Construction Inspectors

(NOC 2264)

in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

Construction inspectors inspect the construction and maintenance of new and existing buildings, bridges, highways, and industrial construction to make sure that specifications and building codes are met and monitor work site safety. Home inspectors provide technical advice to buyers and owners of real estate. They work for federal, provincial, and municipal governments, construction companies, architectural and civil engineering consulting firms or they may be self-employed.

Job Outlook

Average

Read more

  • Estimate Moderate growth employment change, 2021-2023
  • Estimate 110 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate High rate of unemployment in 2022

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

  • Estimate 3410 employment change, 2021-2023
  • Estimate 5690 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

Hourly Pay

$20.77

Minimum

$31.83

Median

$43.68

Maximum

Annual Pay

$14,546

Minimum

$57,550

Median

$102,405

Maximum

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

Hourly Pay

$18.00

Minimum

$34.90

Median

$54.10

Maximum

Annual Pay

$13,568

Minimum

$60,422

Median

$107,009

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Construction inspectors inspect the construction and maintenance of new and existing buildings, bridges, highways, and industrial construction to make sure that specifications and building codes are met and monitor work site safety. Home inspectors provide technical advice to buyers and owners of real estate. They work for federal, provincial, and municipal governments, construction companies, architectural and civil engineering consulting firms or they may be self-employed.

Job duties

Construction inspectors:

  • Examine plans, drawings, and site layouts for new buildings, building renovations and other proposed structures.
  • Inspect construction of buildings, bridges, dams, highways and other types of building and engineering construction to make sure they conform to drawings, specifications, building codes or other ordinances.
  • Inspect and test electrical or plumbing installations in buildings to ensure compliance with municipal, provincial, and federal regulations.
  • Inspect steel framework, concrete forms, reinforcing steel mesh and rods, concrete or pre-stressed concrete to ensure quality standards and to verify conformance to specifications and building codes.
  • Inspect construction of sewer systems and pipelines.
  • Inspect construction sites to make sure that safe working conditions are maintained.
  • Inspect existing buildings to identify and report on structural defects, fire hazards and other threats to safety.
  • Inspect homes on behalf of clients and assess and provide reports on the physical condition of property.

Sample job titles

  • building construction inspector
  • building safety inspector
  • carpentry inspector
  • compliance inspector - buildings
  • home inspector
  • housing construction inspector
  • mine construction inspector
  • public works inspector - construction
  • road construction inspector
  • safety officer - construction

Skills

  • The ability to work effectively with the public under various circumstances is crucial. Good observational and analytical skills are necessary. You must be accurate and able to pay close attention to detail. Honesty and integrity are important. Excellent communication skills are also important.

Job requirements

  • High school is required.
  • A college diploma in construction, civil engineering, or architectural technology plus several years of related work experience or several years of experience as a qualified tradesperson in a construction trade like plumbing, carpentry or electrical trade are required.
  • Provincial certification in a skilled trade or as an engineering technologist is usually required.
  • Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is offered by the Canada Green Building Council and may be required by some employers.

Other considerations

  • None

By the numbers

Quick look

455

employed in 2016

90.1%

employed full-time

16.5%

self employed

14.3%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
85.7%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
49.7

median age

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

25,875

employed in 2016

91.5%

employed full-time

7.6%

self employed

20.0%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
80%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
42.8

median age

Where will I likely work?

42.2%

Halifax

$55,392 median annual income
21.1%

North Shore

$57,510 median annual income
14.4%

Cape Breton

$64,324 median annual income
14.4%

Annapolis Valley

$52,925 median annual income
7.8%

Southern

$47,626 median annual income

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

32.4%

Construction

32.4%

Public administration

21.6%

Professional, scientific and technical services

2.7%

Manufacturing

2.7%

Real estate and rental and leasing

What is the age of Employment?

30.0%

55-64

27.0%

45-54

16.0%

35-44

14.0%

25-34

8.0%

65+

4.0%

15-24

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

24.2%

25-34

23.5%

45-54

23.4%

35-44

16.4%

55-64

7.7%

15-24

Top levels of education

43.3%

College Diploma

$61,947 median annual income
20.0%

High school

$57,418 median annual income
18.9%

Trade Certification

$39,871 median annual income
12.2%

Bachelor

$41,062 median annual income
4.4%

Diploma Below Bachelor

N/A

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

33.1%

College Diploma

$59,986 median annual income
29.8%

Bachelor

$63,965 median annual income
11.9%

High school

$45,835 median annual income
9.9%

Master

$65,105 median annual income
6.9%

Trade Certification

$57,773 median annual income

Education & training

Architectural Engineering Technology/Technician

College or Trades Program

These programs prepare students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of architects, engineers and planners engaged in designing and developing buildings, urban complexes, and related systems. They include courses in design testing procedures, building site analysis, model building and computer graphics, engineering drawing, structural systems testing, analysis of prototype mechanical and interior systems, test equipment operation and maintenance, and report preparation.

Institutions providing this program

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Building/Home/Construction Inspection

College or Trades Program

These programs prepare students to apply industrial, labour, and governmental standards and laws to the oversight of construction projects and the maintenance of completed buildings and other structures. They include courses in construction processes and techniques, materials analysis, occupational safety and health, industry standards, building codes and specifications, blueprint interpretation, testing equipment and procedures, communication skills, accident investigation, and documentation.

Institutions providing this program

Dalhousie University

Halifax, NS

Carpentry - Pre-apprenticeship College Program

College or Trades Program

These programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to lay out, cut, fabricate, erect, install, and repair wooden structures and fixtures, using hand and power tools. They include courses in technical mathematics, framing, construction materials and selection, job estimating, blueprint reading, foundations and roughing-in, finish carpentry techniques, and applicable codes and standards.

Institutions providing this program

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Carpenter Millwright College (CMC) Inc.

Lower Sackville, NS

Civil Engineering Technology/Technician

College or Trades Program

These programs prepare students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of civil engineers engaged in designing and executing public works projects such as highways, dams, bridges, tunnels and other facilities. They include courses in site analysis, structural testing procedures, field and laboratory testing procedures, plan and specification preparation, test equipment operation and maintenance, and report preparation.

Institutions providing this program

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Electrician - Pre-apprenticeship College Program

College or Trades Program

These programs preapre students to apply technical knowledge and skills to install, operate, maintain, and repair electric apparatus and systems such as residential, commercial, and industrial electric-power wiring; and DC and AC motors, controls, and electrical distribution panels. They include courses in the principles of electronics and electrical systems, wiring, power transmission, safety, industrial and household appliances, job estimation, electrical testing and inspection, and applicable codes and standards.

Institutions providing this program

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency

Halifax, NS

Building Trades Advancement College of Nova Scotia

Lakeside, NS

Plumber - Pre-apprenticeship College Program

College or Trades Program

These programs prepare students to practice as licensed plumbers by applying technical knowledge and skills to lay out, assemble, install, and maintain piping fixtures and systems for steam, natural gas, oil, hot water, heating, cooling, drainage, lubricating, in home and business environments. They include courses in source determination, water distribution, waster removal, pressure adjustment, basic physics, technical mathematics, blueprint reading, pipe installation, pumps, welding and soldering, plumbing inspection, and applicable codes and standards.

Institutions providing this program

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Employment requirements & contacts

No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile

Contacts

Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors
Ottawa, ON
Canadian Standards Association
Toronto, ON

Additional resources

There are no additional resources for this occupation.