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Certified Welding Inspector Jobs in Portland, OR

Certified Welding Inspector

Clackamas, OR ยท On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

The Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) plays a critical role in ensuring the integrity and safety of welded structures across various industries within the United States. This position involves ...

Construction Inspector II

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$60 - $80/hr

American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) * American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) Level II certification (Visual Testing (VT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Dye ...

Senior Construction Inspector

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$36.75 - $57/hr

American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) * American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) Level III certification (Visual Testing (VT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Dye ...

American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) * American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) Level II certification (Visual Testing (VT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Dye ...

American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) * American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) Level II certification (Visual Testing (VT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Dye ...

American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) * American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) Level III certification (Visual Testing (VT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Dye ...

Bridge Field Technician

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$21 - $28.75/hr

Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or certified welder (SMAW, FCAW, GMAW to AWS D1.1/D1.5) * Commercial Driver License (Class A or B CDL) * SPRAT Level 1 Certification or Higher, or equivalent Culture ...

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Certified Welding Inspector information

See Portland, OR salary details

$16

$33

$48

How much do certified welding inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified welding inspector in Portland, OR is $33.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.80 and $38.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a certified welding inspector?

A Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) is a professional who is trained and certified to inspect welds and ensure they meet specific codes, standards, and safety requirements. CWIs play a crucial role in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding by verifying the quality and integrity of welded structures. They are responsible for conducting visual inspections, reviewing documents, performing tests, and documenting their findings. Achieving CWI certification typically requires passing a comprehensive exam and meeting experience or education requirements. This certification is widely recognized and valued in the welding industry.

What does a certified welding inspector do?

Metal structures, such as steel fences and pipelines, are constructed through a welding process. A Certified Welding Inspector, or CWI, ensures that these structures are welded properly. The CWI checks the structure for defects, uses specialized stress equipment to test for durability, and performs re-inspections.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a certified welding inspector?

To thrive as a Certified Welding Inspector, you need a strong understanding of welding processes, metallurgy, blueprint reading, and quality assurance, typically validated by an AWS CWI certification. Familiarity with inspection tools like calipers, micrometers, and non-destructive testing (NDT) equipment is also essential. Attention to detail, strong communication, and problem-solving skills are important soft skills for accurately documenting findings and collaborating with teams. These competencies ensure weld quality, compliance with safety standards, and the integrity of structures in various industries.

What are some common challenges certified welding inspectors face in maintaining quality standards on job sites?

Certified Welding Inspectors often encounter challenges such as balancing tight project deadlines with thorough inspection processes, communicating technical requirements to both welders and management, and ensuring compliance with complex codes and standards. They must also address discrepancies in welding practices and documentation, sometimes under pressure from production demands. Effective inspectors rely on strong attention to detail and interpersonal skills to maintain safety and quality while fostering teamwork across departments.

What is the difference between Certified Welding Inspector vs Welding Inspector?

CriteriaCertified Welding InspectorWelding Inspector
CertificationsAWS CWI certification requiredMay not require certification, but often preferred
Work EnvironmentInspecting welds in manufacturing, construction, and industrial settingsPerforming visual inspections, quality checks, and documentation
Industry UsageCommonly employed in industries requiring certified weld qualityUsed broadly in various welding-related roles, sometimes without certification

The main difference is that a Certified Welding Inspector holds an AWS CWI certification, indicating a higher level of qualification and expertise. While both roles involve inspecting welds, the Certified Welding Inspector is recognized for meeting specific certification standards, making them more suitable for compliance and quality assurance in regulated industries.

Are certified welding inspectors in demand?

Certified welding inspectors are in high demand across industries such as construction, manufacturing, and energy due to the need for quality control and safety compliance. Their expertise in welding codes, inspection techniques, and certifications like AWS CWI make them valuable for ensuring structural integrity and regulatory adherence.

How long does it take to become a Certified Welding Inspector?

Becoming a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) typically requires completing a combination of education, work experience, and passing the AWS CWI exam. The process can take from several months to a few years, depending on prior experience and training, with many candidates preparing through specialized courses and gaining at least 3-4 years of welding-related work experience before certification.

