Best institutions to study Building/Home/Construction Inspection/Inspector
A program that prepares individuals to apply industrial, labor, and governmental standards and laws to the oversight of construction projects and the maintenance of completed buildings and other structures.
31 U.S. institutions graduated 334 Building/Home/Construction Inspection/Inspector students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 46.0403, a specialization of Building/Construction Finishing (CIP 46.04), and leads most directly to the Construction and Building Inspectors occupation (BLS SOC 47-4011).
About Building/Home/Construction Inspection/Inspector programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply industrial, labor, and governmental standards and laws to the oversight of construction projects and the maintenance of completed buildings and other structures. Includes instruction in construction processes and techniques, materials analysis, occupational safety and health, industry standards, building codes and specifications, blueprint interpretation, testing equipment and procedures, communication skills, accident investigation, and documentation.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Building/Home/Construction Inspection/Inspector program prepares individuals to oversee construction projects and maintain completed structures by applying industry standards, labor laws, and safety regulations. This program is ideal for those interested in ensuring the quality and safety of construction work while contributing to public safety and compliance in the construction trades field.
Learn more about Building/Home/Construction Inspection/Inspector →
Students in this program gain essential skills in blueprint interpretation, construction processes, and materials analysis. Coursework covers occupational safety, building codes, communication skills, and accident investigation, equipping graduates with the knowledge needed to effectively monitor and inspect construction projects.
Credentials awarded
What Building/Home/Construction Inspection/Inspector graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year213 graduates / yr · 23 institutions64%
- Associate's degree67 graduates / yr · 15 institutions20%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years49 graduates / yr · 8 institutions15%
- Award of less than 12 weeks5 graduates / yr · 1 institution1.5%
Graduates over time
Building/Home/Construction Inspection/Inspector completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 393 |
| 2013 | 265 |
| 2014 | 301 |
| 2015 | 301 |
| 2016 | 225 |
| 2017 | 237 |
| 2018 | 300 |
| 2019 | 301 |
| 2020 | 255 |
| 2021 | 239 |
| 2022 | 261 |
| 2023 | 286 |
| 2024 | 312 |
| 2025 | 334 |
Top 31 institutions for Building/Home/Construction Inspection/Inspector, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mesa Community College Mesa, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 43 | 16% | — | — |
| 2 | York Technical College Rock Hill, SCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 27 | 30% | — | — |
| 3 | North Bennet Street School Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 25 | 90% | $35,199 | — |
| 4 | Gwinnett Technical College Lawrenceville, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 22 | 32% | — | — |
| 5 | Coastline Community College Fountain Valley, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 18 | 34% | — | — |
| 6 | North Hennepin Community College Brooklyn Park, MNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 18 | 22% | — | $66,902 |
| 7 | Centralia College Centralia, WAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of less than 12 weeks | 18 | 42% | — | — |
| 8 | Portland Community College Portland, ORPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 16 | 18% | — | $63,103 |
| 9 | San Diego Mesa College San Diego, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 15 | 35% | — | — |
| 10 | Norco College Norco, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 14 | 42% | — | — |
| 11 | College of the Sequoias Visalia, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 13 | 39% | — | — |
| 12 | McHenry County College Crystal Lake, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 13 | 37% | — | — |
| 13 | Fullerton College Fullerton, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 12 | 34% | — | — |
| 14 | Pasadena City College Pasadena, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 12 | 48% | — | — |
| 15 | Southwestern College Chula Vista, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 8 | 35% | — | — |
| 16 | Saddleback College Mission Viejo, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 6 | 48% | — | — |
| 17 | Ventura College Ventura, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 38% | — | — |
| 18 | College of San Mateo San Mateo, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 5 | 61% | — | — |
| 19 | Edmonds College Lynnwood, WAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 5 | 29% | — | — |
| 20 | Santiago Canyon College Orange, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 48% | — | — |
| 21 | Cabrillo College Aptos, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4 | 38% | — | $47,566 |
| 22 | College of the Canyons Santa Clarita, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4 | 45% | — | — |
| 23 | College of the Desert Palm Desert, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4 | 31% | — | — |
| 24 | Navajo Technical University Crownpoint, NMPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 4 | 12% | — | — |
| 25 | Chemeketa Community College Salem, ORPublicAssociate's | 4 | 21% | — | — |
| 26 | BridgeValley Community & Technical College South Charleston, WVPublicAssociate's | 4 | 34% | — | — |
| 27 | Cosumnes River College Sacramento, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 3 | 40% | — | — |
| 28 | San Bernardino Valley College San Bernardino, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 28% | — | — |
| 29 | Cuyahoga Community College District Cleveland, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 31% | — | — |
| 30 | College of Alameda Alameda, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 33% | — | — |
| 31 | Laney College Oakland, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 31% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Building/Construction Finishing field (CIP 46.04) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 12 states
Where Building/Home/Construction Inspection/Inspector graduates come from. Each state links to all Building/Construction Finishing programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 18 | 133 | Coastline Community College18 / yr |
| Arizona | 1 | 43 | Mesa Community College43 / yr |
| South Carolina | 1 | 27 | York Technical College27 / yr |
| Massachusetts | 1 | 25 | North Bennet Street School25 / yr |
| Washington | 2 | 23 | Centralia College18 / yr |
| Georgia | 1 | 22 | Gwinnett Technical College22 / yr |
| Oregon | 2 | 20 | Portland Community College16 / yr |
| Minnesota | 1 | 18 | North Hennepin Community College18 / yr |
| Illinois | 1 | 13 | McHenry County College13 / yr |
| New Mexico | 1 | 4 | Navajo Technical University4 / yr |
| West Virginia | 1 | 4 | BridgeValley Community & Technical College4 / yr |
| Ohio | 1 | 2 | Cuyahoga Community College District2 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 47-4011, Construction and Building Inspectors, and its national outlook.
