Home Inspector Salary State-by-State, An In-Depth Breakdown
There’s many of these pages floating around, so I decided to give a more in depth analysis.
We’re going to rank states based on the criteria listed below and then break down the result for each state.
- Value of a dollar (rank)
- Personal income per capita (rank)
- Income adjusted by cost of living (rank)
- Median home value (rank)
- Average home inspector salary (rank)
- Population change percentage (rank)
- Domestic net migration 2020-2022 (rank)
- Average of all rankings
These 8 criteria should give us a good general idea of the best state to become a home inspector.
Each criteria was ranked 1-50.
The rankings have been set up to encourage the lowest possible number is best.
Note: Total real estate transactions per state would also be a great criteria to add in, unfortunately I have been unable to find numbers on that. Please contact us if you have that information!
The Best States To Become A Home Inspector!
Alabama
Value of a dollar: $.1.15 (2)
Personal Income Per Capita: $42,334 (46)
Income adj. by cost of living: $43,648 (41)
Median home value: $141,300 (44)
Home inspector salary: $55,336 (24)
Population change percentage: .63% (23)
Domestic net migration: 31,726 (17)
Overall Averaged Rank: 37
The Division of Construction Management is the regulating body.
Alaska
Value of a dollar: $.95 (41)
Personal Income Per Capita: $59,687 (10)
Income adj. by cost of living: $43,648 (41)
Median home value: $273,100 (13)
Home inspector salary: $57,043 (18)
Population change percentage: -0.23% (34)
Domestic net migration: -1,670 (33)
Overall Averaged Rank: 15
Home Inspectors must obtain an Alaska Business License.
The Division of Corporation and Professional Licensing staffs the home inspector program. The Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development adopts regulations to carry out laws governing home inspectors in Alaska.
Arizona
Value of a dollar: $1.04 (26)
Personal Income Per Capita: $43,650 (42)
Income adj. by cost of living: $40,814 (47)
Median home value: $223,400 (21)
Home inspector salary: $59,475 (9)
Population change percentage: 3.59% (4)
Domestic net migration: 256,515 (3)
Overall Averaged Rank: 13
Visit the AZBTR website for details on becoming a home inspector license.
Arkansas
Value of a Dollar: $1.15 (3)
Personal Income Per Capita: $42,566 (45)
Income adj. by cost of living: $44,018 (38)
Median Home Value: $128,500 (48)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $49,903 (41)
Population Change Percentage: 1.02% (18)
Domestic Net Migration: 30,707 (19)
Overall Average Rank: 43
It is recommended to visit the Arkansas Department of Labor website to keep current with requirements.
California
Value of a Dollar: $0.87 (48)
Personal Income Per Capita: $62,586 (6)
Income adj. by cost of living: $48,384 (23)
Median Home Value: $509,400 (2)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $65,002 (3)
Population Change Percentage: -1.46% (46)
Domestic Net Migration: -578,976 (49)
Overall Average Rank: 29
The state of California does not currently have requirements listed for how to become a home inspector.
The Trade Practice Act (1996) does set out some general guidelines. This page should be reviewed for all guidelines: CA Real Estate Inspection Law (creia.org)
Colorado
Value of a Dollar: $.97 (40)
Personal Income Per Capita: $56,846 (13)
Income Adj. by Cost of Living: $48,963 (21)
Median Home Value: $348,900 (4)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $52,630 (34)
Population Change Percentage: 1.41% (15)
Domestic Net Migration: 81,364 (12)
Overall Average Rank: 10
See our state requirements page to become a home inspector in Colorado
Connecticut
Value of a dollar: $0.92 (45)
Personal Income Per Capita: $74,561 (1)
Income adj. by cost of living: $61,600 (2)
Median home value: $273,100 (12)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $57,787 (14)
Population Change Percentage: 0.11% (31)
Domestic Net Migration: 3,980 (32)
Overall Average Rank: 7
The Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection requires individuals to apply for a Home Inspector Intern Permit before applying for a Home Inspector’s License.
For more information, visit the Department of Consumer Protection website for Home Inspectors.
