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Construction Engineering Inspection Jobs in California

UNICO Engineering

Resident Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Must have experience working in a team environment, and have the ability to direct and supervise field construction activities and staff, office engineering, inspection, materials testing, field ...

UNICO Engineering

Resident Engineer

Folsom, CA

$150K - $190K/yr

Must have experience working in a team environment, and have the ability to direct and supervise field construction activities and staff, office engineering, inspection, materials testing, field ...

UNICO Engineering

Resident Engineer

Folsom, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Must have experience working in a team environment, and have the ability to direct and supervise field construction activities and staff, office engineering, inspection, materials testing, field ...

Kleinfelder Inc

Construction Inspector

Los Angeles, CA

$70 - $90/hr

From construction management and observation/inspection services to laboratory testing and materials and forensic engineering, our Construction Services market helps to develop and maintain America ...

Kleinfelder Inc

Construction Inspector

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

From construction management and observation/inspection services to laboratory testing and materials and forensic engineering, our Construction Services market helps to develop and maintain America ...

Kleinfelder Inc

Construction Inspector

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

From construction management and observation/inspection services to laboratory testing and materials and forensic engineering, our Construction Services market helps to develop and maintain America ...

Kleinfelder Inc

Construction Inspector

Laguna Hills, CA

$70 - $90/hr

From construction management and observation/inspection services to laboratory testing and materials and forensic engineering, our Construction Services market helps to develop and maintain America ...

ENGICON CM

Lead Construction Inspector

El Monte, CA · On-site

$120K/yr

Vision insurance About Owais Construction Group Owais Construction Group is a Los Angeles-based construction management firm with experience in construction, engineering, architecture, and inspection ...

Pacific Pros

LAWA Construction Inspector

CA · On-site

$75 - $85/hr

Prevailing Wage Position Compensation: $75.00 - $85.00 per hour Pacific Pros is a privately-owned company specializing in construction management, engineering, inspection, support services and ...

CABD Construction INC

Be Seen First

Construction Project Engineer

Sun Valley, CA · On-site

$50K - $64K/yr

Inspect all work to assure compliance with plans and specifications. * Offer technical information ... Plan and organize construction engineering projects from conception to completion. * Generate ...

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All JobsConstruction Engineering Inspection JobsConstruction Engineering Inspection Jobs in California

Construction Engineering Inspection information

See California salary details

$35K

$62K

$86.4K

How much do construction engineering inspection jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for construction engineering inspection in California is $61,965.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,300.00 and $69,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Construction Engineering Inspection vs Construction Management?

AspectConstruction Engineering InspectionConstruction Management
CertificationsCPESC, NICET certifications, state-specific licensesPMP, CCM, or related project management certifications
Work EnvironmentOn-site inspections, fieldwork, monitoring construction activitiesOffice and field, overseeing entire projects
Employer & Industry UsagePublic agencies, contractors, engineering firmsConstruction firms, project owners, consulting firms

Construction Engineering Inspection focuses on on-site quality control and ensuring construction complies with plans and standards. Construction Management involves overseeing entire projects, including planning, budgeting, and coordination. While both roles work closely during construction, Inspection emphasizes field oversight, whereas Management covers broader project responsibilities.

How much do engineering inspectors make?

Construction engineering inspectors typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Experienced inspectors with specialized skills or working in high-cost areas can earn over $80,000 annually. The role often requires knowledge of construction codes, safety standards, and inspection tools.

Are construction inspectors in high demand?

Construction engineering inspectors are in high demand due to ongoing infrastructure projects and new construction developments. The job often requires knowledge of building codes, safety standards, and inspection tools, and employment is expected to grow as construction activity increases.

How much do inspectors make per inspection?

Construction engineering inspectors typically do not get paid per inspection but earn an hourly or salary wage, which can range from $20 to $40 per hour depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Some inspectors may receive additional compensation for overtime or specialized certifications, and their workload can vary based on project size and schedule demands.

What is Construction Engineering Inspection?

