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Building Official Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

City of Naperville, IL

Code Official

Naperville, IL · On-site

$87K - $96K/yr

Ensures compliance with adopted building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, energy, and accessible ... Assists the Chief Building Official in their duties as the staff liaison to the Building Review ...

City of Naperville, IL

Code Official

Naperville, IL · On-site

$87K - $96K/yr

... Official to conduct comprehensive architectural and construction plan review for all types of ... Ensures compliance with adopted building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, energy, and accessible ...

City Of Gary

Building Inspector I

Gary, IN · On-site

$38K/yr

... Building Officials or International Code Council certification as a Building Inspector or state level license from the appropriate issuing state or local agency. A valid State of Indiana Driver ...

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All JobsBuilding Official JobsBuilding Official Jobs in Chicago, IL

Building Official information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$28.9K

$101.2K

$152.6K

How much do building official jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for building official in Chicago, IL is $101,184.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,400.00 and $123,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a building official?

A Building Official is a government-appointed professional responsible for enforcing building codes, regulations, and standards within a specific jurisdiction. They review construction plans, issue permits, and conduct inspections to ensure that buildings are safe and comply with local, state, and national building codes. Building Officials also provide guidance to contractors, architects, and the public regarding code requirements. Their work helps ensure the safety, accessibility, and sustainability of the built environment.

What does a building official do?

The job of a building official is to enforce applicable building codes for a building, or the group of buildings under your jurisdiction if you work for a municipality or large corporation. When this role works for a municipality, it is often called a chief building official and you are in charge of enforcing codes for every building within the jurisdiction of the municipality. This position is most often a supervisory role that oversees building inspectors, ensuring that construction or maintenance crews follow safety regulations, and a permit is in place for any projects. The job duties of a building official are primarily enforcement related.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a building official?

To thrive as a Building Official, you need a comprehensive knowledge of construction codes, building inspection procedures, and regulatory compliance, often backed by a degree in construction management or a related field and relevant certifications. Familiarity with permitting software, inspection management systems, and code reference tools is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and decision-making skills are vital for interacting with contractors, the public, and enforcement agencies. These competencies ensure that buildings are safe, code-compliant, and projects progress efficiently within legal requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by building officials in coordinating with contractors and other stakeholders during construction projects?

Building Officials often encounter challenges when balancing code compliance with project timelines, especially when working with contractors, architects, and property owners who may have varying levels of understanding of local regulations. Effective communication is crucial to ensure all parties are informed about permit requirements, inspection schedules, and any necessary modifications. Building Officials must also remain impartial, resolving conflicts diplomatically and ensuring public safety is never compromised. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills help navigate these complexities and foster productive collaboration.

What is the difference between Building Official vs Building Inspector?

AspectBuilding OfficialBuilding Inspector
CredentialsTypically requires certifications such as ICC Building Inspector or equivalent, and sometimes a state licenseUsually requires similar certifications, often ICC Building Inspector or equivalent, but less administrative training
Work EnvironmentOversees building codes enforcement, manages permits, and supervises inspectors in government agenciesInspects construction sites, reviews plans, and ensures compliance with building codes
Employer & Industry UsageEmployed by local governments, municipalities, or building departmentsEmployed by local governments, private firms, or construction companies

The Building Official holds a broader administrative and supervisory role, overseeing building code enforcement and managing staff, while the Building Inspector focuses on on-site inspections and compliance checks. Both roles require similar certifications, but the Building Official's responsibilities include policy implementation and permit approval processes.

More about Building Official jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Building Official jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Building Official jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Building Official jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Building Official jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Building Official jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Building Official jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Building Official jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Building Official job openings:

Building Official jobs near you
Infographic showing various Building Official job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,184 per year, or $48.6 per hour.

Code Official

City of Naperville, IL

Naperville, IL • On-site

$87K - $96K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Description The City of Naperville seeks a Code Official to conduct comprehensive architectural and construction plan review for all types of residential and commercial buildings and structures; ensure that submitted plans are in compliance with adopted building codes and ordinances; coordinate review comments with other reviewers; and convey review comments and information regarding code requirements to the general public, developers, contractors, architects, and engineers. The hiring range for this position is $87,936.35 - $96,729.99 per year, commensurate with credentials and experience. The Pay Grade for this position is E245

For additional information, click here. Duties Reviews architectural plans, structural plans, and specifications associated with residential and commercial building permits. Ensures compliance with adopted building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, energy, and accessible (ADA) codes.

Advises applicants of needed changes and suggests means of changing plans for compliance during plan review. Maintains accurate records of plan reviews and actions taken. Conducts field inspections of buildings and structures before, during, and after construction as needed.

Communicates with and may attend meetings with property owners, developers, architects, engineers, and contractors to resolve permit issues through all permit phases. Assists the Chief Building Official in their duties as the staff liaison to the Building Review Board. Responds to building code and plan review inquiries and complaints as required.

Assists the code enforcement team with building code complaints as required. Prepares reports, memorandums, letters, and other forms of correspondence. Creates and maintains handouts, drawings, and outlines explaining construction regulations.

Recommends and drafts building and related code changes for all construction types found in the City of Naperville. Performs all other duties as assigned. Qualifications Required: Bachelor's degree in Architecture or a related field.

Three years of progressive responsibility and experience in preparing and/or reviewing construction plans and building specifications. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be substituted. Valid State of Illinois Driver's License.

Preferred: ICC Commercial and Residential Plans Examiner certifications. Or must obtain one within 18 months and the second within 36 months Additional ICC certifications: Electrical Plans Examiner, Mechanical Plans Examiner, Plumbing Plans Examiner, and/or Accessibility Inspector. Expertise in structural, mechanical, or electrical disciplines.

Experience working in BlueBeam or a similar plan review software. Experience working in Tyler EPL (EnerGov) or a similar permit processing software. Additional Information The City of Naperville, Illinois is a dynamic community of 153,000 residents, conveniently located 28 miles west of Chicago.

Various publications have named Naperville as one of the best cities in the United States in which to live. The City has gained national recognition for our family-friendly environment, excellent schools and library system, low crime rate, and vibrant downtown area. It's also a great place to work.

Our municipal government employs over 900 dedicated individuals in a wide range of job categories and provides a collaborative working environment, a forward-looking leadership team, and a competitive benefits package. Click here to learn more about the benefits offered by the City of Naperville. Applications should be completed thoroughly, and resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application but should be attached to the application.

Include all requested education, experience, attachments, and other information when applying. Incomplete applications are subject to rejection. Notifications to applicants will be sent electronically to the email address provided in the application.

THE CITY OF NAPERVILLE IS AN E. O. E.

The City of Naperville complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals needing accommodations in the recruitment process should notify Human Resources in advance at (630) 305-7066.

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