Graduates can pursue careers as Construction and Building Inspectors, with an annual median wage of $72,120. The job outlook shows little or no change, with approximately 14,800 annual openings. A typical educational requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 46.0403
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Construction and Building Inspectorsprimary SOC 47-4011 | $74,690 | -0.8% Little or no change | ~14,800 | High school diploma or equivalent |
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers SOC 47-1011 | $79,920 | +5.3% Faster than average | ~74,400 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Building/Home/Construction Inspection/Inspector programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Approve building plans that meet required specifications.
- Review and interpret plans, blueprints, site layouts, specifications, or construction methods to ensure compliance to legal requirements and safety regulations.
- Issue permits for construction, relocation, demolition, or occupancy.
- Inspect bridges, dams, highways, buildings, wiring, plumbing, electrical circuits, sewers, heating systems, or foundations during and after construction for structural quality, general safety, or conformance to specifications and codes.
- Monitor installation of plumbing, wiring, equipment, or appliances to ensure that installation is performed properly and is in compliance with applicable regulations.
- Inspect and monitor construction sites to ensure adherence to safety standards, building codes, or specifications.
Tools and technology used
Other Building/Construction Finishing specializations
The 12 other 6-digit CIP codes under Building/Construction Finishing (CIP 46.04).
- Building/CIP 46.0401
Property Maintenance 2,461 graduates / yr97 institutions - Building Construction Technology/CIP 46.0415
Technician 2,137 graduates / yr127 institutions - Building/CIP 46.0412
Construction Site Management/ Manager 1,748 graduates / yr73 institutions - Building/CIP 46.0499
Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection 638 graduates / yr36 institutions - Drywall Installation/CIP 46.0404
Drywaller partial data254 graduates / yr3 institutions - Concrete Finishing/CIP 46.0402
Concrete Finisher partial data79 graduates / yr6 institutions - RooferCIP 46.0410partial data42 graduates / yr3 institutions
- InsulatorCIP 46.0414limited data35 graduates / yr1 institutions
- Carpet, Floor, and Tile WorkerCIP 46.0413limited data30 graduates / yr2 institutions
- Painting/CIP 46.0408
Painter and Wall Coverer partial data29 graduates / yr4 institutions - GlazierCIP 46.0406limited data11 graduates / yr1 institutions
- Metal Building Assembly/CIP 46.0411
Assembler limited data5 graduates / yr1 institutions
Common questions
What is the duration of the program?+
The program offers awards ranging from less than 12 weeks to an Associate's degree.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, communication, and monitoring, among others.
What types of jobs can I get after graduation?+
You can work as a Construction and Building Inspector or a First-Line Supervisor of Construction Trades.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is stable, with little or no change expected in the coming years.
What is the CIP code for Building/Home/Construction Inspection/Inspector?+
Building/Home/Construction Inspection/Inspector is CIP 46.0403 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Building/Construction Finishing (CIP 46.04). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply industrial, labor, and governmental standards and laws to the oversight of construction projects and the maintenance of completed buildings and other structures. Includes instruction in construction processes and techniques, materials analysis, occupational safety and health, industry standards, building codes and specifications, blueprint interpretation, testing equipment and procedures, communication skills, accident investigation, and documentation.
How many institutions offer Building/Home/Construction Inspection/Inspector programs?+
31 U.S. institutions reported Building/Home/Construction Inspection/Inspector graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 12 states, awarding 334 credentials in the year. That is 4.3% of all Building/Construction Finishing graduates.
How much do Building/Home/Construction Inspection/Inspector graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Construction and Building Inspectors occupation, which Building/Home/Construction Inspection/Inspector most directly leads to, pays a median of $74,690 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Building/Construction Finishing field report median earnings of $63,103 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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