Construction & Real Estate Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Building Inspector Salary in Arkansas

The median building inspector salary in Arkansas is $53,508 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $63,700.

Median Salary
$53,508
vs National
$-10,192
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Building Inspector Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for building inspector compensation. Building Inspector salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $53,508 per year, building inspectors in Arkansas earn $10,192 less than the national median of $63,700.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $53,508 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $63,700 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: building inspectors at the 10th percentile earn $33,600, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $85,680 — a $52,080 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arkansas for this role is Fayetteville, where the median reaches $56,056.

Nationally, building inspector employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for building inspectors across the country.

Building Inspector Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level building inspector earns around $35,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,800 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,280
$-6,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,600
$-10,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,800
$-15,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $33,600
25th Percentile $42,000
Median (50th) $53,508
75th Percentile $68,880
90th Percentile $85,680

Building Inspector Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for building inspectors in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Building Inspector in Arkansas

Education

Most building inspector positions require a high school diploma. Arkansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Building CodesInspection TechniquesBlueprint ReadingDocumentationSafety RegulationsCommunication

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, building inspector employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Building Inspector Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Building Inspector make in Arkansas? ▼
The median building inspector salary in Arkansas is $53,508 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $63,700. Salaries range from $33,600 (10th percentile) to $85,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Building Inspector make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,508, a building inspector in Arkansas earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for building inspectors? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for building inspector pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level building inspectors earn $35,280, while senior professionals earn $79,800.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for building inspector salary? ▼
The highest paying state for building inspectors is Hawaii at $108,290. Arkansas's median of $53,508 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($55,419) and Oklahoma ($54,782).
What is the entry-level building inspector salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level building inspector in Arkansas earns approximately $35,280 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $54,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $79,800.
What city in Arkansas pays building inspectors the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for building inspectors, with a median salary of $56,056. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.