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Highway Inspector Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Inspector - Transit

Seattle, WA · On-site

$21.50 - $25.25/hr

Approximately 5+ years of construction inspection experience on transit, rail, highway, or heavy civil public works projects. * WAQTC, ACI, or equivalent materials testing and inspection ...

Inspector (Transit)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$115 - $166/hr

Approximately 5+ years of construction inspection experience on transit, rail, highway, or heavy civil public works projects. * WAQTC, ACI, or equivalent materials testing and inspection ...

Inspector (Transit)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$115 - $166/hr

Approximately 5+ years of construction inspection experience on transit, rail, highway, or heavy civil public works projects. * WAQTC, ACI, or equivalent materials testing and inspection ...

Project Engineer

Medina, WA · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

... highway/bridge construction soils, materials, and products. * Administration of a construction contractor's work and assignment of inspectors to ensure adequate oversight of the contractor ...

Project Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

... highway/bridge construction soils, materials, and products. * Administration of a construction contractor's work and assignment of inspectors to ensure adequate oversight of the contractor ...

Task Lead/Bridge Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$79.71 - $110.25/hr

You'll work on a wide range of projects, from multi‑span highway bridges spanning waterways and ... Lead or support condition inspections, load ratings, and structural evaluations of in‑service ...

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Showing results 1-20

Highway Inspector information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$27.9K

$62.5K

$112.7K

How much do highway inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for highway inspector in Seattle, WA is $62,521.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,800.00 and $72,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a highway inspector do?

A Highway Inspector is responsible for monitoring and assessing the condition of roads, highways, and related infrastructure to ensure they meet safety and quality standards. They inspect construction sites, check materials and workmanship, and verify compliance with regulations and plans. Highway Inspectors may also document findings, report hazards, and recommend repairs or improvements. Their work helps ensure public safety and the longevity of transportation networks.

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

To thrive as a Highway Inspector, you need a solid understanding of civil engineering principles, roadway construction standards, and relevant safety codes, typically supported by a degree in civil engineering or construction management. Familiarity with inspection tools, surveying equipment, and software like AutoCAD or GIS is commonly required, along with certifications such as NICET. Attention to detail, strong communication, and problem-solving skills help inspectors effectively identify issues and coordinate with contractors and government agencies. These skills are crucial for ensuring road safety, regulatory compliance, and the successful completion of highway projects.

How does a highway inspector typically collaborate with contractors and engineers during a project?

Highway Inspectors work closely with contractors and engineers to ensure that construction and maintenance projects adhere to safety standards, design specifications, and regulatory requirements. They regularly attend site meetings, review plans, and provide on-the-ground feedback to address any issues or discrepancies. Inspectors may also document progress, report problems, and recommend solutions, fostering effective communication between all parties to keep the project on track. This collaborative environment helps ensure that projects are completed efficiently and to the required quality standards.

What is the difference between Highway Inspector vs Road Maintenance Technician?

AspectHighway InspectorRoad Maintenance Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles may require certifications in construction or safetyHigh school diploma; certifications in equipment operation or safety often preferred
Work EnvironmentInspecting highways, construction sites, and infrastructure; outdoor workPerforming maintenance tasks on roads, including repairs and equipment operation; outdoor work
Employer & Industry UsageState and local transportation departments, construction firmsMunicipalities, transportation agencies, private contractors

Highway Inspectors focus on inspecting and ensuring the safety and compliance of highway infrastructure, while Road Maintenance Technicians perform hands-on repairs and maintenance tasks. Both roles work outdoors and require safety certifications, but their primary responsibilities differ in inspection versus maintenance activities.

How to become a highway inspector?

To become a highway inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in construction, engineering, or transportation. Some positions require relevant certifications or training in safety standards and inspection procedures, and strong attention to detail is essential for monitoring road conditions and compliance.
Infographic showing various Highway Inspector job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,522 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Construction Inspector (Civil - highways and bridges)

Project Solutions Inc

Seattle, WA • On-site

$104 - $121/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Construction Inspector (Civil - highways and bridges)

Location: Project specific (various locations across AK, WA, OR, ID, MT, WY)

Position Type: Full time, temporary

Join a team of ever-growing professionals who look to make a difference on projects both domestically and internationally. Our organization is growing, and we believe your career should too! Build your future with Project Solutions, Inc.

Project Solutions Inc. is seeking highly motivated Construction Inspectors to perform project engineering field inspection work and project engineering technical support duties to a variety of civil construction projects with a primary focus on the Western Federal Lands Highway Division (WFLHD) of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The ideal candidate will bring technical skills relating to direct knowledge and a basic understanding of highway construction practices, methods, materials, and equipment. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to other impactful projects, including assisting with other federal agencies such as the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture.

