ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Road Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ENGICON CM

Electrical Inspector

Alhambra, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Opportunity for advancement The services to be provided consist of providing construction inspection related services in support of Public Works administered road, bridge, flood control, sewer, water ...

Lumos & Associates

Construction Inspector

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$45 - $60/hr

Roadway and transportation projects * Verify construction complies with plans, specifications, and agency standards. * Prepare daily inspection reports documenting progress, quantities, and issues.

74 Weld Inc

Certified CMM Inspector

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$22 - $34/hr

The Machine Shop Inspector is responsible for performing dimensional and visual inspections of ... road performance engineering. We design and manufacture high-end automotive and motorsport ...

74 Weld Inc

Certified CMM Inspector

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$22 - $34/hr

The Machine Shop Inspector is responsible for performing dimensional and visual inspections of ... road performance engineering. We design and manufacture high-end automotive and motorsport ...

ENGICON CM

Construction Inspector II

Alhambra, CA · On-site

$87K/yr

... inspection related services in support of PW administered road, bridge, flood control, sewer, water ... At least 4 years of aggregate experience on roadway reconstruction and resurfacing, bridge ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRoad Inspector JobsRoad Inspector Jobs in California

Road Inspector information

See California salary details

$24.2K

$54.2K

$97.7K

How much do road inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for road inspector in California is $54,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $62,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges a Road Inspector faces when ensuring compliance with construction standards?

Road Inspectors often encounter challenges such as managing tight project deadlines, addressing unexpected site conditions, and ensuring that contractors strictly adhere to safety and quality standards. They must balance maintaining good communication with construction teams while remaining impartial in their assessments. Additionally, Road Inspectors frequently document findings and may need to resolve conflicts or discrepancies between project plans and on-site realities, making attention to detail and problem-solving skills crucial in this role.

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

To thrive as a Road Inspector, you need a solid understanding of civil engineering principles, road construction standards, and relevant regulations, often supported by a degree or technical training in civil engineering or construction management. Familiarity with inspection tools, GPS devices, digital reporting systems, and sometimes certifications like NICET are typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help inspectors identify issues and ensure compliance. These skills are crucial to maintaining road safety, quality, and regulatory adherence throughout construction and maintenance projects.

What is the difference between Road Inspector vs Construction Inspector?

AspectRoad InspectorConstruction Inspector
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications in construction or civil engineering often preferredHigh school diploma; certifications in construction, civil engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentInspecting roads, highways, and infrastructure sitesInspecting various construction sites, including roads, buildings, and infrastructure
Employer & Industry UsageTransportation departments, civil engineering firms, government agenciesConstruction companies, government agencies, civil engineering firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Road Inspectors and Construction Inspectors work in the civil engineering and construction industries, often requiring similar certifications and working environments. While Road Inspectors focus specifically on roads and highway infrastructure, Construction Inspectors oversee a broader range of construction projects. The roles are closely related, with overlapping skills and employer types, making them common points of comparison for job seekers in civil and infrastructure fields.

How hard is it to be a construction inspector?

Being a road inspector, a type of construction inspector, requires attention to detail, knowledge of construction standards, and often a relevant certification or license. The job involves inspecting ongoing work, ensuring compliance with plans and safety regulations, and can involve outdoor work in various weather conditions. It typically requires strong communication skills and the ability to interpret technical documents.

What are road inspectors?

Road inspectors are professionals responsible for examining and evaluating the condition of roads, highways, and related infrastructure. They ensure that construction and maintenance projects meet safety standards, regulatory requirements, and project specifications. Road inspectors document findings, report deficiencies, and may oversee contractor work to guarantee quality. Their work helps maintain safe and efficient transportation networks for the public.

How to become a transportation inspector?

To become a transportation inspector, typically one needs a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant experience in construction, engineering, or transportation. Many positions require knowledge of safety standards, inspection procedures, and sometimes certification in areas like traffic control or construction safety. Some employers prefer candidates with an associate's degree or technical training in transportation or civil engineering.

How much do building inspectors make?

Building inspectors in North Carolina typically earn an average annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, certifications, and location, with some inspectors earning higher with specialized skills or in urban areas.

What type of inspectors make the most money?

