Across U.S. metros, building inspectors typically earn $10,135 more a year than concrete finishers (18%). In the 300 metros where BLS publishes both, building inspectors earn more in 281 and concrete finishers in 19.
| Building Inspector | Concrete Finisher | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $67,380 | $57,245 |
| Lowest metro median | $25,530 | $27,610 |
| Highest metro median | $129,750 | $104,450 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +0.0% | +1.6% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 14,800 | 13,600 |
| Self-employed | 3% | 2% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | No formal educational credential |
| Typical training | Moderate-term on-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 58 | 25 |
| Metros with pay data | 338 | 334 |
On safety, building inspectors report more injuries that cause missed work (58 vs. 25 per 10,000 full-time workers, national 2023–24).
Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 (typical = median across metros). Growth, openings, education, training: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Injuries: BLS SOII 2023–24.
Where building inspectors out-earn concrete finishers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where concrete finishers out-earn building inspectors the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, building inspectors earn more in 50 states and concrete finishers in 1. The gap favors building inspectors most in Connecticut ($40,030) and concrete finishers most in Hawaii ($16,570).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Indoors with heating and air conditioning: often for building inspectors, rarely for concrete finishers. Standing, bending, kneeling and walking: occasionally for building inspectors, very often for concrete finishers.
| Building Inspector | Concrete Finisher | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Very often | Very often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Often | Rarely |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Sometimes | Very often |
| Working at heights | Sometimes | Occasionally |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Occasionally | Occasionally |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Loud noise | Often | Very often |
| Hazardous conditions | Occasionally | Occasionally |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Occasionally | Very often |
| Sitting | Sometimes | Rarely |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Building Inspector
Inspect structures using engineering skills to determine structural soundness and compliance with specifications, building codes, and other regulations. Inspections may be general in nature or may be limited to a specific area, such as electrical systems or plumbing.
Concrete Finisher
Smooth and finish surfaces of poured concrete, such as floors, walks, sidewalks, roads, or curbs using a variety of hand and power tools. Align forms for sidewalks, curbs, or gutters; patch voids; and use saws to cut expansion joints.
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