Construction Inspectors

Employment of construction and building inspectors is projected to show little or no change from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. "The increasing use of remote inspections will reduce the need for inspectors in state and local government," the DOL explains. However, in the wake of several high-profile construction accidents, the public has become more concerned with the safety of buildings and other structures that are under construction, which has increased demand for inspectors.

The level of new construction fluctuates with the economy, but maintenance and renovation continue during the downswings, so inspectors will have better job prospects than others in the construction industry. The DOL reports that opportunities will also increase for inspectors in niche fields such as green and sustainable design projects. New technology, such as building information modeling (BIM), is also easing the building-plans review process. As a result, more time and resources can be invested in building and construction inspections.

Applicants who have a college education in building inspection or construction technology, engineering, architecture, or a related field, who are already certified inspectors, and who are well versed in reading and evaluating blueprints and plans will have the best opportunities. Construction and building inspectors tend to be older, more experienced workers who have worked in other construction occupations (such as carpenters, electricians, or plumbers) for many years.