Bridge inspector
Also known as: highway structures inspector, bridges and structures inspector, bridgemaster, bridge engineer, inspector of bridges, structures inspector
About this occupation
Bridge inspectors inspect bridge structures for joint break, cracks, rust and other faults. They also carry out or organise the maintenance of the structures.
A specialisation of civil engineering technician.
Essential skills and knowledge
- test concrete
- identify defects in concrete
- follow health and safety procedures in construction
- mechanical systems
- check compatibility of materials
- mechanics
- work ergonomically
- identify external risks to bridge integrity
- construction product regulation
- recognise signs of corrosion
- use safety equipment in construction
- advise on bridge replacement
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Government Property Inspectors and Investigators (O*NET 13-1041.04). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Prepare correspondence, reports of inspections or investigations, or recommendations for action.
- Examine records, reports, or other documents to establish facts or detect discrepancies.
- Inspect government property, such as construction sites or public housing, to ensure compliance with contract specifications or legal requirements.
- Investigate alleged license or permit violations.
- Inspect manufactured or processed products to ensure compliance with contract specifications or legal requirements.
- Collect, identify, evaluate, or preserve case evidence.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Enterprising, Investigative
Top skills: Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Writing, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making
US median pay: US$80,730 a year (2025), 417,070 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.4)
- WoodworkO*NET: Building and ConstructionVery important (4.0)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentVery important (3.8)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.5)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyImportant (3.5)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignImportant (3.4)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.1)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- 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.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Environmental Compliance Inspectors
- Compliance Managers
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
- Compliance Officers
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Aviation Inspectors
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators
- Customs Brokers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.