Across U.S. metros, construction supervisors typically earn $9,835 more a year than building inspectors (15%). In the 337 metros where BLS publishes both, building inspectors earn more in 56 and construction supervisors in 281.
| Building Inspector | Construction Supervisor | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $67,380 | $77,215 |
| Lowest metro median | $25,530 | $34,130 |
| Highest metro median | $129,750 | $130,790 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +0.0% | +5.0% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 14,800 | 67,000 |
| Self-employed | 3% | 11% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Moderate-term on-the-job training | 5+ years of trade experience |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 58 | 72 |
| Metros with pay data | 338 | 392 |
On safety, construction supervisors report more injuries that cause missed work (72 vs. 58 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 construction supervisors the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where construction supervisors 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 3 states and construction supervisors in 48. The gap favors building inspectors most in Connecticut ($6,410) and construction supervisors most in Illinois ($27,410).
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, occasionally for construction supervisors. Very hot or cold conditions: sometimes for building inspectors, often for construction supervisors.
| Building Inspector | Construction Supervisor | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Very often | Very often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Often | Occasionally |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Sometimes | Often |
| Working at heights | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Occasionally | Occasionally |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Occasionally | Occasionally |
| Loud noise | Often | Often |
| Hazardous conditions | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Sitting | Sometimes | Occasionally |
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.
Construction Supervisor
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.
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