Across U.S. metros, building inspectors typically earn $17,240 more a year than roofers (34%). In the 244 metros where BLS publishes both, building inspectors earn more in 234 and roofers in 10.
| Building Inspector | Roofer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $67,380 | $50,140 |
| Lowest metro median | $25,530 | $24,100 |
| Highest metro median | $129,750 | $105,270 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +0.0% | +5.3% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 14,800 | 12,000 |
| Self-employed | 3% | 20% |
| 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 | 162 |
| Metros with pay data | 338 | 265 |
On safety, roofers report more injuries that cause missed work (162 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 roofers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where roofers 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 51 states and roofers in 0. The gap favors building inspectors most in California ($37,690) and building inspectors most in Illinois ($440).
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 roofers. Working at heights: sometimes for building inspectors, very often for roofers.
| Building Inspector | Roofer | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Very often |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Occasionally | Often |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Loud noise | Often | Often |
| Hazardous conditions | Occasionally | Often |
| 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.
Roofer
Cover roofs of structures with shingles, slate, asphalt, aluminum, wood, or related materials. May spray roofs, sidings, and walls with material to bind, seal, insulate, or soundproof sections of structures.
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