Construction & Real Estate Minnesota (MN) Rank #20 of 50

Building Inspector Salary in Minnesota

The median building inspector salary in Minnesota is $61,789 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $63,700.

Median Salary
$61,789
vs National
$-1,911
State Rank
#20 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Building Inspector Salary Overview in Minnesota (2026)

Minnesota ranks #20 out of 50 states for building inspector compensation. Minnesota falls in the middle of the pack for building inspector pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $61,789 per year, building inspectors in Minnesota earn $1,911 less than the national median of $63,700.

Minnesota's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning building inspector salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Minnesota is significant: building inspectors at the 10th percentile earn $38,800, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $98,940 — a $60,140 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Minnesota for this role is Minneapolis, where the median reaches $66,885.

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 Minnesota by Experience

In Minnesota, an entry-level building inspector earns around $40,740, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,150 per year. The cost of living index in Minnesota is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,740
$-1,260 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,050
$-1,950 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,150
$-2,850 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Minnesota

Percentile MN Salary
10th Percentile $38,800
25th Percentile $48,500
Median (50th) $61,789
75th Percentile $79,540
90th Percentile $98,940

Building Inspector Salary by City in Minnesota

The largest employment areas for building inspectors in Minnesota include Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester, and Duluth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Building Inspector in Minnesota

Education

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

Key Skills

Building CodesInspection TechniquesBlueprint ReadingDocumentationSafety RegulationsCommunication

Job Outlook in Minnesota

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Building Inspector Salary in Minnesota

How much does a Building Inspector make in Minnesota? ▼
The median building inspector salary in Minnesota is $61,789 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $63,700. Salaries range from $38,800 (10th percentile) to $98,940 (90th percentile).
How much does a Building Inspector make per hour in Minnesota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,789, a building inspector in Minnesota earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Minnesota a good state for building inspectors? ▼
Minnesota ranks #20 out of 50 states for building inspector pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level building inspectors earn $40,740, while senior professionals earn $92,150.
How does Minnesota compare to other states for building inspector salary? ▼
The highest paying state for building inspectors is Hawaii at $108,290. Minnesota's median of $61,789 ranks #20 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maine ($62,426) and Arizona ($61,789).
What is the entry-level building inspector salary in Minnesota? ▼
An entry-level building inspector in Minnesota earns approximately $40,740 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $63,050. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $92,150.
What city in Minnesota pays building inspectors the most? ▼
Minneapolis is the highest paying city in Minnesota for building inspectors, with a median salary of $66,885. Other cities include Saint Paul and Rochester.