Delaware
Value of a dollar: $1 (37)
Personal Income Per Capita: $51,449 (21)
Income adj. by cost of living: $46,305 (28)
Median home value: $252,800 (17)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $51,310 (38)
Population Change Percentage: 1.40% (7)
Domestic Net Migration: 11,826 (15)
Overall Average Rank: 18
“We’re in…. Delaware” – Name that movie!
You’ve got the coast, high median home value, people are moving there, and a high home inspection salary average. All great reasons to become a home inspector in Delaware! To get your license, you have online education and ride-outs to do. The average Delaware home inspector salary is $57,787
To get your home inspector license, apply with the Department of Professional Regulation
Florida
Value of a dollar: $1 (34)
Personal Income Per Capita: $49,417 (26)
Income adj. by cost of living: $44,541 (36)
Median home value: $214,000 (23)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $48,796 (45)
Population Change Percentage: 2.33% (8)
Domestic Net Migration: 502,136 (2)
Overall Average Rank:18
The governing body for Home Inspector license’s is: The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation.
Georgia
Value of a dollar: $1.09 (19)
Personal Income Per Capita: $45,745 (39)
Income adj. by cost of living: $44,525 (37)
Median home value: $173,700 (30)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $47,661 (47)
Population Change Percentage:1.31% (17)
Domestic Net Migration: 140,576 (9)
Overall Average Rank: 36
The governing body for real estate licenses in Georgia is the Georgia – Real Estate Commission.
It is common for inspectors in the area to acquire third party certification as to ensure credibility.
Hawaii
Value of a dollar: $0.84 (50)
Personal Income Per Capita: $54,565 (16)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $41,353 (46)
Median Home Value: $617,400 (1)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $61,503 (6)
Population Change Percentage: -1.51% (47)
Domestic Net Migration: 21,935 (41)
Overall Average Rank: 41
The state of Hawaii does not currently have requirements listed for how to become a home inspector.
The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Real Estate Branch | Real Estate Licensing and Education (hawaii.gov) is the governing body regarding real estate licenses.
Idaho
Value of a dollar: $1.08 (21)
Personal Income Per Capita: $43,155 (43)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $41,912 (44)
Median Home Value: $207,100 (24)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $65,752 (2)
Population Change Percentage: 7.73% (1)
Domestic Net Migration: 142,226 (7)
Overall Average Rank: 9
The state of Idaho does not currently have requirements listed for how to become a home inspector.
It is common for inspectors in the area to obtain third party certification.
The governing body responsible for real estate licenses in Idaho is the Idaho Real Estate Commission (idaho.gov)
Illinois
Value of a dollar: $1.01 (32)
Personal Income Per Capita: $56,933 (12)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $51,070 (13)
Median Home Value: $195,300 (25)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $49,130 (43)
Population Change Percentage: -2.30% (49)
Domestic Net Migration: -294,364 (48)
Overall Average Rank: 44
For more information visit the Illinois website.
Indiana
Value of a dollar: $1.11 (12)
Personal Income Per Capita: $46,646 (35)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $46,444 (27)
Median Home Value: $141,100 (45)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $57,098 (17)
Population Change Percentage: 0.67% (21)
Domestic Net Migration: 45,639 (15)
Overall Average Rank: 24
Visit the Indiana state website for details.
Iowa
Value of a dollar: $1.11 (10)
Personal Income Per Capita: $48,823 (28)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $49,485 (18)
Median Home Value: $149,100 (42)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $54,633 (27)
Population Change Percentage: 0.21% (29)
Domestic Net Migration: 6,542 (28)
Overall Average Rank: 31
The state of Iowa does not currently have requirements listed for how to become a home inspector. It is common for inspectors in the area to obtain third party certification.
Kansas
Value of a dollar: $1.10 (16)
Personal Income Per Capita: $50,155 (23)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $50,504 (15)
Median Home Value: $150,600 (41)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $52,218 (37)
Population Change Percentage: -0.32% (37)
Domestic Net Migration: -9,461 (37)
Overall Average Rank: 40
The state of Kansas does not currently have requirements listed for how to obtain a Home Inspector License. It is common for inspectors in the area to obtain third party certification.
