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City Building Inspector Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Building Inspector

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$41.43 - $55.52/hr

The Position The City of Beaverton is seeking qualified Building Inspectors to inspect residential, commercial, and industrial installations for compliance with all building, fire, mechanical, and ...

New

Chief Plans Examiner

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$111K - $147K/yr

The City of Hillsboro is seeking an experienced Chief Plans Examiner to lead our exceptional plan ... Commercial Building Inspector A-Level (Oregon SIA or ICC B2) Mechanical Plans Examiner (ICC M3 ...

Chief Plans Examiner

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$111K - $147K/yr

The City of Hillsboro is seeking an experienced Chief Plans Examiner to lead our exceptional plan ... Oregon Building Official Certification Structural/Mechanical * Oregon Inspector Certification ...

2026 Plans Examiner

Oregon City, OR · On-site

$80K - $111K/yr

Description The City of Oregon City is recruiting for the next Plans Examiner in the Building ... Conducts site inspections as needed. Distinguishing career Features The Plans Examiner is the first ...

2026 Plans Examiner

Oregon City, OR · On-site

$80K - $111K/yr

... The City of Oregon City is recruiting for the next Plans Examiner in the Building Division ... Conducts site inspections as needed. Distinguishing career Features The Plans Examiner is the first ...

Building Engineer

Tualatin, OR · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Perform assigned facility inspections and due diligence efforts, reporting on as found conditions ... Maintain compliance to State, County, or City Ordinances, Codes, or Laws. * Must complete all ...

Conduct facility inspections and report on conditions impacting client occupancy and operations ... Knowledge of State, County, or City building ordinances, codes, and laws * Experience in commercial ...

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City Building Inspector information

See Portland, OR salary details

$38.2K

$73K

$109.2K

How much do city building inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for city 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 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 Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,049 per year, or $35.1 per hour.

Building Inspector

Beaverton, OR • On-site

$41.43 - $55.52/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

The Position The City of Beaverton is seeking qualified Building Inspectors to inspect residential, commercial, and industrial installations for compliance with all building, fire, mechanical, and manufactured dwelling standards and code requirements. This position reviews materials, construction, designs, plans, and specifications and communicates code requirements to the public. This is a full-time, non-exempt, SEIU-classified position.

There is one vacancy. Please click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Beaverton's online portal. You will need to enter your work history and respond to several supplemental questions.

Your education, skills, and experience will be evaluated using the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions. Attaching a resume or cover letter does not replace the requirement to fully complete the application. Responsibilities Inspect new and existing residential, multi-family, commercial, and industrial buildings for compliance with State of Oregon Building, Manufactured Dwelling, and Mechanical Codes and related standards.

Review plans, specifications, construction materials and techniques, system installations, and building design. Communicate effectively with the public. Write inspection reports.

Keep accurate inspection records, entering reports into electronic tracking system and filing necessary records and plans. Track inspections, temporary certificates of occupancy, stop-work orders and expired permits. Calculate and explain permit fees.

Conduct plan review of multi-family residential, commercial, and industrial buildings for compliance with building, mechanical, and fire codes, standards, and ordinances as. Check for compliance with Oregon Building, Mechanical, and Fire Codes. Calculate permit fees and explain fees to permit applicants.

Enter permit information into computer system. Consult and advise contractors, builders and the public regarding building and mechanical rules and communicate code requirements. Assist in developing and implementing procedures.

Additional duties are outlined in the Building Inspector class specification. Qualifications Minimum qualifications Associate's degree in building inspection technology or a related field, and Three years' experience in building inspection; or An equivalent combination of education and experience enabling the incumbent to perform the essential functions of the position. Licensing and special requirements Valid driver's license and ability to meet the city's driving standards.

State of Oregon Inspector certification. State of Oregon A-level Building Inspector or ICC* Commercial Building Inspector certifications. State of Oregon A-Level Mechanical Inspector or ICC* Mechanical Inspector certification.

State of Oregon Residential Inspector or ICC* Residential Building Inspector certification. Ability to pass reference checks and education verification, and satisfy the requirements of a background check. Ability to satisfy the requirements of a pre-employment drug screen (includes marijuana).

*International Code Council (ICC) certification is a nationally recognized certification adopted in the State of Oregon OARs as an approved equivalent certification. All ICC-certified individuals require an Oregon Inspector Certification (OIC) in addition to their ICC certifications to be considered for employment in the State of Oregon. Studies have shown that some candidates hesitate to apply for a position if they do not believe they meet 100% of the hiring criteria.

The city's talent acquisition goals include hiring the candidate who is best able to meet the performance objectives of the role. We encourage people with non-traditional skill sets and experiences to apply, even if you believe you do not meet 100% of the qualifications and hiring criteria described. Compensation Wage range: $41.43 - $55.52 hourly Starting pay within the posted range is based on a review of your related work experience, as required by the Oregon Equal Pay Act

We compare the experience shown in your application materials with the qualifications for the position. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will start at step one. Applicants whose work history clearly demonstrates additional directly related experience may be placed at a higher step within the range.

To ensure an accurate evaluation, please include all relevant work history in your application, including part-time, volunteer, or other roles that show related experience. Total compensation package and benefits In addition to competitive pay, the city offers a wide variety of benefits to regular employees which make up an exceptional total compensation package. The city pays the full retirement contribution to the Oregon Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) including the employee portion; provides employees with an opportunity to participate in a deferred compensation retirement plan; makes available a public service loan forgiveness program and tuition reimbursement program; and offers excellent health, dental, vision and life insurance coverage.

Additional benefits include excellent paid time off (PTO) accrual, PTO cash out options, wellness programs and incentives, an employer-funded Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) VEBA, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and bilingual pay premiums.