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City Building Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Building Inspector Supervisor

Fairfield, CA · On-site

$114K - $139K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

CD-Building Inspection Opening Date: 04/13/2026 Closing Date: Continuous FLSA: Exempt Bargaining ... ABOUT FAIRFIELD The City of Fairfield is situated midway between San Francisco and Sacramento-the ...

Coordinate inspection activities with other City departments and divisions as required. Confer with ... Retrieve building, assessors parcels, files and other computerized records from computer database ...

Building Inspector

Manhattan Beach, CA · On-site

$86K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

City Hall - 1400 Highland Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 2026-00047 ... Under direction from higher-level building inspectors, the Building Inspector inspects buildings ...

Building Inspector

Vacaville, CA · On-site

$86K - $105K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

ABOUT OUR JOB The City of Vacaville - A beautiful place to live, a great place to work. With more ... The Building Inspector is an exciting and dynamic position. It is responsible for inspecting all ...

Building Inspector

Clearlake, CA · On-site

$52K - $63K/yr

Coordinate inspection activities with other City departments and divisions as required. Confer with ... Retrieve building, assessors parcels, files and other computerized records from computer database ...

Building Inspector

Santee, CA · On-site

$77K - $94K/yr

... Building Inspector performs full services at the public counter, performs plan reviews for ... For the complete , please go to the City of Santee's website at www.cityofsanteeca.gov Minimum ...

Building Inspector

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$45 - $65/hr

Experience working for a city, county, or public agency Building & Safety Department. * Experience performing both field inspections and plan reviews. * Active ICC certifications are highly desirable ...

THE CITY **THE CITY OF HEMET IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER** The City of Hemet is experiencing exciting growth, and we're looking for a skilled Building Inspector II to help guide that progress.

The City of Seaside provides outstanding services to the public and is deeply committed to a ... Investigate complaints of building violations or hazards; inspect existing structures under ...

Building Inspector II

Hemet, CA · On-site

$81K - $93K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

THE CITY OF HEMET IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER** The City of Hemet is experiencing exciting growth, and we're looking for a skilled Building Inspector II to help guide that progress. In this key ...

Building Inspector I: $71,545 - $95,878/annual Building Inspector II: $82,971 - $111,189/annual If ... Drives a City vehicle when major assignment is field work. Testifies in court concerning code ...

Senior Building Inspector

Compton, CA · On-site

$87K - $102K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Represents the Department to other City departments, elected officials and outside agencies ... Residential Building Inspector (B1) Commercial Building Inspector (B2) Plans Examiner (B3) Must ...

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City Building Inspector information

See California salary details

$35.5K

$68K

$101.7K

How much do city building inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for city building inspector in California is $67,979.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,300.00 and $79,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a city building inspector do?

A City Building Inspector is responsible for reviewing construction projects to ensure they comply with local building codes, zoning laws, and safety regulations. They examine plans, inspect construction sites, and issue permits or stop-work orders as needed. Their goal is to protect public safety by making sure structures are built safely and meet all legal requirements. Building Inspectors also provide guidance to builders and property owners about necessary improvements or changes.

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

To thrive as a City Building Inspector, you need a solid understanding of local building codes, construction methods, and inspection procedures, often backed by a relevant degree or trade experience and certification such as ICC certification. Familiarity with inspection management software, digital reporting tools, and sometimes GIS systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help inspectors work with contractors and the public. These skills ensure that buildings are safe, compliant, and built to code, protecting the community and upholding regulatory standards.

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

AspectCity Building InspectorCity Code Enforcement Officer
CredentialsTypically requires building inspection certifications, state licensing, and relevant construction knowledgeRequires knowledge of local codes, ordinances, and sometimes certification in code enforcement
Work EnvironmentInspecting new construction, renovations, and ensuring compliance with building codesEnforcing city codes related to property maintenance, zoning, and safety violations
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal government, construction, and architecture firmsMunicipal government, housing authorities, and public safety agencies

While both roles focus on ensuring safety and compliance within city regulations, City Building Inspectors primarily evaluate construction projects and building safety, whereas City Code Enforcement Officers handle broader property and zoning violations. Both positions require knowledge of local codes and often collaborate to maintain community standards.

