Construction & Real Estate Wisconsin (WI) Rank #31 of 50

Building Inspector Salary in Wisconsin

The median building inspector salary in Wisconsin is $58,604 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $63,700.

Median Salary
$58,604
vs National
$-5,096
State Rank
#31 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Building Inspector Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #31 out of 50 states for building inspector compensation. Building Inspector salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $58,604 per year, building inspectors in Wisconsin earn $5,096 less than the national median of $63,700.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $58,604 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $63,700 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: building inspectors at the 10th percentile earn $36,800, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $93,840 — a $57,040 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Wisconsin for this role is Madison, where the median reaches $63,700.

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 Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level building inspector earns around $38,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,400 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,640
$-3,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,800
$-5,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,400
$-7,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $36,800
25th Percentile $46,000
Median (50th) $58,604
75th Percentile $75,440
90th Percentile $93,840

Building Inspector Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for building inspectors in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Building Inspector in Wisconsin

Education

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

Key Skills

Building CodesInspection TechniquesBlueprint ReadingDocumentationSafety RegulationsCommunication

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Building Inspector Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Building Inspector make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median building inspector salary in Wisconsin is $58,604 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $63,700. Salaries range from $36,800 (10th percentile) to $93,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Building Inspector make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,604, a building inspector in Wisconsin earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for building inspectors? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #31 out of 50 states for building inspector pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level building inspectors earn $38,640, while senior professionals earn $87,400.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for building inspector salary? ▼
The highest paying state for building inspectors is Hawaii at $108,290. Wisconsin's median of $58,604 ranks #31 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Carolina ($58,604) and Texas ($58,604).
What is the entry-level building inspector salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level building inspector in Wisconsin earns approximately $38,640 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $59,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $87,400.
What city in Wisconsin pays building inspectors the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for building inspectors, with a median salary of $63,700. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.