How much can you make if you have a Certified Welding Inspector?

A Certified Welding Inspector typically earns between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior inspectors or those working in high-demand sectors can earn higher salaries, especially with additional certifications or specialized skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Certified Welding Inspector jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Certified Welding Inspector jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Certified Welding Inspector jobs in Portland, OR?

For Certified Welding Inspector jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Certified Welding Inspector jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Certified Welding Inspector jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Certified Welding Inspector jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Certified Welding Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Certified Welding Inspector job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,515 per year, or $33.9 per hour.

Certified Welding Inspector

L&E Tubing LLC

Clackamas, OR โ€ข On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

About Company:

Founded in 1962, Lafarge & Egge and Clackamas Welding are a trusted mid-market, diversified manufacturing partner with facilities in Oregon and Washington. L&E was established originally as a tube bending supplier for Boeing and other aerospace companies and has since expanded into small-diameter precision tube assemblies, CNC machining, fusion welding (Tig, Orbital), Nadcap and D1-4426 special process welding, and torch brazing services.

Our expanded capabilities enable us to serve an ever-growing number of highly satisfied clients in a variety of industries including aerospace, space, medical, defense, automotive, and tool & die. Our client base ranges from OEMs to 1st– 4th Tier commercial manufacturers.

From prototyping to performing large production runs, we have the honor of serving as a key partner to some of the largest manufacturers in the US and all over the world. More so, Lafarge & Egge is strategically positioned for growth with vertically integrated capabilities and a strong focus on quality, scalability, and compliance.

With deep technical knowledge, proven process control, and a customer-focused approach, Lafarge & Egge delivers precision solutions that meet the industry’s most demanding standards. We’ve built our company through a dedication to professionalism, first-rate customer service, and product integrity.

About the Role:

The Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) plays a critical role in ensuring the integrity and safety of welded structures across various industries within the United States. This position involves conducting thorough inspections and evaluations of welding work to verify compliance with applicable codes, standards, and project specifications. The CWI is responsible for identifying defects, recommending corrective actions, and maintaining detailed documentation to support quality assurance processes. By collaborating closely with welding teams, engineers, and project managers, the CWI helps to uphold high standards of workmanship and safety. Ultimately, this role contributes to the successful completion of projects by ensuring that all welding activities meet rigorous quality and safety requirements.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Current certification as a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) from the American Welding Society (AWS).
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in welding inspection or a related quality assurance role.
  • Strong knowledge of welding processes, metallurgy, and applicable codes and standards.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, welding procedure specifications (WPS), and technical documents.
  • Excellent attention to detail and strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Additional certifications such as Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI) 
  • Experience with D17.1 and Aerospace standards
  • Familiarity with quality management systems such as ISO 9001 and NADCAP
  • Proficiency with digital inspection tools and software for reporting and documentation.

Responsibilities:

  • Perform detailed visual inspection of welds to assess quality and compliance with industry standards such as AWS, and ASME
  • Review welding procedures, welder qualifications, and material certifications to ensure adherence to project specifications and regulatory requirements.
  • Document inspection results, prepare comprehensive reports, and communicate findings to relevant project managers and quality control teams.
  • Identify welding defects or inconsistencies and recommend appropriate corrective measures to maintain structural integrity and safety.
  • Collaborate with welding personnel to provide guidance on best practices and ensure continuous improvement in welding quality.

Skills:

The Certified Welding Inspector utilizes a combination of technical knowledge and practical skills to evaluate weld quality and ensure compliance with stringent standards. Proficiency in interpreting welding codes and engineering drawings allows the inspector to accurately assess welds and identify potential issues. Strong communication skills are essential for effectively reporting findings and collaborating with welding teams to implement corrective actions. Familiarity with non-destructive testing techniques enhances the ability to detect hidden defects and verify weld integrity. Additionally, organizational skills support meticulous documentation and adherence to quality assurance protocols, contributing to overall project success and safety.