Electrical Inspector: Job Description and Requirements for Becoming an Electrical Inspector

You've got a background as an electrician or a willingness to consider getting a 2-year associate degree in building construction technology or even a 4-year bachelor's degree in a field such as electronics. If you're also independent and interested in protecting the public safety, you might want to look at a career as an electrical inspector.

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Career Definition: Electrical Inspector

Electrical inspectors are types of construction and building inspectors. Using meters and other devices, they examine wiring, lighting, motors, generators and sometimes heating and air-conditioning systems and other appliances to make sure they're safe and compliant with government standards designed to protect the public. Working by hand or on computers, they keep records and write reports; those who work for government agencies may act on their findings by notifying contractors of violations and, when necessary, stopping the construction of non-compliant installations.

How to Become an Electrical Inspector

Required Education for a Career in Electrical Inspection

About 68% of construction and building inspectors now have at least some college education, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), www.bls.gov; 26% have 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 for a Career as an Electrical Inspector

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: Electrical Inspection

Employment of construction and building inspectors is projected to grow faster than the average rate during the decade ending in 2016, according to the BLS. As of May, 2008, mean hourly wages for construction and building inspectors were $25.08.

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5 Popular Schools

  • School locations:
    • Online Learning
    • New York (3 campuses)
    • Ohio (2)

    Online and Classroom-Based Programs

    • Bachelor
        • Bachelor in Construction
        • Bachelor in Construction Management
    • Associate
        • Associate in Electrical Technology
        • Associate in Construction Technology

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  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • California (1 campus)
    • Florida (3 campuses)
    • Illinois (1)
    • Indiana (1)
    • New Jersey (1)
    • Texas (3)
    • Virginia (1)

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  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be 17 years of age or older
    School locations:
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    • Currently not accepting applicants from Minnesota or Tennessee
    School locations:
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    Online Programs

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Other Schools:

  • School locations:
    • Mississippi (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Pearl River Community College include:
      • Non-Degree: Coursework, Diploma
      • Undergraduate: Associate
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
      • Construction Management and Trades
        • Carpentry
        • Electrician
      • Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
      • Precision Metal Working
      • Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
  • School locations:
    • Tennessee (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Nashville State Technical Community College include:
      • Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
      • Undergraduate: Associate
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
      • Construction Management and Trades
        • Electrician
      • Precision Metal Working
      • Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
  • School locations:
    • Minnesota (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Dunwoody College of Technology include:
      • Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
      • Construction Management and Trades
        • Construction Site Management
        • Electrician
        • Property Management and Maintenance
      • Electrical Repair and Maintenance
      • Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
      • Precision Metal Working
      • Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
  • School locations:
    • Michigan (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Michigan State University include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Non-Degree: Coursework
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
      • Construction Management and Trades
        • Construction Mgmt, General
        • Electrician
  • School locations:
    • Wisconsin (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Milwaukee Area Technical College include:
      • Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
      • Undergraduate: Associate
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
      • Construction Management and Trades
        • Cabinetmaking
        • Carpentry
        • Concrete Finishing
        • Drywall Installation
        • Electrical Systems Lineworker
        • Electrician
        • Glazier
        • House Painting and Wall Paper
        • Masonry
        • Metal Building Assembly
        • Pipefitting
        • Roofer
      • Electrical Repair and Maintenance
      • Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
      • Heavy Equipment Maintenance
      • Precision Metal Working
      • Vehicle Repair and Maintenance

Popular Schools

    • Bachelor in Construction
    • Bachelor in Construction Management
    • Associate in Electrical Technology
    • Associate in Construction Technology

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Avg. Wages For Related Jobs

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics