A public works inspector’s primary role is to ensure the safety of water and wastewater systems, and ensure compliance with US EPA regulations. Responsibilities include the inspection and monitoring of conditions and documenting/reporting findings as required by law. Your duties in this job include overseeing the impact of construction projects, requiring the ability to read plans. You may also recommend corrections and repairs to mitigate any negative environmental effects. You work directly with contractors and other utility staff. The position is physically demanding, and may involve shift work. You should be available on an on-call basis during nights and weekends.

Qualifications include a high school diploma although employers may prefer job candidates with an associate or bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related degree for some positions. Training is typically on-the-job but may include formal classroom instruction too. You need a license and certification to work at a wastewater treatment plant. Requirements vary with the state. You’ll find additional information from the Association of Boards of Certification. Physical stamina and mechanical skills are essential for this position. Familiarity with construction procedures is desirable too. You must be very detailed oriented with excellent analytical skills.

High Paying Public Works Inspector Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Public Works Inspector positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Foreclosure Home Inspector
Salary range: $136,500 - $137,000
As a foreclosure home inspector, your job is to inspect the condition of a foreclosed home for a potential buyer. To accomplish this, you photograph damage, look for signs that the building has been illegally occupied, and compile a report detailing everything you inspected. Most foreclosed homes are vacant, so you may need to get keys from the bank or a realtor to complete your inspection. Some foreclosure home inspectors work for mortgage companies instead, and in these roles, you focus on determining the general condition of the properties. Most foreclosure home inspectors are independent contractors, but some have agreements with realtors to ensure a steady demand for their services.
Licensed Home Inspector
Salary range: $45,500 - $120,500
The majority of Licensed Home Inspector salaries across the United States currently range between $45,500 (25th percentile) and $120,500 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Licensed Home Inspector job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.
Zoning Administrator
Salary range: $56,000 - $81,500
A zoning administrator is responsible for playing a critical role in urban planning: enforcing and evaluating regulations. As a zoning administrator, you work with the city’s planning commission. Your job duties are to look at zoning codes and determine the appropriate setup of regional residential districts, business districts, and more. You also review zoning applications and attend public hearings. To qualify for this job, you need at least a high school diploma, but in many municipalities, you need a bachelor’s degree in engineering or architecture. Other qualifications for this career include a valid driver’s license and the skills to read and decode zoning designations. Typically, you also need prior job experience on a commission council or in urban planning.
Building Inspector
Salary range: $54,000 - $81,000
A building inspector’s primary job responsibilities are to look at public buildings and ensure they are up to federal, state, and local codes. In this job, your duties are to look at the structural integrity, electrical wiring, water connections, and other aspects of the construction and make sure that everything works as it should and complies with all safety regulations. Inspectors have to know a variety of building disciplines and trades, or at least the laws related to them. For example, you have to know basic wiring codes and how to recognize a dangerous situation, such as broken or loose wiring, as well as general building hazards.
Construction Inspector
Salary range: $49,500 - $78,000
A construction inspector scrutinizes developer's plans, examines building structures, and inspects electrical and plumbing systems to ensure that everything complies with local and national safety codes and standards. Construction inspectors also verify that the plans meet zoning regulations and contract specifications. Once the review is complete, they create correction notices and building code reports to outline what improvements the developer needs to make. As a construction inspector, you may specialize in residential or commercial work, but the responsibilities are the same for either field.
Building Code Inspector
Salary range: $52,500 - $74,000
A building code inspector assesses structures to ensure that they meet all local and state requirements. In this role, you travel to different buildings and inspect them for structural integrity and safety. In addition to the overall construction, you examine components of the building, such as exits, plumbing, heating, electrical, and fire safety systems. Your job duties include documenting your findings and issuing a report to relevant authorities. If you have proper licensure, you can issue a violation notice to the building owner; you explain the issue and tell them how to fix it so that the building is up to code.
Home Inspector
Salary range: $48,000 - $70,500
Home inspectors examine new and existing houses, typically during the escrow process of a home sale transaction, to determine the condition of the house and to point out any repairs that should be made. In this role, you travel to the home and inspect the interior and exterior areas, including crawl spaces and attics. You also check all major systems of the house, such as the electrical lines, plumbing, and air conditioning unit. You photograph each space, noting any problems or issues you believe the buyer should consider before purchasing. Once your inspection is done, you generate a report and forward it to the homeowner, buyer, and real estate agents involved in the sale.
Plans Examiner
Salary range: $48,000 - $69,500
A plans examiner reviews plans, often submitted by construction companies or architects applying to receive work permits, to ensure that those plans meet building codes and requirements of the state, county, and city where the construction is taking place. As a plans examiner, you look at blueprints for both residential and commercial properties. Your specific duties and responsibilities are to evaluate zoning compliance, work with architects, builders, and homeowners to obtain compliance, make recommendations for whether or not to issue permits, and sometimes supervise individuals who research codes and zoning ordinances.
Code Enforcement Officer
Salary range: $47,000 - $69,000
A code enforcement officer maintains the health and safety of the public by making sure that buildings and land within a city follow proper housing and zoning laws. For this career, your responsibilities are to investigate the integrity of a property or building and decide if there are any health, environmental, or safety issues to address. If you flag a problem during an inspection, it is also your duty to administer citations or permits that hold the owner responsible and enforces them to make any necessary changes. You can work as a code enforcement officer for local and state government agencies. Depending on what state you work in, it may also be necessary to earn certification to comply with regulations or demonstrate current knowledge of building codes.
Site Inspector
Salary range: $43,000 - $67,000
The majority of Site Inspector salaries across the United States currently range between $43,000 (25th percentile) and $67,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Site Inspector job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.
Housing Inspector
Salary range: $43,500 - $63,500
A housing inspector evaluates the quality of construction systems in homes, typically during the buying or selling process. As a housing inspector, your job duties include examining the appliances, windows, walls and foundation, electrical systems, plumbing systems, HVAC systems, and radon levels to make sure that the home meets building codes and requirements for residential buildings. After your inspection is complete, you must prepare a written report and review it with your client to give them the opportunity to ask questions.
Residential Building Inspector
Salary range: $46,500 - $61,500
A residential building inspector ensures each home within their region or city meets construction requirements and residential building code rules. Your job duties include visiting a residential property and inspecting it for compliance and overall safety and quality. Your responsibilities may also require you to examine a building after a renovation or repair project. Most cities and counties issue a permit for specific residential improvements. An inspector must look at the structure after the permitted project is done to make sure that everything is still up to code.
Foreclosure Field Inspector
Salary range: $33,000 - $55,500
As a Foreclosure Field Inspector, your primary responsibilities will relate to real estate in foreclosure. You’ll work for the mortgage holder to check the exterior and interior conditions of foreclosed properties. Your primary duties will be to determine, report on and photograph the general condition of the property, whether it’s occupied or vacant, has been vandalized or broken into, and whether actions should be taken to better secure the property or make immediate repairs. Foreclosure Field Reporters can be assigned to both commercial and residential properties. You will need your own transportation to reach the addresses throughout your assigned territory.
Inspection Clerk
Salary range: $30,000 - $40,000
The majority of Inspection Clerk salaries across the United States currently range between $30,000 (25th percentile) and $40,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Inspection Clerk job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

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