Curious how much does a home inspector make in today’s real estate market? If you’re considering a career as a home inspector or simply want to understand the earning potential in this field, you’re not alone. The demand for home inspectors remains strong, fueled by a dynamic housing market, flexible work schedules, and the appeal of being your own boss. But what’s the real story behind home inspector salaries? Is it possible to earn six figures, or is the average closer to $55,000? This comprehensive guide will answer all your questions about how much does a home inspector make, breaking down national averages, state-by-state differences, experience levels, and the factors that can boost your income.
Whether you’re just starting out, looking to maximize your earnings, or exploring the best states for home inspectors, this article covers everything you need to know. We’ll also share actionable tips for increasing your pay, discuss the impact of certifications and add-on services, and provide a clear roadmap for launching a successful home inspection career. Read on to discover how much does a home inspector make—and how you can reach the top of the pay scale.
Average Salary Overview: How Much Does a Home Inspector Make in the US?
When it comes to answering the question, “how much does a home inspector make,” the numbers can vary depending on the source, but most agree that the average annual salary for a home inspector in the United States falls between $55,000 and $72,000. According to ZipRecruiter, the national average is $60,345 per year, which breaks down to about $29 per hour. PayScale reports a slightly lower average at $55,049, while the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists a median salary of $72,120 for building inspectors, a category that includes home inspectors.
Let’s break down the numbers further:
- Hourly Wage: $23–$37 per hour, depending on experience and location.
- Weekly Pay: $923–$1,519.
- Monthly Pay: $4,000–$6,000+.
- Employee vs. Self-Employed: Employees typically earn $50,000–$70,000, while self-employed inspectors can make $90,000 or more if they build a strong client base.
Here’s a table showing salary percentiles for home inspectors:
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 25th | $48,000 | $23 |
| Average | $60,345 | $29 |
| 75th | $70,500 | $34 |
| Top | $79,000 | $37 |
2025 Trends: Despite a projected 1% decline in the BLS outlook for building inspectors, hot real estate markets are driving slight salary growth, especially in states with high housing demand. Self-employed inspectors and those offering specialized services (like radon or mold testing) can earn well above the average.
Salary by Experience Level: How Much Does a Home Inspector Make Over Time?
Experience plays a major role in determining how much does a home inspector make. Here’s a breakdown by career stage:
- Entry-Level (<1 year): $40,000–$50,000. New inspectors often start at the lower end, building their reputation and client base.
- Early Career (1–4 years): $55,000. With a few years of experience, inspectors can command higher fees and more referrals.
- Mid-Career (5–9 years): $65,000–$80,000. Inspectors with established relationships and certifications see significant pay increases.
- Experienced (10–20 years): $80,000–$120,000. Top earners with add-on services (like commercial inspections) can reach $120,000–$180,000.
Key Factors That Boost Pay:
- Certifications: Adding credentials like radon, mold, or termite inspection can boost pay by 20–30%.
- Inspection Volume: Performing 3 inspections per week at $400 each yields $62,000/year; 10 per week can exceed $200,000.
- Networking: Building relationships with real estate agents and brokers leads to more referrals and higher earnings.
Earnings by Location: Where Do Home Inspectors Make the Most?
Location is one of the biggest factors in determining how much does a home inspector make. Salaries can vary by tens of thousands of dollars depending on the state, city, and local housing market.
Top-Paying States for Home Inspectors
| State | Part-Time Avg | Full-Time Avg |
|---|---|---|
| California | $67,000 | $125,236 |
| Connecticut | $71,000 | $155,220 |
| New Jersey | $68,000 | $124,000 |
| Washington | $65,000 | $118,000 |
Lower-Paying States
| State | Part-Time Avg | Full-Time Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $61,000 | $114,556 |
| Mississippi | $59,000 | $100,498 |
| West Virginia | $63,000 | $105,000 |
International Comparison:
- Canada: Home inspectors earn about $56,000 CAD per year.
