The qualifications that you need to work as a state inspector vary depending on the regulations in your state. The minimum requirement in most states is a high school diploma. You may need to take a civil service exam and complete on-the-job training. During this training, you learn the skills that you need for inspection. You may need to gain acceptance into a state patrol program for vehicle inspectors. In other states, the primary qualification may be a background in auto repair or emissions testing.

If you are interested in a job related to State Inspector, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of State Inspector Jobs

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

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 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.
Independent Field Inspector
Salary range: $40,000 - $60,000
Independent Field Inspector is a typical job search query Most salaries for Independent Field Inspector jobs pay between $40,000 (25th percentile) and $60,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Independent Field Inspector job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Construction
Salary range: $71,000 - $115,500
Construction jobs encompass a wide range of opportunities in the industry, ranging from carpenters and electricians to project managers and civil engineers. Construction professionals participate in a wide range of projects. There are residential projects, such as single family homes, small lot developments, or apartment buildings, commercial projects, such as building strip malls, industrial facilities or office buildings, and a range of infrastructure projects, such as public transit construction or building bridges. Your duties and responsibilities depend on the type of project and your role in the construction industry.
Mortgage Field Inspector
Salary range: $46,000 - $59,000
A Mortgage Field Inspector conducts collateral inspections of mortgaged properties for financial institutions. As a Mortgage Field Inspector, your job duties include taking digital photos of houses, apartment buildings, and even construction sites to collect information. After the property is inspected, you prepare a report for the financial company describing the state of the property, such as its occupancy and whether it is in disrepair.
Special Inspector
Salary range: $37,500 - $51,000
Special Inspector is a common job search query. Most salaries for Special Inspector jobs pay between $37,500 (25th percentile) and $51,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Special Inspector job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Field Inspector
Salary range: $40,000 - $60,000
A field inspector gathers information and performs property value appraisal of residential and commercial properties and vehicles. As a field inspector, your job duties are to visually inspect a property, take photographs, collect data, and compile a report with a property value estimate based on your findings. Your responsibilities are also to evaluate property values or the cost of damages for your employer. You can find field inspector jobs with insurance companies, mortgage lenders, and banks with a financial stake in a piece of property.
Cei Inspector
Salary range: $38,500 - $63,500
Cei Inspector is a common job search query. Most salaries for Cei Inspector jobs pay between $38,500 (25th percentile) and $63,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Cei Inspector job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Government Inspector
Salary range: $38,500 - $63,500
Government Inspector is a typical job search query Most salaries for Government Inspector jobs pay between $38,500 (25th percentile) and $63,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Government Inspector job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Vehicle Inspector
Salary range: $34,000 - $44,000
A vehicle inspector is responsible for ensuring a car, truck, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle meets all industry regulations. As a vehicle inspector, you may check emissions, verify that the owner’s auto insurance is valid, check for wear and tear, review the title for accuracy, gather information needed to register, and complete documentation on your findings. If a car does not pass inspection, you provide recommendations on what to address. In the case of an accident, you inspect for damage, report where repair is needed, and consult for total vehicle safety. You also assist with preventative maintenance, oil changes, and system checks.

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