Across U.S. metros, building inspectors typically earn $5,950 more a year than plumbers (10%). In the 336 metros where BLS publishes both, building inspectors earn more in 241 and plumbers in 95.
| Building Inspector | Plumber | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $67,380 | $61,430 |
| Lowest metro median | $25,530 | $29,690 |
| Highest metro median | $129,750 | $107,560 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +0.0% | +6.8% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 14,800 | 42,000 |
| Self-employed | 3% | 8% |
| 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 | 144 |
| Metros with pay data | 338 | 387 |
On safety, plumbers report more injuries that cause missed work (144 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 plumbers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where plumbers 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 plumbers in 16. The gap favors building inspectors most in California ($28,460) and plumbers most in Illinois ($21,610).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles: occasionally for building inspectors, often for plumbers. Sitting: sometimes for building inspectors, rarely for plumbers.
| Building Inspector | Plumber | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Often |
| Loud noise | Often | Often |
| Hazardous conditions | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Occasionally | 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.
Plumber
Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.
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