Kentucky
Value of a dollar: $1.14 (5)
Personal Income Per Capita: $41,779 (47)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $43,273 (42)
Median Home Value: $141,000 (46)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $52,365 (35)
Population Change Percentage: 0.30% (27)
Domestic Net Migration: 13,479 (26)
Overall Average Rank: 45
To obtain a home inspector license in Kentucky you must do the following. A list can also be found here:
For more information visit the Kentucky website.
Louisiana
Value of a dollar: $1.11 (14)
Personal Income Per Capita: $45,542 (40)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $45,363 (32)
Median Home Value: $162,500 (36)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $45,627 (49)
Population Change Percentage: -1.74% (48)
Domestic Net Migration: -80,875 (46)
Overall Average Rank: 50
For more information visit the Louisiana website.
Maine
Value of a dollar: $1.02 (31)
Personal Income Per Capita: $48,241 (30)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $43,817 (40)
Median Home Value: $191,200 (27)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $62,291 (4)
Population Change Percentage: 1.40% (16)
Domestic Net Migration: 19,082 (24)
Overall Average Rank: 23
The state of Maine does not currently have requirements for a home inspector license. However, it is common to acquire a certification through a third party educator.
Maryland
Value of a dollar: $0.91 (46)
Personal Income Per Capita: $62,914 (5)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $51,645 (11)
Median Home Value: $312,500 (9)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $55,512 (23)
Population Change Percentage: -0.32% (38)
Domestic Net Migration: -19,493 (38)
Overall Average Rank: 26
For more information visit the Maryland website.
Massachusetts
Value of a dollar: $0.93 (44)
Personal Income Per Capita: $70,073 (2)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $58,221 (3)
Median Home Value: $385,400 (3)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $60,311 (8)
Population Change Percentage: -0.96% (43)
Domestic Net Migration: -67,545 (45)
Overall Average Rank: 8
For more information visit the Massachusetts website.
Michigan
Value of a dollar: $1.07 (22)
Personal Income Per Capita: $47,582 (32)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $46,186 (29)
Median Home Value: $155,700 (40)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $49,081 (44)
Population Change Percentage: -0.44% (39)
Domestic Net Migration: -44,611 (43)
Overall Average Rank: 46
The state of Michigan does not currently have requirements listed for home inspector license. It is common for inspectors in the area to obtain third party certification.
Minnesota
Value of a dollar: $1.03 (29)
Personal Income Per Capita: $56,374 (14)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $52,075 (9)
Median Home Value: $224,000 (20)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $57,689 (15)
Population Change Percentage: -0.07% (32)
Domestic Net Migration: 140,797 (8)
Overall Average Rank: 3
The state of Michigan does not currently have requirements listed for home inspector license. It is common for inspectors in the area to obtain third party certification.
Mississippi
Value of a dollar: $1.16 (1)
Personal Income Per Capita: $37,994 (50)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $39,901 (50)
Median Home Value: $120,200 (49)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $51,128 (40)
Population Change Percentage: -0.69% (42)
Domestic Net Migration: -20,459 (40)
Overall Average Rank: 49
For more information visit the Mississippi website.
Missouri
Value of a dollar: $1.12 (9)
Personal Income Per Capita: $46,635 (36)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $46,893 (25)
Median Home Value: $156,700 (38)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $52,870 (32)
Population Change Percentage: 0.42% (25)
Domestic Net Migration: 25,610 (21)
Overall Average Rank: 34
The state of Missouri does not currently have requirements listed for how to become a home inspector.
Montana
Value of a dollar: $1.06 (25)
Personal Income Per Capita: $47,120 (34)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $45,041 (34)
Median Home Value: $231,300 (18)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $56,798 (20)
Population Change Percentage: 3.80% (3)
Domestic Net Migration: 41,248 (16)
Overall Average Rank: 12
To get your Montana home inspector license, apply with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry
Nebraska
Value of a dollar: $1.10 (15)
Personal Income Per Capita: $52,110 (20)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $52,833 (7)
Median Home Value: $155,800 (39)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $52,228 (36)
Population Change Percentage: 0.25% (28)
Domestic Net Migration: 4,937 (29)
Overall Average Rank: 25
The state of Nebraska does not currently have requirements listed for how to become a home inspector.
