Welding Inspector Career Profile
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Job Overview
Welding inspectors are responsible for ensuring the quality, safety, and code compliance of welded structures across a variety of industries. These professionals play a critical role in maintaining structural integrity and public safety by identifying welding defects, verifying procedures, and upholding strict industry standards.
Whether you're a seasoned welder looking to move into quality control or someone with an eye for detail and a strong understanding of welding techniques, welding inspection can lead to a fulfilling and well-compensated career.
What Does a Welding Inspector Do?
What Does a Welding Inspector Do?
Welding inspectors evaluate welds and welding processes to confirm they meet specific codes, standards, and specifications. Typical duties include:
- Inspecting completed welds for size, quality, and conformance
- Reviewing welding procedure specifications (WPS) and qualifications
- Performing visual inspections and using non-destructive testing (NDT) methods
- Ensuring compliance with industry codes such as AWS D1.1, ASME Section IX, and API standards
- Documenting inspection results and generating reports
- Advising welders and supervisors on quality issues and corrective actions
Welding inspectors often work in manufacturing facilities, construction sites, shipyards, power plants, or oil and gas operations—wherever welded joints are critical to performance and safety.
Career Requirements
Career Requirements
What Skills or Credentials Do You Need to Become a Welding Inspector?
To become a welding inspector, a combination of welding experience, technical knowledge, and certification is required. Key requirements include:
- A high school diploma or GED (post-secondary education is a plus)
- Extensive welding experience and understanding of welding processes (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, etc.)
- Familiarity with codes, specifications, and blueprint reading
- Attention to detail and strong observational skills
- Proficiency in visual inspection and non-destructive testing methods
The most widely recognized credential is the AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification. Earning this certification involves passing a comprehensive exam that covers welding fundamentals, code application, and practical inspection skills.
Salary & Career Outlook
Salary & Career Outlook
How Much Does a Welding Inspector Make?
Welding inspectors typically enjoy strong earning potential and job stability. Average salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry:
- Entry-level welding inspectors: $50,000 to $65,000 annually
- Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI): $70,000–$90,000 annually
- Senior inspectors or those working in high-risk industries: $95,000 or more
Inspectors with additional certifications (such as NDT Level II or III) or experience in industries like oil and gas or aerospace may earn higher wages. Overtime and travel opportunities can also increase total compensation.
The demand for skilled welding inspectors remains steady as infrastructure projects, industrial construction, and manufacturing continue to grow. Their role is essential in preventing costly failures and ensuring quality assurance.
Training & Certifications
Training & Certifications
How Do I Get Started in Welding Inspection?
Most welding inspectors begin their careers as welders and progress into inspection roles.
The path typically includes:
- Gaining experience as a welder with exposure to different processes and codes
- Studying for and passing the AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) exam
- Developing skills in blueprint reading, measurement, and inspection tools
- Pursuing additional certifications in non-destructive testing (e.g., VT, UT, MT, PT)
- Continuing education to stay current with evolving standards and technologies
AWS offers training courses, study guides, and exam prep resources to help candidates succeed in earning their CWI credential and growing within the profession.
Welding Inspector Job Demand
The map below highlights the number of job postings for welding inspectors across the United States over the past 12 months. Darker states indicate higher concentrations of demand, typically aligned with construction, manufacturing, and energy sectors.
Learn More About Welding Inspection Careers
Learn More About Welding Inspection Careers
A career in welding inspection offers the opportunity to ensure public safety, improve product quality, and work across a range of dynamic industries. It’s a path that combines technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and professional certification.
Explore AWS resources to learn how to earn your CWI certification, access training opportunities, and find the support you need to grow in this essential welding career path.
Minimum Education
Associate degree in welding, metals fabrication, engineering technology, etc.
Recommended Training
Related welding work experience or previously a Certified Welder
Recommended Education
Certificate in welding, metals fabrication, machining, robotic welding, etc.
Preferred Certification
AWS Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI)
Advanced Training
Apprenticeship program
Advanced Education
Bachelor’s degree in welding, material science, welding engineering, etc.
Advanced Certification
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and Examination (NDE) Certifications. Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI)