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City Building Inspector Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Must have at least one State of Wisconsin Building Inspector certification, or be able to obtain ... The City will provide a certification allowance for additional State of Wisconsin certifications ...

Supervisor of Inspections

Kenosha, WI · On-site

$75K - $112K/yr

City Inspections Opening Date: 06/24/2026 Closing Date: Continuous General Overview of Position ... Must have at least one State of Wisconsin Building Inspector certification, or be able to obtain ...

Performs onsite inspections of various phases of construction to ensure compliance as required by Wisconsin Administrative & Building codes, National Electric Code (NEC) and City ordinances and ...

Electrical Inspector

Appleton, WI · On-site

$30.76 - $46.13/hr

Inspections Opening Date: 08/05/2026 Closing Date: 8/23/2026 11:59 PM Central Come join the City of ... Building codes, National Electric Code (NEC) and City ordinances and policies. • Investigates ...

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Commercial Building Certification SUPPLMENTAL INFORMATION The City offers ... Inspection Division. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Tasks involve extended period of sedentary work. Times ...

Supervises division employees in the inspection of building, plumbing and electrical installations and oversees overall building code compliance in the City. Performs duties of other inspectors as ...

Lead Inspector

New Berlin, WI · On-site

$39.97 - $53.96/hr

Supervises division employees in the inspection of building, plumbing and electrical installations and oversees overall building code compliance in the City. * Performs duties of other inspectors as ...

City: Appleton State: Wisconsin Bureau Veritas is seeking a dedicated Trainee Inspector with hands ... Building Construction, Construction Technology, Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning ...

City: Appleton State: Wisconsin Bureau Veritas is seeking a dedicated Trainee Inspector with hands ... Building Construction, Construction Technology, Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning ...

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City Building Inspector information

See Wisconsin salary details

$36.3K

$69.5K

$104K

How much do city building inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for city building inspector in Wisconsin is $69,525.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $81,800.00 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 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 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.

Can you become a city building inspector with no experience?

Becoming a city building inspector typically requires some background in construction, architecture, or engineering, along with relevant certifications or licenses. While entry-level positions may be available, most employers prefer candidates with related experience or training in building codes and inspection procedures.

How much do city building inspectors make?

City building inspectors typically earn a median annual salary of around $65,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $45,000 to $90,000 depending on experience, location, and certifications. In large cities, salaries tend to be higher due to increased demand and cost of living. They often work full-time, inspecting construction sites and ensuring compliance with building codes and safety regulations.

Is there a demand for city building inspectors?

City building inspectors are in steady demand due to ongoing construction, renovation, and safety compliance needs in urban areas. Employment opportunities are often influenced by local development projects, building codes, and the need for certified inspectors with relevant licenses and knowledge of building regulations.
Infographic showing various City Building Inspector job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,525 per year, or $33.4 per hour.

Northside Building Inspector

City of Sheboygan, WI

Sheboygan, WI • On-site

$75K - $96K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Salary : $75,774.40 - $96,824.00 Annually
Location : Sheboygan City Hall, WI
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 05122026
Department: Planning & Development
Division: Building Inspection
Opening Date: 05/12/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Summary of Job
The Building Inspection Division is dedicated to public safety throughout the City through area development, promotion of codes/standards, administration, and in education/instruction for the facilitation of safe and secure homes and businesses. The Building Inspection Division, under the City Municipal Code, adopts all of the Department of Professional Services, State of Wisconsin, Building, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Codes. Through the adoption of these codes, the city ensures that all construction in the City is complaint with all codes and requirements of the State. The Building Inspection Division also works closely with Planning and Zoning, Engineering, Utilities, Streets, Police, Dept. of Public Works during all phases of construction.
Under general direction of the Lead Building Inspector and Director of Planning and Development, the Building Inspector performs inspectional and enforcement work requiring discretion and independent judgment in securing compliance with building, zoning, housing, and related codes.
Responsibilities
  1. Enforces and interprets applicable laws and ordinances involving building, zoning, housing, and related codes.
  2. Examines plans and specifications for building construction and alterations, determines whether such plans satisfy the provisions of the building code, and approves or denies application for building permits.
  3. Inspects signs, storage tanks, and heating plants for compliance with applicable codes and other regulations.
  4. Reviews site plans and building plans based on State and local codes to insure safe and sanitary residential and non-residential development. Issues permits for new construction, additions, remodeling, demolition, etc. Calculates permits fees.
  5. Inspects all phases and components of new and existing residential and commercial structures for compliance with City, State, and Federal codes, including compliance with zoning and floodplain ordinances.
  6. Observes causes and extent of damage to buildings and structures. Inspects fire ruins. Issues warnings and orders and follow-up on all orders to comply, including court appearances. Inspects and issues condemnation order on dilapidated structures.
  7. Explains and interprets various code provision and building and zoning to contractors, other City departments, and the general public. Ensures that proper licenses and/or registrations have been secured and are correctly displayed. Prepares reports, keeps records, and attends meetings including providing staff to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
  8. Provides customer service at the permit counter for customers, explaining policies and procedures and responding to questions.

Education & Experience
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Four-year apprenticeship plus two years' experience as a Journeyman Carpenter, or two years in an educational degree in Architecture or related field required.
  • At least four years related experience, 2 years of which are related to field inspection required.
  • Possession of inspector certifications from the Department of Safety and Professional Services for UDC-Construction (UCI). Applicant should have the ability to obtain UDC-HVAC Inspector (UHI), Commercial Building (CBI)and Commercial HVAC (IFM) within six (6) months of employment.
  • Must have state certification for one- and two-family dwelling inspections and state certification for plan approval of public and commercial building and heating plans.
  • Possession and maintenance of a valid driver's license and auto insurance in accordance with state of Wisconsin law required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Considerable knowledge of the construction and remodeling methods and materials.
  • Considerable knowledge of pertinent State and local codes, especially those pertaining to decent, safe, and sanitary buildings.
  • Good knowledge of zoning and business license regulations.
  • Working knowledge of structural design, structural calculations, construction and heating practices, principles, and materials.
  • Knowledge of condemnation requirements and procedures.
  • Knowledge of electronic permitting process, and electronic plan review.
  • Skill and ability to inspect a wide variety of buildings and structures for compliance with applicable codes and to locate and correct defects in buildings and structures.
  • Ability to utilize a computer and MUNIS software.
  • Ability to manage projects from plan review to final certificate of occupancy.
  • Ability to communicate in a clear and understandable manner.
  • Thorough knowledge of ordinances, laws, and regulations relative to building construction, maintenance, and housing codes.
  • Thorough knowledge of materials, methods, and techniques used in building construction.
  • Ability to recognize faulty construction or hazardous conditions created by deterioration.
  • Ability to read and interpret building construction plans, blueprints, technical sketches, and specifications and to recognize deviations from such plans in the construction process.
  • Ability to organize, conduct, and follow through on investigations.
  • Ability to enforce regulations firmly, tactfully, and impartially.
  • Ability to prepare accurate records and present effective oral and written reports.
  • Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with employees, contractors, officials, and the general public.
  • Must meet any requirements pursuant to City ordinances and state laws and regulations.
  • Knowledge of basic mathematical principles.
  • Ability to act, make decisions, and justify action based on logic, good judgment, and rational thought.
Post Job Offer Requirements:
Job offers for this position are contingent on the individual passing a pre-employment background check.
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Work Environment:
Work is a mix of office and field work and involves inspection of various land use developments and construction sites. Must be able to lift, carry, or push items up to 20 lbs. Must be able to wear hard hat/helmet, safety glasses, safety shoes, and gloves. Exposure to extreme temperatures, electrical hazards, noise, height, and dust are common. Must have physical ability to enter into and inspect hazardous locations, climb stairs, reach above and below shoulders, walk, and bend. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office equipment, including but not limited to a personal computer, calculator, copier, fax machine, etc. On a frequent basis. must have the ability to travel throughout the City. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The City of Sheboygan is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Employees working 30+ hours per week are eligible for the below 2026 benefits:
  • Health Plan
    • Employee Plan Monthly Premium of $92.66
    • Employee & Spouse Plan Monthly Premium of $176.28
    • Employee & Child(ren) Plan Monthly Premium of $159.80
    • Family Plan Monthly Premium of $243.60
  • Dental Plan
    • Employee Plan Monthly Premium of $8.58
    • Employee & Spouse Plan Monthly Premium of $17.32
    • Employee & Child(ren) Plan Monthly Premium of $19.34
    • Family Plan Monthly Premium of $28.43
  • Vision Plan
    • Employee Full Vision Plan Monthly Premium of $9.14, Materials Only Plan Monthly Premium of $6.10
    • Employee & Spouse Full Vision Plan Monthly Premium of $18.25, Materials Only Plan Monthly Premium of $12.19
    • Employee & Child(ren) Full Vision Plan Monthly Premium of $24.22, Materials Only Plan Monthly Premium of $16.18
    • Family Full Vision Plan Monthly Premium of $24.22, Materials Only Plan Monthly Premium of $16.18
  • Annual Employer HSA Contribution
    • Contribution of $750 for Employee Plan
    • Contribution of $1,500 for Employee and Dependent Plan
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
    • PTO for non-represented employees prorated for remainder of first year of employment. Starting at 4 weeks for first full year of employment for full time staff.
  • Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)
    • State Retirement Pension. Participation required for eligible employees.
  • Paid Holidays
    • Eligible upon hire. 10 observed holidays each calendar year.
  • Tuition Assistance
    • Eligible after 6 months of hire.