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City Inspector Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

The City of Warren is accepting applications for the position of Temporary Zoning Inspector. This position performs skilled inspection of plans and specifications for alterations, additions and new ...

Mechanical Inspector On Call

Troy, MI

$24 - $31.75/hr

Mechanical Inspector - On Call - Troy Area, MI SAFEbuilt has the technical expertise to provide ... city, state, and federal laws and regulations * Report violations and maintain files/records

Administrative Clerk II

Oak Park, MI · On-site

$20.85 - $23.83/hr

Regularly schedule and coordinate inspections for all City inspectors. Maintain Municipal Services department files. Provide over the counter assistance to residents, business owners, and contractors ...

Administrative Clerk II

Oak Park, MI · On-site

$20.85 - $23.83/hr

Regularly schedule and coordinate inspections for all City inspectors. Maintain Municipal Services department files. Provide over the counter assistance to residents, business owners, and contractors ...

Administrative Clerk II

Oak Park, MI · On-site

$20.86 - $23.84/hr

Regularly schedule and coordinate inspections for all City inspectors. Maintain Municipal Services department files. Provide over the counter assistance to residents, business owners, and contractors ...

Quality Inspector - 3rd Shift (Direct Hire) Warren, MI | Up to $25.00/hour + 17% shift premium + $3 ... Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance * Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers

Be Seen First

Prepare, submit, and track local building and mechanical permit applications with municipalities; schedule required city inspections upon job completion. * Dispatch & Scheduling: Coordinate and ...

Be Seen First

Prepare, submit, and track local building and mechanical permit applications with municipalities; schedule required city inspections upon job completion. * Dispatch & Scheduling: Coordinate and ...

Showing results 41-60

City Inspector information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$24.3K

$54.4K

$98K

How much do city inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for city inspector in Detroit, MI is $54,388.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,100.00 and $62,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a city inspector do?

A City Inspector is responsible for ensuring that buildings and properties within a city comply with local codes, ordinances, and safety regulations. They conduct inspections of construction sites, residential and commercial properties, and public spaces to check for compliance with zoning laws, building codes, and health and safety standards. City Inspectors may issue citations or stop-work orders if violations are found and often work closely with contractors, property owners, and city officials to resolve any issues. Their work helps maintain public safety and the integrity of urban development.

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

City Inspectors often encounter challenges such as navigating complex regulations, addressing non-compliance issues diplomatically, and managing a high volume of inspections within tight deadlines. They may face resistance from property owners or contractors and must balance enforcing codes with providing helpful guidance. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential for overcoming these obstacles and ensuring public safety.

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

To thrive as a City Inspector, you need a solid understanding of building codes, zoning regulations, and inspection procedures, often supported by relevant certifications or a background in construction or engineering. Familiarity with inspection management software, digital reporting tools, and state or municipal permit systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and problem-solving skills help City Inspectors effectively assess compliance and interact with property owners. These competencies ensure public safety, regulatory adherence, and the efficient handling of city development projects.

What is the difference between City Inspector vs Building Inspector?

AspectCity InspectorBuilding Inspector
CertificationsTypically requires state or local licensing, building codes knowledgeRequires similar certifications, often including ICC or state-specific licenses
Work EnvironmentInspects city infrastructure, public projects, and complianceFocuses on building safety, construction sites, and code adherence
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal government, public sectorMunicipalities, private firms, construction industry

Both City Inspectors and Building Inspectors work within municipal environments and require similar certifications. While City Inspectors often oversee broader city infrastructure and public projects, Building Inspectors focus specifically on construction sites and building safety compliance. Their roles are complementary, with overlapping skills and certifications, but differ in scope and focus.

How much do city inspectors make?

City inspectors typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, certifications, and location. In larger cities, salaries can be higher, and inspectors often work full-time with some requiring specialized training or licensing.

How to become a city inspector in California?

To become a city inspector in California, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant work experience, and may be required to obtain specific certifications such as building or plumbing inspector licenses. The process often involves passing written exams and background checks, and inspectors usually work for local government agencies overseeing building codes, safety standards, and zoning regulations.

What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for City Inspector jobs?

Cities near Detroit, MI with the most City Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various City Inspector job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,388 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Development Services Inspector - Rental Housing

City of Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

$29.88 - $31.38/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


City Of Ann Arbor rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

514th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Starting Rate: $29.88 - $31.38 (Offer will be commensurate with experience)

After hire, pay increases are dependent on length of service, advancement in the position, and other contractual factors.

This position is represented by the AFSCME union. For more information reference the AFSCME collective bargaining agreement: Collective Bargaining Agreements 

Benefits offered for this opportunity: AFSCME Benefit Summary

Duties:

Duties are performed under the direct supervision of the Building & Rental Services Manager or designee and may include the following:

  • Works independently with limited supervision.
  • Inspects all existing rental properties and congregate residential facilities for compliance with the City’s housing code and associated ordinances and standards. (As required by the discipline)
  • Prepares documentation and manages data related to inspection and enforcement activities.
  • Works with property owners and the Office of the City Attorney to achieve compliance.
  • Coordinates and conducts investigations of complaints and enforcement of ordinances.
  • Interprets and explains City codes and regulations.

Education, Training and Experience Required:

  • High School Diploma or GED Equivalent
  • Four (4) years documented construction experience or two (2) years performance of code inspections or (2) years plan review experience
  • Must complete CEU’s for maintenance of Licenses and Certifications

    Education, Training and Experience Preferred:

    • Two (2) years property maintenance code experience
    • Act 407 (formerly Act 54) registration

    Licensing Requirements: (position requirements at entry)

    • AACE or ICC Housing certification (within 6 months) & 4 years of documented construction experience (As required by discipline)
    • Specific requirements for each discipline must be met. Requirements can be found at: State of Michigan Admin Code
    • Valid Drivers License 

    Physical Requirements:

    The physical ability to climb/balance: climb stairs, ladders, inclines, uneven surfaces where balance is required; drive, stoop, bend, kneel and crouch; stand and walk for extensive periods of time; reach, push, pull, lift, grasp, feel, hear, see, talk and perform repetitive motions.

    The ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. 

    The ability to safely maneuver in and around construction sites. The ability to traverse on rough, uneven terrain, as well as wet and slippery surfaces to access work areas. Work requires the ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time. The work may occasionally require the ability to move and lift objects weighing up to 20 pounds such as files, supplies, mail and equipment. 

    The physical demands described here are representative of those that may be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.


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