How to Become an Electrical Inspector
An electrical inspector is responsible for ensuring that electrical systems are installed and maintained according to the local building code. Electrical inspectors are responsible for inspecting commercial, industrial, and residential properties for compliance with fire codes, electrical codes, and other regulations.
To become an electrical inspector, you must first complete a post-secondary education program in electrical engineering or a related field. You can then obtain a license from your state’s licensing board by passing an exam.
Inspectors must be able to perform in a wide range of situations. They must have excellent communication skills and be able to read technical manuals as they check the wiring of buildings. They must also be familiar with building codes and regulations in their jurisdiction.
Inspectors should have knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC), which governs how electrical systems should be installed and maintained according to local building codes across the nation. Inspectors will also need training on how to read wiring diagrams so that they can identify any issues with circuits or wiring problems before they become serious problems.
How To Become An Electrical Inspector
About 17% of construction and building inspectors had at least some college education, according to O*NET OnLine in 2019; 35% had bachelor’s degrees. While there is no standard path into the field, an electrical inspector needs to have a thorough knowledge of electricity, electronics and codes, an electrician background, or a 2-year or 4-year college degree, often incorporating courses in electrical wiring, carpentry and architectural drawing. Some states require licenses or certificates, such as those offered by the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI).
Skills Required
Electrical inspectors are fit and coordinated enough to spend much of their time in hardhat areas. They enjoy working alone and have good reading, writing and time-management skills.
Economic and Career Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of construction and building inspectors, including electrical inspectors, is projected to grow 8% from 2019-2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations. As of May 2019, the median hourly wage for construction and building inspectors was $29.19 while the median annual wage was $60,710, per BLS data.
Alternate Career Options
Some skills necessary to become an electrical inspector will help prepare you for careers in other areas.
Surveyor
With a bachelor’s degree from a program for licensed surveying, or in a related field like forestry or civil engineering, surveyors can secure employment. These professionals find the boundaries of properties by making exact measurements; they also find and make available data used in construction projects and mapmaking. From 2019-2029, the BLS expected a slower than average employment increase of 3% for these professionals and reported an annual median wage of $60,710 in 2019.
Cost Estimator
A decline of 1% from 2019-2029 was forecast for cost estimating positions by the BLS. In 2019, cost estimators who estimate the resources necessary to construct buildings and manufacture products earned an annual median salary of $65,250, per the BLS. To secure employment, estimators normally have bachelor’s degrees in fields related to the building industry, along with a strong background in math.
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Popular Schools
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- 1Michigan State UniversitySchool InfoSchool locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
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- Construction Mgmt, General
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- 2Pearl River Community CollegeSchool InfoSchool locations:
- Mississippi (1 campus)
- Non-Degree: Coursework, Diploma
- Undergraduate: Associate
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- Carpentry
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- 3Dunwoody College of TechnologySchool InfoSchool locations:
- Minnesota (1 campus)
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
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- Construction Site Management
- Electrician
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- 4Milwaukee Area Technical CollegeSchool InfoSchool locations:
- Wisconsin (1 campus)
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
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- Cabinetmaking
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- 5Nashville State Technical Community CollegeSchool InfoSchool locations:
- Tennessee (1 campus)
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Electrician
- Precision Metal Working
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Construction Management and Trades
- 6Yakima Valley Community CollegeSchool InfoSchool locations:
- Washington (1 campus)
- Graduate:
- Non-Degree: Diploma
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Electrician
- Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Construction Management and Trades
- 7Wytheville Community CollegeSchool InfoSchool locations:
- Virginia (1 campus)
- Graduate:
- Non-Degree: Diploma
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Electrician
- Home Improvement
- Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
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- 8Withlacoochee Technical InstituteSchool InfoSchool locations:
- Florida (1 campus)
- Non-Degree: Diploma
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Electrician
- Electrical Repair and Maintenance
- Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
- Heavy Equipment Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Construction Management and Trades
- 9Wiregrass Georgia Technical CollegeSchool InfoSchool locations:
- Georgia (1 campus)
- Graduate:
- Non-Degree: Diploma
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Construction Mgmt, General
- Electrician
- Property Management and Maintenance
- Electrical Repair and Maintenance
- Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
- Heavy Equipment Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
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- 10Wilson Community CollegeSchool InfoSchool locations:
- North Carolina (1 campus)
- Graduate:
- Non-Degree: Diploma
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Electrician
- Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Construction Management and Trades
