Construction & Real Estate Tacoma, WA Pop. 219,346

Building Inspector Salary in Tacoma, Washington

The median building inspector salary in Tacoma, WA is $70,070 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 4.3% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$70,070
vs State Avg
$-3,185
vs National
+$6,370
Cost of Living
110%

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

Tacoma offers a median building inspector salary of $70,070, which is $3,185 below the Washington state average of $73,255. Compared to the national median of $63,700, Tacoma pays above average for this role.

Tacoma's cost of living is 110% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for building inspectors in Tacoma spans from $44,000 at the 10th percentile to $112,200 at the 90th percentile — a $68,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,200, while senior building inspectors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $104,500. With a population of 219,346, Tacoma is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Building Inspector Salary in Tacoma by Experience

In Tacoma, an entry-level building inspector earns around $46,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $104,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,200
+$4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,500
+$6,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$104,500
+$9,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA

Percentile Tacoma
10th Percentile $44,000
25th Percentile $55,000
Median (50th) $70,070
75th Percentile $90,200
90th Percentile $112,200

Building Inspector Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$96,824
Pop. 151,854
Seattle, WA
$94,276
Pop. 737,015
Vancouver, WA
$64,974
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$58,604
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Building Inspector in Tacoma

Education

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

Find Building Inspector Jobs in Tacoma

Browse open building inspector positions in Tacoma, WA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Building Inspector Salary in Tacoma

How much does a Building Inspector make in Tacoma, WA? ▼
The median building inspector salary in Tacoma, Washington is $70,070 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $63,700. Salaries range from $44,000 (10th percentile) to $112,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Building Inspector make per hour in Tacoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,070, a building inspector in Tacoma earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for building inspector pay? ▼
Tacoma's median building inspector salary of $70,070 is 4.3% below the Washington state average of $73,255. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA? ▼
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a building inspector salary of $70,070 in Tacoma has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a building inspector in Tacoma? ▼
Most building inspector positions in Tacoma 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.