Construction & Real Estate Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Building Inspector Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median building inspector salary in Cambridge, MA is $101,920 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$101,920
vs State Avg
+$15,925
vs National
+$38,220
Cost of Living
160%

Building Inspector Pay in Cambridge: What to Expect (2026)

Cambridge offers a median building inspector salary of $101,920, which is $15,925 above the Massachusetts state average of $85,995. Compared to the national median of $63,700, Cambridge pays above average for this role.

However, Cambridge's cost of living index is 160%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $101,920 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $63,700. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for building inspectors in Cambridge spans from $64,000 at the 10th percentile to $163,200 at the 90th percentile — a $99,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $67,200, while senior building inspectors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $152,000. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Building Inspector Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level building inspector earns around $67,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $152,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$67,200
+$25,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$104,000
+$39,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$152,000
+$57,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $64,000
25th Percentile $80,000
Median (50th) $101,920
75th Percentile $131,200
90th Percentile $163,200

Building Inspector Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$96,824
Pop. 675,647
Worcester, MA
$70,070
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$66,885
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$62,426
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Building Inspector in Cambridge

Education

Most building inspector positions require a high school diploma. Cambridge and the surrounding Massachusetts area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Building CodesInspection TechniquesBlueprint ReadingDocumentationSafety RegulationsCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, building inspector employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Cambridge may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Building Inspector Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open building inspector positions in Cambridge, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Building Inspector Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Building Inspector make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median building inspector salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $101,920 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $63,700. Salaries range from $64,000 (10th percentile) to $163,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Building Inspector make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $101,920, a building inspector in Cambridge earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for building inspector pay? ▼
Cambridge's median building inspector salary of $101,920 is 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $85,995. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cambridge, MA? ▼
Cambridge has a cost of living index of 160% compared to the national average. This means a building inspector salary of $101,920 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a building inspector in Cambridge? ▼
Most building inspector positions in Cambridge require a high school diploma. Key skills include Building Codes, Inspection Techniques, Blueprint Reading, Documentation. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.