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Certified Coating Inspector Level 3 Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NACE Inspector Level II

Beaumont, TX ยท On-site

$48 - $54/hr

Certification as a NACE Level II Coating Inspector or equivalent recognized certification. * Minimum of 3 years of experience in industrial coating inspection or related field. * Strong understanding ...

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Certified Coating Inspector Level 3 information

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How much do certified coating inspector level 3 jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified coating inspector level 3 in the United States is $32.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.12 and $38.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Certified Coating Inspector Level 3 professionals face when overseeing large-scale projects?

Certified Coating Inspector Level 3 professionals often encounter challenges such as managing complex project scopes, ensuring strict compliance with industry standards, and coordinating between multiple contractors and stakeholders. Large-scale projects can involve varying environmental conditions, diverse substrates, and tight schedules, all of which require advanced problem-solving and communication skills. Inspectors at this level are typically responsible for mentoring junior inspectors and ensuring the quality of work across all phases, making organization and attention to detail crucial to success.

What is a Certified Coating Inspector Level 3?

A Certified Coating Inspector Level 3 is a professional who has achieved the highest level of certification in coating inspection, typically through organizations like NACE or AMPP. These inspectors are qualified to oversee complex coating projects, provide technical guidance, and manage inspection teams. Their responsibilities include ensuring protective coatings are applied correctly to prevent corrosion and extend the lifespan of structures such as pipelines, bridges, and industrial equipment. Level 3 inspectors also conduct audits, develop inspection procedures, and mentor junior inspectors. This certification demonstrates advanced knowledge of coatings, inspection techniques, and industry standards.

What is the difference between Certified Coating Inspector Level 3 vs Coating Inspector Level 2?

AspectCertified Coating Inspector Level 3Coating Inspector Level 2
CertificationsRequires advanced certifications like NACE CIP Level 3 or SSPC CCI Level 3Requires basic to intermediate certifications such as NACE CIP Level 2 or SSPC CCI Level 2
Work EnvironmentPerforms complex inspections in industrial, offshore, or high-risk environmentsConducts routine inspections in construction, maintenance, or manufacturing settings
ResponsibilitiesLeading inspection projects, interpreting complex data, mentoring Level 1 & 2 inspectorsPerforming surface prep, coating application checks, and basic quality assessments

The main difference between Certified Coating Inspector Level 3 and Coating Inspector Level 2 lies in experience, certification level, and scope of responsibilities. Level 3 inspectors handle more complex projects, provide leadership, and require advanced credentials, whereas Level 2 inspectors focus on routine inspections with foundational certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Certified Coating Inspector Level 3, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Certified Coating Inspector Level 3, you need advanced knowledge of coating application, inspection techniques, industry standards, and hold certifications such as NACE CIP Level 3 or equivalent. Familiarity with specialized inspection tools (e.g., holiday detectors, dry film thickness gauges) and reporting systems is essential. Strong attention to detail, leadership, and effective communication are critical soft skills for supervising teams and interacting with clients. These skills ensure accurate inspection results, regulatory compliance, and the successful execution of complex coating projects.
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What cities are hiring for Certified Coating Inspector Level 3 jobs? Cities with the most Certified Coating Inspector Level 3 job openings:
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Infographic showing various Certified Coating Inspector Level 3 job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,125 per year, or $32.8 per hour.
AMPP Senior Certified Coating Inspector

AMPP Senior Certified Coating Inspector

Quinn Consulting Services, Inc.

Fredericksburg, VA โ€ข On-site

$41 - $47/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Description

To monitor and inspect the work of Contractors to ensure quality control and contract compliance for bridge structure coatings under the direction of the Construction Manager. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that every project we undertake meets the highest standards of safety, quality, and excellence.

Requirements

Essential Functions

  • Monitors and inspects the Contractor's coating operations to ensure compliance with contract documents.ย 
  • Schedules work and inspection phases with contractor's superintendent and agency personnel.ย 
  • Advises contractors of violations and recommends adjustments to operations.ย 
  • Takes field measurements of pay items.ย 
  • Maintains daily diaries.ย 
  • Serve as the lead coatings inspector on assigned projects.ย 
  • Provide technical guidance, training, and mentoring to Basic and Certified Coatings Inspectors.ย 
  • Review inspection reports, testing documentation, and project records for completeness and accuracy.ย 
  • Coordinate inspection staffing, scheduling, and daily inspection activities.ย 
  • Resolve complex coating inspection, quality assurance, and contract compliance issues.ย 
  • Serve as the primary coatings inspection liaison between the contractor, agency representatives, and project management team.ย 
  • Assist the Construction Manager with project planning, staffing recommendations, and inspection resource allocation.ย 
  • Lead project meetings related to coatings inspection activities and provide recommendations regarding quality control and contract compliance.ย 
  • Assist in evaluating inspector performance and identifying training and development needs.

Competencies

  • Effective communication, both written and orally, with Contractor and project staff.
  • Task and time management.
  • Functional computer usage, including familiarity with Microsoft office suite software.

Supervisory Responsibility

None


Work Environment

This job operates in a professional field environment. This role routinely uses standard coatings inspection equipment such as DFT gauges, sling psychrometers, surface temperature gauges, visual comparators, etc.


Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.


While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; climb fixed and mobile ladders; work at elevated heights in excess of 150 feet; and reach with hands and arms.


Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work will be based on project requirements.


Travel

Travel is expected based on project needs and client requirements. Employees may be required to travel and work on projects throughout Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana, and other locations as needed.


Required Education and Experience

  • Successful completion of the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) Certified Coatings Inspector Program.ย 
  • Minimum of 5 years of bridge coatings inspection experience.ย 
  • Demonstrated experience leading inspection activities and coordinating with contractors, agency personnel, and project management staff.ย 
  • Experience mentoring and training junior inspectors preferred.

Required to have and maintain the following certifications:

Certification & Issuing Agency

Intermediate Work Zone Traffic Control - VDOT Approved Provider

10 Hour OSHA Safety Training - OSHA

Certified Coatings Inspector - AMPP


Additional Requirements

Shall have a working knowledge of:

  • VDOT Road and Bridge Specifications
  • State and federal environmental and safety guidelines and regulations
  • Use of contract management software including Site Manager, Plan Grid, etc.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

The AMPP Senior Certified Coatings Inspector is expected to be proficient with the following skills:

  • Functional computer usage including familiarity with Microsoft office suite software.
  • Functional knowledge on the use of an Apple iPad and various applications.
  • Familiarity with Site Manager & Plan Grid software.
  • Ability to read and interpret Structure and Bridge plans and specification.
  • Maintain detailed records.
  • Perform and document required materials testing.
  • Communicate with the agency and contractor personnel and the general public

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, short-term disability, long term disability, life insurances, per the company plan eligible on date of hire.
  • Two weeks paid vacation in accordance with the company policy.
  • Personal Time Off per the company policy.
  • Paid holidays are provided per the company policy.
  • Bonus eligibility per Company Employee Bonus Program for fiscal year.
  • Eligible for the company 401(k) plan following 12 months of active employment & 1,000 hours of work.
  • 401(k) immediate vesting of matching funds.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance (if applicable)

Must be eligible to work in the U.S.


EEO Statement

QCS is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees based on any protected status under federal, state, or local law. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.


Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.