Across U.S. metros, building inspectors typically earn $4,940 more a year than electricians (8%). In the 337 metros where BLS publishes both, building inspectors earn more in 223 and electricians in 114.
| Building Inspector | Electrician | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $67,380 | $62,440 |
| Lowest metro median | $25,530 | $33,630 |
| Highest metro median | $129,750 | $105,500 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +0.0% | +9.2% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 14,800 | 72,700 |
| Self-employed | 3% | 7% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Moderate-term on-the-job training | Apprenticeship |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 58 | 97 |
| Metros with pay data | 338 | 390 |
On safety, electricians report more injuries that cause missed work (97 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 electricians the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where electricians 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 35 states and electricians in 16. The gap favors building inspectors most in California ($25,130) and electricians most in Illinois ($21,220).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Hazardous conditions: occasionally for building inspectors, very often for electricians. Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles: occasionally for building inspectors, often for electricians.
| Building Inspector | Electrician | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Very often | Often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Often | Sometimes |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Sometimes | Often |
| Working at heights | Sometimes | Often |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Occasionally | Often |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Occasionally | Very often |
| Loud noise | Often | Very often |
| Hazardous conditions | Occasionally | Very often |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Occasionally | Very often |
| 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.
Electrician
Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.
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