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Entry Level Building Inspector Jobs in Tennessee

Job Type Full-time Description Take advantage of an entry-level, day shift career where you can ... Perform site inspections to ensure that construction meets building codes and energy efficiency ...

Take advantage of an entry-level, day shift career where you can earn a competitive wage in the ... Perform site inspections to ensure that construction meets building codes and energy efficiency ...

Description Take advantage of an entry-level, day shift career where you can earn a competitive ... Perform site inspections to ensure that construction meets building codes and energy efficiency ...

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Entry Level Building Inspector information

See Tennessee salary details

$32.7K

$62.5K

$93.5K

How much do entry level building inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level building inspector in Tennessee is $62,518.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $73,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are entry level building inspectors?

Entry level building inspectors are professionals who assess buildings and construction sites to ensure they comply with local, state, and federal building codes and regulations. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced inspectors, performing tasks such as inspecting structural foundations, electrical systems, plumbing, and safety features. Entry level inspectors often learn on the job and may assist with preparing inspection reports and documenting findings. This role is essential in maintaining safety standards and ensuring that construction projects meet legal requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Building Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Building Inspector, you need a basic understanding of construction practices, building codes, and safety regulations, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant coursework. Familiarity with inspection software, digital reporting tools, and sometimes a state-issued certification or license is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and integrity help you interact with contractors and ensure compliance. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining safety standards and ensuring that construction projects meet regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Entry Level Building Inspector vs Building Inspector?

AspectEntry Level Building InspectorBuilding Inspector
CertificationsTypically requires a high school diploma; some may pursue certifications like ICC or state-specific licensesUsually requires ICC certification or equivalent licensing
Work EnvironmentField inspections, site visits, and some office workPrimarily field inspections with some report writing
Employer & IndustryLocal government, construction companies, or private firmsMunicipalities, government agencies, or private inspection firms

In summary, Entry Level Building Inspectors are often just starting their careers and may have basic certifications, focusing on learning inspection procedures. Building Inspectors typically have more experience and certifications, performing detailed inspections to ensure compliance with building codes.

Is there a shortage of building inspectors?

The demand for entry-level building inspectors is generally steady due to ongoing construction and infrastructure projects, but shortages can occur in certain regions or during periods of high construction activity. Having relevant certifications and knowledge of building codes can improve job prospects in this field.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level building inspectors and how can they overcome them?

Entry level building inspectors often face challenges such as interpreting complex building codes, managing a diverse workload, and effectively communicating findings to contractors or property owners. To overcome these hurdles, new inspectors can benefit from thorough on-the-job training, seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues, and continuously updating their knowledge through professional development courses. Building strong communication skills and asking questions when uncertain can also help them gain confidence and accuracy in their inspections.
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Building Inspector jobs in Tennessee? For Entry Level Building Inspector jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Building Inspector jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Building Inspector jobs in Tennessee are:
FIRE & BUILDING CODE INSPECTOR 1* - 05262026-77886

FIRE & BUILDING CODE INSPECTOR 1* - 05262026-77886

State of Tennessee

Crossville, TN • On-site

$3K/mo

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


State Of Tennessee rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 124 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Information

State of Tennessee Job InformationOpening Date/Time05/26/26 12:00AM Central TimeClosing Date/Time06/08/2026 11:59PM Central TimeSalary (Monthly)$3,631.00Salary (Annually)$43,572.00Job TypeFull-TimeCity, State LocationCrossville, TNDepartmentCommerce and Insurance


LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE & INSURANCE, CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Position is in the Codes Enforcement Section

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree

Substitution of a Specific Associate's degree for the Required Bachelor's Degree: Graduation from an accredited college, university, or technical institute with an associate's degree in fire-protection engineering technology, fire science, engineering technology, and/or construction technology may be substituted for the required Bachelor's degree.

Substitution of Experience for Education: Qualifying full-time experience in one or a combination of the following areas may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of four years: (1) fire prevention or suppression, (2) engineering or architecture (3) reviewing architectural or engineering plans to determine compliance with fire and building safety codes (4) construction project management (5) arson investigation of commercial or residential building structures; (6) fire or building inspections or design for buildings under construction; or (7) any skilled work in drafting, carpentry, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, inspection; (8) or other related building maintenance or construction trades (e.g., experience equivalent to one year of full-time work in one or a combination of the above listed fields may substitute for one year of the required education).

OR

Graduation from an accredited college, university, or technical institute with an associate's degree and experience equivalent to one year of full-time work in one or a combination of the following: (1) fire prevention or suppression, (2) engineering or architecture (3) reviewing architectural or engineering plans to determine compliance with fire and building safety codes (4) construction project management (5) arson investigation of commercial or residential building structures; (6) fire or building inspections or design for buildings under construction; or (7) any skilled work in drafting, carpentry, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, inspection; (8) or other related building maintenance or construction trades.

Necessary Special Qualifications: Positions in this class must meet the following requirements: Possess a valid motor vehicle operator license.

Overview

Under close supervision, is responsible for fire and building codes inspection work of average difficulty; performs related work as required. This is the entry-level class in the Fire and Building Code Inspector series. An employee in this class inspects building structures for fire hazards and code violations. This class is flexibly staffed with and differs from Fire and Building Code Inspector 2 in that an incumbent of the latter functions independently at the working level.

*An applicant appointed to this flexibly staffed class will be reclassified to the next higher class in the series after successful completion of a mandatory one-year training period; inadequate or marginal performance during the training period will result in automatic demotion or termination.

Responsibilities

1. Trains to inspect and verify the installation and testing of fire protection and detection systems, as well as major building components like foundations, floors, walls, roofs, and mechanical and electrical systems, for compliance with state laws, codes, regulations, and standards.
2. Learns to conduct annual fire and building code compliance inspections and investigates complaints to determine violations.
3. Learns to inspect blasting sites to ensure compliance with laws and evaluates materials, storage, signage, and vibrations.
4. Learns to perform fire code compliance follow-up inspections and may testify under oath about inspection details.
5. Learns to interpret codes for external customers, explains violations, and recommends necessary changes.
6. Learns to review architectural and engineering plans for compliance and investigates complaints to determine potential violations.
7. Learns to obtain required fire safety certifications and conducts meetings on fire safety and prevention.
8. Learns to calculate building area and occupant load, monitors blasting vibrations, communicates with stakeholders, and gathers corrective action plans.

Competencies (KSA's)

Competencies:
1. Tech Savvy
2. Communicates Effectively
3. Decision Quality
4. Self Development
5. Interpersonal Savvy

Knowledges:
1. Customer and Personal Service
2. Design
3. Mechanical

Skills:
1. Mathematics
2. Systems Analysis
3. Time Management
4. Coordination
5. Reading Comprehension

Abilities:
1. Written Comprehension
2. Speech Clarity
3. Problem Sensitivity
4. Speech Recognition

Tools & Equipment

1. Personal Computer, Smart Phone, Electronic Devices, Telephone
2. Fax/Copy Machine, Printer/Scanner, Calculator, Camera
3. Flashlight, Decibel Reader, Tape Measure
4. Engineer and Architect Rules, Pitch Level, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
5. Fire Safety Equipment, Personal Protectional Equipment

TN Driver Standards

State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:

  • A valid driver's license
  • For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.

Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.

**Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.


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