Across U.S. metros, building inspectors typically earn $9,095 more a year than solar installers (16%). In the 44 metros where BLS publishes both, building inspectors earn more in 43 and solar installers in 1.
| Building Inspector | Solar Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $67,380 | $58,285 |
| Lowest metro median | $25,530 | $26,340 |
| Highest metro median | $129,750 | $78,360 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +0.0% | +36.5% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 14,800 | 4,200 |
| Self-employed | 3% | — |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Moderate-term on-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 58 | 101 |
| Metros with pay data | 338 | 44 |
On safety, solar installers report more injuries that cause missed work (101 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 solar installers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where solar installers 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 32 states and solar installers in 0. The gap favors building inspectors most in Connecticut ($43,080) and building inspectors most in New Jersey ($2,810).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Hazardous conditions: occasionally for building inspectors, very often for solar installers. Working at heights: sometimes for building inspectors, very often for solar installers.
| Building Inspector | Solar Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Very often | Very often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Often | Sometimes |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Sometimes | Often |
| Working at heights | Sometimes | Very often |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Occasionally | Often |
| Loud noise | Often | Often |
| Hazardous conditions | Occasionally | Very often |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Occasionally | 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.
Solar Installer
Assemble, install, or maintain solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs or other structures in compliance with site assessment and schematics. May include measuring, cutting, assembling, and bolting structural framing and solar modules. May perform minor electrical work such as current checks.
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