Houston Construction Jobs for Inspectors

If you're interested in Houston construction jobs (Click here) but don't want to partake in the backbreaking labor of the industry, you may want to consider becoming a construction and building inspector.

Construction and building inspectors use engineering skills to determine whether or not projects are structurally strong. They also must ensure that projects comply with specifications, building codes, and other regulations. Check out a more detailed building inspector job description.

In general, candidates for construction and building inspection jobs are required to have at least a high school diploma, although many employers prefer to hire applicants that have studied engineering or architecture or have a degree.

In order to obtain a license to perform construction and building inspection in Texas, applicants must be a state resident, have a high school diploma or equivalent, undergo specialized education or training, and pass a multiple choice exam.

Employment in the Gulf Coast area, where Houston is located, is expected to increase from 2,150 during 2006 to 2,700 by 2016. This means there will be 550 additional jobs and the occupation will grow by 25.6 percent, according to the Texas Workforce Commission.

Throughout Texas, employment is anticipated to grow from 8,400 workers during 2006 to 10,200 workers by 2016, accounting for 1,800 additional jobs and an overall increase of 21.4 percent.

Employment across America should increase from 109,730 workers during 2006 to 129,739 workers by 2016, making for 20,000 additional jobs and an overall growth rate of 18.2 percent.

The top industries that employ construction and building inspectors include:

• Local government, except education - 39.04 percent
• Architectural, engineering and related services - 22.01 percent
• State government, except education - 14.30 percent
• Non-residential building construction - 7.04 percent

During 2009, the average wage for construction and building inspectors was $26.58 per hour, while the average wage in Texas was $23.82 per hour and the average wage throughout the country was $25.75 per hour.