Construction Engineering Inspection (CEI) is the process of monitoring and evaluating construction projects to ensure they meet design specifications, codes, and quality standards. CEI professionals act as the eyes and ears of project owners, overseeing contractors’ work, verifying materials and workmanship, and documenting progress. Their role helps prevent costly errors, ensures safety compliance, and facilitates smooth project delivery. Through daily reports and inspections, CEI helps guarantee that the finished structure is safe, durable, and built according to plan.

What kind of inspectors make the most money?

Construction Engineering Inspectors with specialized skills, such as structural, electrical, or mechanical inspection, tend to earn higher salaries. Inspectors with advanced certifications, extensive experience, or those working on large infrastructure projects generally make more than entry-level inspectors. Supervisory or senior roles also typically offer higher pay within the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Construction Engineering Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Construction Engineering Inspector, you need a solid understanding of civil engineering principles, construction methods, and relevant codes, often supported by a degree or technical certification in engineering or construction management. Familiarity with inspection tools, GPS/surveying equipment, and project management software, as well as certifications like NICET, are typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills for ensuring project compliance and collaborating with contractors. These skills are crucial for maintaining safety, quality, and regulatory standards throughout construction projects.

What are some common challenges faced by Construction Engineering Inspectors on project sites?

Construction Engineering Inspectors often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, managing tight project timelines, and ensuring that all work complies with codes and regulations. They must regularly adapt to changing site conditions and effectively communicate observations to contractors, engineers, and project managers. Maintaining detailed documentation and handling conflict resolution are also key aspects of the role, requiring strong organizational and interpersonal skills to ensure quality and safety standards are consistently met.
What are popular job titles related to Construction Engineering Inspection jobs in California? For Construction Engineering Inspection jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Construction Engineering Inspection jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Construction Engineering Inspection jobs in California are:
Construction Engineering Inspection jobs near you
Resident Engineer

Resident Engineer

UNICO Engineering

Goleta, CA • On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Company Overview:

UNICO Engineering provides high quality Construction Management, Land Surveying, and Systems Integration services to public and private clients. With a spirit of cooperation and partnership, UNICO focuses on responsiveness, delivering value, and meeting and exceeding our clients' expectations.

UNICO is a fast-growing consulting firm with significant opportunities for upward mobility. UNICO supports professional development and continuing education. Fun, flexible work environment and competitive compensation and benefits.

Ideal Candidate:

  • Experience leading local, state and federally funded transportation contracts for projects located in Southern California.
  • 8+ years relevant industry experience, familiar with transportation, transit or operational facilities type projects.
  • Types of infrastructure projects include civil improvements, structural facilities, electrical and mechanical systems, underground utilities, earthwork, TOD, etc.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills are required.

Competitive Salary and generous benefits including health, vision, dental, life, disability, 401(k), PTO and paid holidays. Energizing, fast-paced, nimble and expanding company with plenty of opportunities for career growth.

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Vacation and Sick Leave
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Life insurance
  • Long-term disability insurance

Requirements:

  • BS in Construction Management, Civil, or Structural Engineering
  • Registered Professional Engineer in California
  • 10+ years of industry experience in a related discipline (as a design engineer, field engineer, construction engineer, project engineer, engineering manager, or military construction engineer)
  • 5 years managing construction projects or working as a resident engineer for a public agency
  • Possess a valid driver's license and clear DMV record
  • Must have the ability to pass pre-employment drug screening and background check

Responsibilities:

The Resident Engineer will be responsible for successful completion of construction projects. Specific responsibilities include being an owner's representative, attending and running client and contractor meetings, reviewing plans and specifications and ensuring compliance with documents, providing project documentation in the form of letters, RFI/Submittal responses, change orders, etc., overseeing field inspection, supervising project inspection teams, and providing technical guidance and quality assurance, maintaining project controls including cost and schedule management. Must have experience working in a team environment, and have the ability to direct and supervise field construction activities and staff, office engineering, inspection, materials testing, field contract administration, and to act as liaison with clients/owners, consultants, contractors, design professionals, public involvement and regulatory agencies.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, UNICO Engineering considers applicants for all positions without regard to race (including natural hairstyles), color, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, age (40 and over), medical condition, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex (including sexual harassment, sex stereotypes, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, ancestry, genetic information/characteristics, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, military or veteran status, reproductive health decision-making, or any other characteristic or activity protected by law.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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