Responsibilities and Duties
  • Provide inspection services in accordance with federal agency handbooks and standards.
  • Inspect work performed by the Construction Contractor to verify conformity with contract requirements, notify appropriate authority when work is not in compliance with contract requirements, and recommend correction or replacement of non‑complying work.
  • Identify plan errors and recommend necessary changes.
  • Recommend suspension of work that is not being performed in compliance with the contract.
  • Notify authority of safety deficiencies.
  • Plan and coordinate inspections.
  • Verify that workmanship, materials, and equipment installed meets or exceeds contract plans and specifications.
  • Monitor work methods for compliance with general and environmental permits.
  • Monitor conformity with approved traffic control plans.
  • Monitor CQC operations.
Education and Experience

Construction Inspector III (CI‑III): Salary Range: $104,000 to $121,000 DOE

  • Licensed Professional Engineer in Construction Engineering, or Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, or Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, AND
  • 3 years of on‑site project administration; OR
  • 5 years of progressively responsible experience in highway/bridge construction projects, including at least three (3) years as a Project or Resident Engineer on state or federal highway/bridge construction or equivalent highway projects; OR
  • Current NICET Certificate – Level III (Construction) AND an Associate’s Degree in Engineering Technology AND seven (7) years of increasingly responsible construction inspection experience, of which at least five (5) years must have been on highway or bridge construction projects as assistant to the project supervisor or as a principal inspector; OR
  • Ten (10) years of increasingly responsible experience as an inspector, project engineer or equivalent on city, county, state or Federal highway construction, AND the specific experience as identified in the Task Order for construction inspection services.

Construction Inspector II (CI‑II): Salary Range: $90,000 to $107,000 DOE

  • Current NICET Certificate – Level III (Construction) AND at least 5 years of increasingly responsible construction inspection experience of which at least 3 years must have been on highway or bridge construction as assistant to the project supervisor or as a principal inspector; OR
  • Associate’s Degree in Engineering Technology AND at least 5 years of increasingly responsible construction inspection experience, of which at least 3 years must have been on highway or bridge construction projects as assistant to the project supervisor or as a principal inspector; OR
  • Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible experience as an inspector, project engineer or equivalent on city, county, state or Federal highway construction, AND the specific experience as identified in the Task Order for construction inspection services.

Construction Inspector I (CI‑I): Salary Range: $75,000 to $95,000 DOE

  • Current NICET Certificate – Level III (Construction) AND at least 3 years of increasingly responsible construction inspection experience of which at least 2 years must have been on highway or bridge construction as assistant to the project supervisor or as a principal inspector; OR
  • Associate’s Degree in Engineering Technology AND at least 3 years of increasingly responsible construction inspection experience, of which at least 2 years must have been on highway or bridge construction projects as assistant to the project supervisor or as a principal inspector; OR
  • Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience as an inspector, project engineer or equivalent on city, county, state or Federal highway construction, AND the specific experience as identified in the Task Order for construction inspection services.
Skills & Competencies
  • Ability to withstand and be exposed to varying weather and terrain conditions.
  • Available for varied duty shifts and for off‑duty emergencies, particularly throughout periods when the Construction Contractor is working multiple shifts.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
  • Experience interacting and communicating with partner agencies, the public, landowners, construction contractors, and other stakeholders.
  • Proficient in standard computer software including word processing, spreadsheets, database input, electronic and internet‑based file management software.
  • Familiarity working with construction specifications.
  • Direct knowledge and basic understanding of the MUTCD, AASHTO Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, ADA Standards for Accessible Design and AASHTO Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials and Methods of Sampling and Testing.
  • Highway construction practices, methods, techniques, costs, materials, and equipment.
  • Sampling and testing procedures and methods of acceptance, including statistical analysis, of highway/bridge construction soils, materials, and products.
  • Knowledge of the required documentation for compliance with sampling and testing.
  • Measurement/documentation of work completed daily and maintaining accurate and complete project records within prescribed guidelines.
  • Paving project inspection for 12,000 tons of asphalt pavement placement.
  • Survey experience performing basic measurement using a hand level, rod, and tape; basic construction and slope staking; operating an automatic level.
  • Other experiences may include:
    • Asphalt pavement construction including hot plant inspection;
    • Bridge construction including Portland cement batch plant inspection;
    • Construction staking; construction traffic control;
    • Drainage structures (ditches, culverts, inlets);
    • Erosion control, landscaping, mulching and seeding;
    • Highway earthwork and grading; highway materials testing;
    • Miscellaneous highway construction features;
    • Pavement striping;
    • Post‑tensioned concrete construction;
    • Recycled asphalt construction (milling and grinding);
    • Structural concrete and steel construction;
    • Subgrade and base course construction;
    • Tunnel grouting and rock bolting;
    • Wetlands mitigation and replacement; retaining walls;
    • Pavement preservation (chip seals, slurry seals, etc.);
    • Underground utilities and sanitary sewer systems.
Benefits
  • Three options for medical plans plus dental and vision insurance offerings.
  • 24/7 healthcare access to telehealth services.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA).
  • Company life insurance options for you and your family.
  • Short‑term and long‑term disability offerings.
  • Additional $800 monthly allowance to offset PSI insurance premium costs.
  • 401(k) with 4% employer match.
  • Generous PTO, paid federal holidays, and sick leave.
  • Professional development opportunities.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action – Project Solutions, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Women, individuals with disabilities, protected veterans and minorities are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

EEO/M/F/Vets

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