In the construction and infrastructure sectors, senior or specialized inspectors such as transportation or civil engineers tend to earn higher salaries. Road inspectors with advanced certifications, experience, or supervisory roles also typically earn more than entry-level inspectors. Salary levels depend on experience, location, and the complexity of projects overseen.
What are popular job titles related to Road Inspector jobs in California? For Road Inspector jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Road Inspector jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Road Inspector jobs in California are:
Road Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Road Inspector job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 8% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,220 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Roadway Construction Inspector

Arcadis

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Arcadis rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

112th of 439 rated engineering

Job description

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets.
We are more than 34,000 people, in over 30 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world's most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.
Role Description:
Arcadis seeks a Roadway Construction Inspector to join the team in California to perform a wide variety of professional engineering work in a field setting; This work is performed on highway construction projects involving bridges, retaining walls, barriers, drainage structures, sign structures, concrete paving, asphalt paving, pedestrian facilities, striping, soil excavations and grading, landscape, and irrigation.
The Roadway Construction Inspector may allocate inspection resources and supervise inspectors on complex projects for the appropriate disciplines including utilities, geotechnical, civil roadway, structural, electrical, duct bank, landscape and irrigation, and communications.
Role Accountabilities:
  • Inspects each stage of construction up to completion. Interprets plans, specifications, and codes and verifies contract work is performed in accordance with all applicable governing codes and regulations.
  • Monitors construction sites for safety violations. Prepares Non-Conformance Reports when work is not performed to the approved standards. Maintains daily inspection reports with photographs, crews, equipment, material on site, and descriptions of the work. Review or prepare interim progress reports for contractor payments. Monitors contractor-testing activities. Determines construction conforms to plans and specifications.
  • Conduct quality surveillance of specific quality-related activities as necessary. Assist in maintaining, supporting, and promoting a safe work environment while complying with CalOSHA, IIPP, and Job Specific Safety Plans for safety rules, policies, and procedures. Perform weekly job site safety inspections and reports.
  • Ensure activity and jobsite traffic control conforms with plans, specifications, and all governing laws and requirements.
  • Coordinate preparation of inspection survey reports, cost estimates, and maintenance records. Timely submittals of these reports and records.
  • Arranges, coordinates, and oversee technical inspections such as electrical, landscaping, irrigation, soil testing, concrete, asphalt, and reinforcing steel for conformance to specification requirements.
  • Coordinates test laboratory activities and compares verifications of test results with results from the Contractor's laboratory.
  • Coordinates with source inspection and Caltrans METS as needed for materials to be delivered to the site.

Required Qualifications:
  • 10+ years of experience which reflects a progressively increasing level of responsibility in heavy civil construction.
  • 5+ years of experience on the Caltrans State Highway System in a capacity commensurate with listed duties.

Key Skills and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of Caltrans Standard Plans, Standard Specifications, and Construction Manual.
  • Knowledge and experience with equipment used in roadway construction inspection, surveying, and construction office engineering
  • Knowledge of computers, computer applications, and computer software programs such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and others);
  • Knowledge and experience with the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program and the General Permit.
  • Valid California Class C driver's license.
  • Cal-OSHA/OSHA 30-hour training certification.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
  • EIT or FE Certification

Why Arcadis?
We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best. We believe everyone's contribution matters. It's why we are pioneering a skills-based approach, where you can harness your unique experience and expertise to carve your career path and maximize the impact we can make together.
You'll do meaningful work, and no matter what role, you'll be helping to deliver sustainable solutions for a more prosperous planet. Make your mark, on your career, your colleagues, your clients, your life and the world around you.
Together, we can create a lasting legacy.
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people. We are an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Arcadis offers benefits for full time and part time positions. These benefits include medical, dental, and vision, EAP, 401K, STD, LTD, AD&D, life insurance, paid parental leave, reward & recognition program and optional benefits including wellbeing benefits, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement. We offer nine paid holidays and 20 days PTO that accrue per year. The salary range for this position is $156,000 - $176,800. Actual salaries will vary and are based on several factors, such as experience, education, budget, internal equity, project and location.
Join Arcadis. Create a Legacy.
#LI-VJ1 #LI-ONSITE #Mobility-US-Jobs

What Arcadis employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Arcadis logo

About Arcadis

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our work with clients has a direct impact on people's lives and on the planet. We make moving, living and belonging in cities safer, more resilient and more sustainable. By partnering with our clients as responsible custodians of our earth's resources, we can create a sustainable planet. We continue to think of new ways to make positive impacts and create better experiences for people; data driven and digital solutions have become part of the Arcadis DNA. Working together with clients and using techniques like design thinking, we can get to the heart of our clients' most pressing challenges and work together to solve them.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Highlands Ranch, CO, US

View All Arcadis Jobs

Apply