Nevada
Value of a dollar: $1.03 (23)
Personal Income Per Capita: $48,225 (31)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $43,972 (39)
Median Home Value: $258,200 (15)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $52,722 (33)
Population Change Percentage: 3.11% (5)
Domestic Net Migration: 96,598 (10)
Overall Average Rank: 17
To get your Nevada home inspector license, apply with the Nevada Real Estate Division.
New Hampshire
Value of a dollar: $0.94 (43)
Personal Income Per Capita: $61,405 (7)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $51,929 (10)
Median Home Value: $263,600 (14)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $56,743 (21)
Population Change Percentage: 2.01% (13)
Domestic Net Migration: 27,714 (20)
Overall Average Rank: 6
Find out more at the New Hampshire website.
New Jersey
Value of a dollar: $0.88 (47)
Personal Income Per Capita: $67,609 (4)
Population Change Percentage: $52,651 (8)
Median Home Value: $334,900 (6)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $58,504 (12)
Population Change Percentage: -0.50% (40)
Domestic Net Migration: -46,885 (44)
Overall Average Rank: 14
Find out more at the New Jersey Home Inspection Advisory Committee website.
New Mexico
Value of a dollar: $1.07 (24)
Personal Income Per Capita: $41,198 (48)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $40,049 (49)
Median Home Value: $171,300 (32)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $54,696 (26)
Population Change Percentage: -0.19% (33)
Domestic Net Migration: -3,972 (35)
Overall Average Rank: 47
For more information visit the New Mexico website.
New York
Value of a dollar: $0.87 (49)
Personal Income Per Capita: $68,667 (3)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $68,667 (1)
Median Home Value: $314,500 (8)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $69,184 (1)
Population Change Percentage: -3.89% (50)
Domestic Net Migration: -785,857 (50)
Overall Average Rank: 16
For more information visit the New York website.
North Carolina
Value of a dollar: $1.10 (17)
Personal Income Per Capita: $45,834 (38)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $45,216 (33)
Median Home Value: $171,200 (33)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $49,359 (42)
Population Change Percentage: 2.29% (10)
Domestic Net Migration: 239,443 (4)
Overall Average Rank: 30
For more information visit the New York website.
North Dakota
Value of a dollar: $1.09 (18)
Personal Income Per Capita: $54,306 (18)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $55,364 (4)
Median Home Value: $194,700 (26)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $46,547 (48)
Population Change Percentage: 1.14% (45)
Domestic Net Migration: -8,873 (36)
Overall Average Rank: 28
For more information visit the North Dakota website.
Ohio
Value of a dollar: $1.12 (8)
Personal Income Per Capita: $48,242 (29)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $48,699 (22)
$144,200 (43)
Median Home Value: $53,797 (30)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $53,797
Population Change Percentage: -0.27% (36)
Domestic Net Migration: -32,389 (42)
Overall Average Rank: 42
For more information visit the Ohio website.
Oklahoma
Value of a dollar: $1.12 (7)
Personal Income Per Capita: $46,128 (37)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $45,548 (31)
Median Home Value: $137,400 (47)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $51,207 (39)
Population Change Percentage: 1.50% (14)
Domestic Net Migration: 59,578 (14)
Overall Average Rank: 33
For more information visit the Oklahoma website.
Oregon
Value of a dollar: $1 (35)
Personal Income Per Capita: $49,908 (25)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $44,778 (35)
Median Home Value: $319,200 (7)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $56,897 (19)
Population Change Percentage: 0.53% (24)
Domestic Net Migration: 22,487 (23)
Overall Average Rank: 35
For more information visit the Oklahoma website.
Pennsylvania
Value of a dollar: $1.02 (30)
Personal Income Per Capita: $55,349 (15)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $50,276 (16)
Median Home Value: $181,200 (28)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $55,793 (22)
Population Change Percentage: -0.67% (41)
Domestic Net Migration: -86,611 (47)
Overall Average Rank: 39
For more information visit the Pennsylvania website.
Rhode Island
Value of a dollar: $1.00 (33)
Personal Income Per Capita: $54,523 (17)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $49,114 (20)
Median Home Value: $257,800 (16)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $54,771 (25)
Population Change Percentage: -0.23% (35)
Domestic Net Migration: -2,536 (34)
Overall Average Rank: 32
For more information visit the Rhode Island website.
South Carolina
Value of a dollar: $1.11 (13)
Personal Income Per Capita: $42,736 (44)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $42,958 (43)
Median Home Value: $161,800 (37)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $45,392 (50)
Population Change Percentage: 2.75% (6)
Domestic Net Migration: 84,030 (11)
Overall Average Rank: 38
For more information visit the South Carolina website.
South Dakota
Value of a dollar: $1.13 (6)
Personal Income Per Capita: $50,141 (24)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $52,855 (6)
Median Home Value: $167,600 (34)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $58,191 (13)
Population Change Percentage: 2.11% (12)
Domestic Net Migration: 18,737 (25)
Overall Average Rank: 2
For more information visit the South Dakota state website.
Tennesse
Value of a dollar: $1.11 (11)
Personal Income Per Capita: $47,179 (33)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $46,885 (26)
Median Home Value: $167,500 (35)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $59,405 (10)
Population Change Percentage: 2.15% (11)
Domestic Net Migration: 148,778 (6)
Overall Average Rank: 5
For more information visit the Tennessee’s website.
Texas
Value of a dollar: $1.03 (36)
Personal Income Per Capita: $49,161 (27)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $45,823 (30)
Median Home Value: $172,200 (31)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $48,425 (46)
Population Change Percentage: 2.75% (7)
Domestic Net Migration: 801,733 (1)
Overall Average Rank: 27
For more information visit the TREC website.
Utah
Value of a dollar: $1.03 (28)
Personal Income Per Capita: $45,340 (41)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $41,706 (45)
Median Home Value: $275,100 (10)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $53,560 (31)
Population Change Percentage: 4.73% (2)
Domestic Net Migration: 154,815 (5)
Overall Average Rank: 22
The state of Utah does not currently have requirements listed for how to become a home inspector.
Vermont
Value of a dollar: $0.98 (38)
Personal Income Per Capita: $53,598 (19)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $47,971 (24)
Median Home Value: $226,300 (19)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $62,106 (5)
Population Change Percentage: 0.67% (22)
Domestic Net Migration: 4,301 (30)
Overall Average Rank: 19
For more information visit the Vermont website website.
Virginia
Value of a dollar: $0.98 (39)
Personal Income Per Capita: $56,952 (11)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $50,184 (17)
Median Home Value: $273,400 (11)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $54,104 (29)
Population Change Percentage: 0.36% (26)
Domestic Net Migration: 30,758 (18)
Overall Average Rank: 11
For more information visit the Virginia website website.
Washington
Value of a dollar: $0.98 (42)
Personal Income Per Capita: $60,781 (8)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $50,640 (14)
Median Home Value: $339,000 (5)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $60,432 (7)
Population Change Percentage: 0.78% (20)
Domestic Net Migration: 59,723 (13)
Overall Average Rank: 1
For more information visit the Washington website website.
West Virginia
Value of a dollar: $1.14 (4)
Personal Income Per Capita: $40,578 (49)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $40,619 (48)
Median Home Value: $119,800 (50)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $57,153 (16)
Population Change Percentage: -1.11% (44)
Domestic Net Migration: -19,850 (39)
Overall Average Rank: 48
For more information visit the Washington website website.
Wisconsin
Value of a dollar: $1.08 (20)
Personal Income Per Capita: $50,756 (22)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $49,211 (19)
Median Home Value: $178,900 (29)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $54,160 (28)
Population Change Percentage: 0.17% (30)
Domestic Net Migration: 9,855 (27)
Overall Average Rank: 20
For more information visit the Wisconsin website website.
Wyoming
Value of a dollar: $1.03 (27)
Personal Income Per Capita: $60,095 (9)
Income Adj by Cost of Living: $55,183 (5)
Median Home Value: $214,300 (22)
Average Home Inspector Salary: $59,275 (11)
Population Change Percentage: 0.86% (19)
Domestic Net Migration: 4,301 (31)
Overall Average Rank: 4
The state of Wyoming does not currently have requirements listed for how to become a home inspector.