Construction & Real Estate Rhode Island (RI) Rank #13 of 50

Building Inspector Salary in Rhode Island

The median building inspector salary in Rhode Island is $66,885 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $63,700.

Median Salary
$66,885
vs National
+$3,185
State Rank
#13 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Building Inspector Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for building inspector compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for building inspector pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $66,885 per year, building inspectors in Rhode Island earn $3,185 more than the national median of $63,700.

Rhode Island's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning building inspector salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: building inspectors at the 10th percentile earn $42,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $107,100 — a $65,100 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Rhode Island for this role is Providence, where the median reaches $68,796.

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 Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level building inspector earns around $44,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $99,750 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,100
+$2,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,250
+$3,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$99,750
+$4,750 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

Percentile RI Salary
10th Percentile $42,000
25th Percentile $52,500
Median (50th) $66,885
75th Percentile $86,100
90th Percentile $107,100

Building Inspector Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for building inspectors in Rhode Island include Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Building Inspector in Rhode Island

Education

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

Key Skills

Building CodesInspection TechniquesBlueprint ReadingDocumentationSafety RegulationsCommunication

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Building Inspector Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Building Inspector make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median building inspector salary in Rhode Island is $66,885 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $63,700. Salaries range from $42,000 (10th percentile) to $107,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Building Inspector make per hour in Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,885, a building inspector in Rhode Island earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for building inspectors? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for building inspector pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level building inspectors earn $44,100, while senior professionals earn $99,750.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for building inspector salary? ▼
The highest paying state for building inspectors is Hawaii at $108,290. Rhode Island's median of $66,885 ranks #13 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Colorado ($66,885) and New Hampshire ($66,885).
What is the entry-level building inspector salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level building inspector in Rhode Island earns approximately $44,100 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $68,250. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $99,750.
What city in Rhode Island pays building inspectors the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for building inspectors, with a median salary of $68,796. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.