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Structural Plan Reviewer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Conduct comprehensive non-structural plan reviews of residential buildings for compliance with applicable codes and standards * Provide site plan reviews for compliance with applicable local codes ...

Plan Examination: Review building permits for new and existing installations, ensuring compliance with the Florida Building Code and other relevant standards. * Code Compliance: Identify and ...

Plan Examination: Review building permits for new and existing installations, ensuring compliance with the Florida Building Code and other relevant standards. * Code Compliance: Identify and ...

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Structural Plan Reviewer information

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How much do structural plan reviewer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for structural plan reviewer in the United States is $30.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $34.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Structural Plan Reviewer do?

A Structural Plan Reviewer is responsible for examining building plans and construction documents to ensure they comply with local, state, and national building codes and regulations, particularly regarding structural safety. They review blueprints, calculations, and specifications to verify that proposed structures are designed to withstand loads such as wind, earthquakes, and occupancy. Their work helps prevent unsafe construction practices and ensures public safety in the built environment. They may also provide feedback to architects and engineers and suggest revisions for compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by Structural Plan Reviewers during the plan check process?

Structural Plan Reviewers often encounter challenges such as incomplete or unclear construction documents, discrepancies between architectural and structural plans, and ensuring compliance with complex local codes and standards. Effective communication with engineers, architects, and contractors is essential to resolve these issues and clarify requirements. Time management is also key, as reviewers must balance thoroughness with meeting project deadlines to keep construction schedules on track.

What is the difference between Structural Plan Reviewer vs Structural Engineer?

AspectStructural Plan ReviewerStructural Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires engineering licenses or certifications, such as PE (Professional Engineer)Requires a PE license, engineering degree, and licensure
Work EnvironmentPrimarily reviews and approves construction plans, often in an office or plan review departmentDesigns, analyzes, and develops structural systems, working in offices or on-site
Industry UsageCommonly employed by municipalities, architectural firms, or construction companies for plan reviewEmployed by engineering firms, construction companies, or as independent consultants for design and analysis

While both roles require engineering credentials and involve structural work, the Structural Plan Reviewer focuses on reviewing and approving plans to ensure compliance, whereas the Structural Engineer is responsible for designing and analyzing structural systems. The reviewer ensures safety standards are met, while the engineer creates those structural solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Structural Plan Reviewer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Structural Plan Reviewer, you need a strong background in structural engineering principles, building codes, and construction practices, typically supported by a degree in civil or structural engineering and relevant licensure (such as PE or SE). Familiarity with plan review software, AutoCAD, and code reference systems is essential for accurately evaluating structural drawings and documentation. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are standout soft skills for collaborating with architects, engineers, and contractors. These skills ensure compliance with safety standards and building codes, reducing risks and promoting quality in construction projects.
Infographic showing various Structural Plan Reviewer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,479 per year, or $30 per hour.
Senior Plan Check Engineer

Senior Plan Check Engineer

City of Dana Point

Dana Point, CA โ€ข On-site

$117K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

ABOUT THE POSITION The City of Dana Point is looking for a motivated individual who takes pride in providing high-quality customer service to support the Building Division within the Community Development Department. The ideal candidate will bring a team-first attitude, strong communication skills, and a commitment to helping residents, contractors, and internal partners with professionalism and care. This recruitment will remain open until the position is filled, and may close at any time.

See why our Team loves working in Dana Point - Click to Watch. Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION Under general direction performs advanced and highly complex professional engineering work in checking plans, calculations, specifications, technical reports, and other submittal documents for compliance with Federal, State, and local building codes, ordinances, and regulations; receives and checks plans and designs for complex structures, new and remodeled commercial, industrial and residential buildings to ensure compliance; assists inspectors, contractors, design professionals and the public regarding construction requirements; provides expert technical and professional assistance to the Chief Building Official; and performs related work as required. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS This is an advanced professional classification responsible for performing highly complex structural plan checks and specialized engineering review. The incumbent is fully competent to independently conduct the most technically challenging plan reviews and provides guidance, training, and technical support to staff as assigned.

This position is at-will and exempt under FLSA standards. EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES Essential job functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: (Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job). Review plans, specifications, and structural calculations for a wide range of residential, commercial, industrial, and public buildings to ensure compliance with the adopted Building Code, related regulations, and standards.