What are some common challenges city building inspectors face when performing site inspections?

City Building Inspectors often encounter challenges such as managing tight inspection schedules, addressing non-compliance issues with contractors or property owners, and staying updated on evolving building codes and regulations. Additionally, they must be able to communicate technical requirements in an accessible way and handle disputes or disagreements professionally. Adapting to various work environments—from new construction sites to older buildings—also requires inspectors to be vigilant about safety and detail-oriented in their evaluations.

What cities in California are hiring for City Building Inspector jobs?

Cities in California with the most City Building Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various City Building Inspector job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,979 per year, or $32.7 per hour.

BUILDING INSPECTOR I/II

City of Cathedral City

Cathedral City, CA • On-site

$5.2K - $6.8K/mo

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Description Think You Have What It Takes to Spot Every Detail. Join the City of Cathedral City Team. (TO ESTABLISH AN ELIGIBILITY LIST) This recruitment will remain open until sufficient qualified applications are received and may close without prior notice.

Apply immediately. THE POSITION Under general supervision, performs technical construction and other inspection work and interprets and enforces structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, occupancy and related codes which regulate new building, construction, remodeling, repair and use; may assist in the review of building plans and specifications; performs related work as assigned. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Building Inspector I is the entry level class in the building inspection series.

Initially under close supervision, incumbents work with staff more experienced in application/permit issuance, plans checking, and conducting regular field inspections until such time as incumbents learn City policies and procedures and specific techniques and methods of building plan checking and inspection work. This class is alternately staffed with Building Inspector II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications of the higher level class. Building Inspector II is the journey level class of the building inspection series, fully competent and expected to perform combination inspections involving all of the specialty craft areas.

Incumbents exercise independent judgment and make sound recommendations based on inspection findings. This class is distinguished from the Senior Building Inspector in that the latter is the lead/specialist class, which provides work direction and review and handles the more difficult inspection work. TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE Any combination of training and experience that provides the above listed knowledge, skills and abilities may be qualifying.

A typical way of qualifying would be: Building Inspector I ($63,005.94 - $82,472.73/annually): Equivalent to high school diploma and two (2) years of building trades experience. Building Inspector I must obtain an ICC Building Inspector certificate within six (6) months of appointment. Building Inspector II ($72,932.49 - $95,466.24/annually): In addition to the above, Building Inspector II requires possession of an ICC Building Inspector certificate at time of appointment and three (3) years of building inspection experience at a level equivalent to the City's Building Inspector I

A valid California Class C driver license is required. TO VIEW THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION, CLICK HERE. Tentative Timelines: Screen applications - First review of applications - August 12, 2026 Panel Interview - Week of August 17 Dept Head Interview - Week of August 17 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS TO VIEW THE AFSCME MOU, CLICK HERE.

CANDIDATE SELECTION PROCESS 1. Application Review: A completed City of Cathedral City employment application and resume is required. Incomplete applications may result in disqualification from the process.

Application review will begin immediately and will be screened on the basis of relevant education, training, and experience. 2. Examination Phase: Based upon the information presented on the application, a limited number of candidates who possess qualifications most pertinent to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process.

The selection process may include but is not limited to the following components: application review and evaluation, written examination or exercise, and interview evaluation. 3. Establishment of Eligibility List: Candidates who successfully complete the examination process will be placed on the eligibility list pending further review by the department head and other qualifying procedures.

Notifications will be sent by email only (regardless of the notification preference selected during the on-line application process) to the email listed on your on-line application. All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre-employment process which may include, but is not limited to: comprehensive background check, criminal history check (live scan fingerprint check), and post-offer medical evaluation with a drug screen. What's Next.

Apply today and share this posting with anyone who may be interested!