine which candidates will be invited to an interview. Communication with candidates will be done primarily through e-mail

Sometimes these messages may land in a spam or junk mail folder. We encourage you to monitor your inbox as well as the inbox within the governmentjobs.com portal for important updates related to this process. Veteran's Preference The City of Gresham provides qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with preference in employment in accordance with state law

Any candidate wishing to have their qualifying veteran's preference applied to the process must submit a qualifying document (DD Form 214 or 215) at the time of application providing proof of eligibility that includes discharge status. Disabled veterans must also submit a copy of their Veteran's disability preference letter from the US Department of Veteran Affairs at the time of application, unless the information is included in the DD Form 214 or 215. Our Commitment The City of Gresham is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants without unlawful regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, familial status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, Oregon, or local law.

Please direct questions about this position to 503-618-2729 or HRRecruiting@GreshamOregon.gov. If you need assistance with the online application, please contact NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627. Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a professional reference check, criminal background check, and driving record review.