Verify that plans meet all applicable building codes, regulations, and restrictions, and identify or recommend corrections for any deficiencies. Collaborate with the Building Official and structural engineers on complex code interpretations and structural issues. Attend field meetings to evaluate discrepancies between plans, specifications, and work in progress; consult with architects, engineers, contractors, and owners regarding design, engineering, and code compliance issues; assist other inspection staff or respond to requests from the Building Official.

Communicate with architects, engineers, contractors, homeowners, and other stakeholders on complex construction projects; coordinate plan examination activities with city departments and external agencies; facilitate code interpretation and application. Provide solutions to help resolve disputes involving developers, contractors, architects, engineers, and the public in a professional and constructive manner. Analyze building designs to confirm that basic engineering principles and minimum safety standards are met.

Provide support at the permit counter, assisting applicants and reviewing plans for compliance. Advise permit applicants, engineers, and architects on plan modifications needed to meet code requirements; recommend solutions to achieve compliance. Coordinate with staff from other city departments and agencies regarding plan review and construction projects.

Handle difficult interactions professionally, promoting quality customer service and positive public relations. Draft reports, correspondence, and memos related to plan reviews. Maintain accurate records and generate reports related to permit processing and plan review activities.

Analyze current processes and recommend process improvements. Report to work as scheduled, with flexibility for potential work on evenings or weekends. Travel to offsite locations within and outside the city as necessary.

Perform other related duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time to successfully perform the assigned duties. Knowledge of: Principles and practices of building plan review and inspection.

Civil and structural engineering principles, methods, and techniques used in plan review. Building construction, design practices, methods, and materials. Applicable codes, including the California Building Code Standards (Title 24), Uniform Building Code, Uniform Mechanical and Plumbing Codes, National Electrical Code, Disability and Energy Regulations, and other relevant state and local regulations.

Typical plan review and permit fee structures and systems. Customer service best practices and service-oriented approaches. Modern computer systems and software related to plan review (i.e

Bluebeam) and permit processing. Safety standards and liability reduction strategies. Problem-solving methodologies and techniques.

Ability to: Review and assess complex construction plans, blueprints, and specifications accurately. Perform engineering computations related to plan review. Follow departmental procedures, policies, and regulatory requirements.

Analyze and interpret code requirements effectively, and respond to technical queries. Assist applicants to modify plans to ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations. Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Prepare comprehensive reports, recommendations, correspondence, and specifications. Maintain safety standards and uphold professional work standards. Foster cooperative and effective working relationships with colleagues, applicants, and external agencies.

Provide exceptional customer service in a professional manner. Work independently with minimal supervision and also as part of a team. Read and interpret complex drawings, graphic materials, and written documentation.

Identify opportunities for plan review process improvements and propose effective changes to enhance business operations. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Education and Experience Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: A bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a closely related field, and five years of professional engineering or plan review experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities. License or Certificates: Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California, or the ability to obtain licensure through reciprocity within six months of appointment. Certification by the International Code Council as a Plans Examiner is required within six months of appointment.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Physical Requirements: Position requires the ability to perform light lifting and carrying; sitting for prolonged periods of time; and walking standing and occasional hiking. Continuous hand use and finger dexterity are needed to use computer keyboard and operate standard office equipment; occasional pushing, pulling, grasping, manipulation and reaching; and occasional use of hand and foot controls for driving. This position also requires the ability to read engineering drawings, plans, specifications, technical reports, contracts and other records.

Good hearing is required when communicating on the telephone or in person. Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in the office and occasionally in the field. Controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances are experienced in office environments.

While in the field, the incumbent may travel from site to site; and experience exposure to occasional disagreeable elements such as construction and traffic noise; dust, gas or fumes; walking on uneven ground; machinery and construction equipment; and occasional driving to job sites. High volume of work with tight deadlines and performs overtime work beyond regularly scheduled hours. Note: All employees of the City of Dana Point are designated by both State law and City ordinance to be "Disaster Service Workers." In the event of a declared emergency or an undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health and/or safety of the public, employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers

Such assignments may be in locations, during hours and performing work significantly different from the employees' normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency.