Construction & Real Estate California (CA) Rank #2 of 50

Building Inspector Salary in California

The median building inspector salary in California is $87,906 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $63,700.

Median Salary
$87,906
vs National
+$24,206
State Rank
#2 of 50
Cost of Living
138%

Building Inspector Salary in California by Experience

In California, an entry-level building inspector earns around $57,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $131,100 per year. The cost of living index in California is 138% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,960
+$15,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$89,700
+$24,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$131,100
+$36,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in California

Percentile CA Salary
10th Percentile $55,200
25th Percentile $69,000
Median (50th) $87,906
75th Percentile $113,160
90th Percentile $140,760

Building Inspector Salary by City in California

The largest employment areas for building inspectors in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Los Angeles, CA
$93,002
Pop. 3,898,747 · COL 146%
San Francisco, CA
$115,934
Pop. 873,965 · COL 182%
San Diego, CA
$90,454
Pop. 1,386,932 · COL 142%
San Jose, CA
$107,016
Pop. 1,013,240 · COL 168%
Sacramento, CA
$75,166
Pop. 524,943 · COL 118%

How to Become a Building Inspector in California

Education

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

Key Skills

Building CodesInspection TechniquesBlueprint ReadingDocumentationSafety RegulationsCommunication

Job Outlook in California

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

Find Building Inspector Jobs in California

Browse open building inspector positions in California:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Building Inspector Salary in California

How much does a Building Inspector make in California? ▼
The median building inspector salary in California is $87,906 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $63,700. Salaries range from $55,200 (10th percentile) to $140,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Building Inspector make per hour in California? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $87,906, a building inspector in California earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is California a good state for building inspectors? ▼
California ranks #2 out of 50 states for building inspector pay. The cost of living index is 138% of the national average. Entry-level building inspectors earn $57,960, while senior professionals earn $131,100.
How does California compare to other states for building inspector salary? ▼
The highest paying state for building inspectors is Hawaii at $108,290. California's median of $87,906 ranks #2 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($108,290) and Massachusetts ($85,995).
What is the entry-level building inspector salary in California? ▼
An entry-level building inspector in California earns approximately $57,960 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $89,700. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $131,100.
What city in California pays building inspectors the most? ▼
San Francisco is the highest paying city in California for building inspectors, with a median salary of $115,934. Other cities include Los Angeles and San Diego.