Construction & Real Estate Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Building Inspector Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median building inspector salary in Arlington, VA is $84,084 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$84,084
vs State Avg
+$17,836
vs National
+$20,384
Cost of Living
132%

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

Arlington offers a median building inspector salary of $84,084, which is $17,836 above the Virginia state average of $66,248. Compared to the national median of $63,700, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $84,084 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $63,700. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for building inspectors in Arlington spans from $52,800 at the 10th percentile to $134,640 at the 90th percentile — a $81,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,440, while senior building inspectors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $125,400. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Building Inspector Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level building inspector earns around $55,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $125,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,440
+$13,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,800
+$20,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$125,400
+$30,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $52,800
25th Percentile $66,000
Median (50th) $84,084
75th Percentile $108,240
90th Percentile $134,640

Building Inspector Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$64,974
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$63,700
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$62,426
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$61,152
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Building Inspector in Arlington

Education

Most building inspector positions require a high school diploma. Arlington and the surrounding Virginia 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 Arlington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Building Inspector Jobs in Arlington

Browse open building inspector positions in Arlington, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Building Inspector Salary in Arlington

How much does a Building Inspector make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median building inspector salary in Arlington, Virginia is $84,084 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $63,700. Salaries range from $52,800 (10th percentile) to $134,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Building Inspector make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $84,084, a building inspector in Arlington earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for building inspector pay? ▼
Arlington's median building inspector salary of $84,084 is 26.9% above the Virginia state average of $66,248. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a building inspector salary of $84,084 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a building inspector in Arlington? ▼
Most building inspector positions in Arlington 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.