- Pakistan: Inspectors earn around PKR 49,000/month (~$2,000 USD/year), reflecting lower demand and different market conditions.
Why the Difference?
States with higher home prices and more real estate activity (like California and Connecticut) offer more opportunities and higher fees. In contrast, states with lower housing demand or lower average home prices tend to pay less.
Factors Affecting Pay: What Impacts How Much a Home Inspector Makes?
Several factors influence how much does a home inspector make, including:
- Market Demand: Busy housing markets mean more inspections and higher fees.
- Pricing Structure: Most inspectors charge $300–$500 per inspection, with add-ons (radon, mold, sewer scope) adding $100–$200 per service.
- Employment Type: Self-employed inspectors can set their own rates and keep more profit but must cover business expenses (tools, insurance, marketing).
- Volume: The more inspections you complete, the higher your annual income.
- Experience and Reputation: Seasoned inspectors with strong reputations command higher fees and more referrals.
Here’s a quick pros and cons table:
| Factor | Boosts Earnings | Reduces Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Employed | Unlimited volume | Business costs, marketing |
| Add-On Services | 20–50% uplift | Training time, equipment |
| Certifications | Higher fees, referrals | Upfront cost, study time |
How to Maximize Earnings as a Home Inspector
If you want to increase how much does a home inspector make, follow these steps:
1. Get Certified
Most states require 90–194 hours of training and passing the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE). Additional certifications (radon, mold, commercial) can boost your income by 20–30%.
2. Choose Your Business Model
Decide whether to start your own inspection business or join an established firm. Self-employed inspectors have higher earning potential but also more responsibility.
3. Offer Specialty Services
Expand your offerings to include commercial inspections, FEMA disaster inspections ($35–$45 each), or energy audits. These add-ons can significantly increase your average fee per inspection.
4. Market Your Services
Build relationships with real estate agents, maintain a professional website with SEO-optimized content, and encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews.
5. Manage Your Schedule
Inspectors who perform 6–10 inspections per week can gross $120,000–$200,000 annually, especially in high-demand markets.
Industry Outlook:
Despite a slight projected decline in the number of building inspectors, there are still about 14,800 job openings per year, and the field remains attractive for those who are proactive and entrepreneurial.
Key Takeaways: How Much Does a Home Inspector Make?
- The average home inspector salary in the US is $55,000–$72,000, with top earners making $120,000+.
- Hourly rates range from $23–$37, depending on experience and location.
- California, Connecticut, and New Jersey are among the best states for high earnings.
- Certifications, add-on services, and networking can boost your income by 20–50%.
- Self-employed inspectors have the highest earning potential but must manage business expenses.
- The field offers flexibility, strong demand, and opportunities for growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a home inspector make per hour?
The average is about $29 per hour, but experienced inspectors can earn $34–$37 or more.
What are the best states for home inspector salaries?
California, Connecticut, and New Jersey consistently rank at the top for both part-time and full-time earnings.
Can home inspectors make six figures?
Yes, especially those who are self-employed, offer specialty services, and work in high-demand markets.
How do certifications affect pay?
Certifications in radon, mold, or commercial inspections can increase your fees by 20–30%.
Is the home inspection field growing?
While the BLS projects a slight decline, demand remains strong in many regions, and entrepreneurial inspectors can thrive.
Conclusion
So, how much does a home inspector make? The answer depends on your experience, location, business model, and willingness to expand your services. Most inspectors earn between $55,000 and $72,000, but with the right strategy, it’s possible to reach $120,000 or more. If you’re considering this career, invest in quality training, pursue certifications, and focus on building relationships in your local real estate market. The flexibility, earning potential, and satisfaction of helping homeowners make this a rewarding path for many.
Ready to take the next step? Enroll in a home inspector training program, connect with local agents, and start building your business today. Your future as a successful home inspector is within reach.