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Coating Inspection Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Kinetic Personnel Group

Be Seen First

Visual Inspector Machine Shop Environment

Upland, CA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Ability to determine what will and will not pass customer visual inspection standards. * Knowledge of coating defects, surface preparation requirements, masking techniques, and finishing standards.

Rocket EMS

Conformal Coating Operator

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Inspect coated assemblies for coverage, bubbles, voids, pooling, contamination, runs, overspray, lifting, peeling, and other defects. * Perform touch-up, rework, and repair of conformal coating as ...

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All JobsCoating Inspection JobsCoating Inspection Jobs in California

Coating Inspection information

See California salary details

$17

$32

$56

How much do coating inspection jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for coating inspection in California is $32.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.83 and $37.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Coating Inspection vs NDT (Non-Destructive Testing)?

AspectCoating InspectionNDT (Non-Destructive Testing)
CertificationsSSPC, NACE, AWS coatings certificationsASNT, AWS NDT certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial sites, construction, manufacturingIndustrial, aerospace, oil & gas, manufacturing
Primary FocusAssessing coating quality, thickness, adhesionDetecting flaws, cracks, or defects without damage

Coating Inspection primarily involves evaluating the quality and application of protective coatings, focusing on thickness, adhesion, and surface preparation. NDT, on the other hand, involves testing materials for internal or surface flaws without causing damage. While both roles require specialized certifications and are used in industrial settings, they serve different purposes: coating inspectors ensure coatings are properly applied, whereas NDT technicians detect hidden defects in materials.

What are some common challenges faced by coating inspectors during large-scale projects, and how can they be addressed?

Coating inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in difficult environmental conditions, coordinating with multiple contractors, and ensuring strict adherence to project specifications. Managing varying surface preparation standards and overcoming communication gaps between the inspection team and applicators are also common. These challenges can be addressed by staying up-to-date with industry standards, maintaining clear documentation, and fostering strong communication with all project stakeholders to ensure high-quality and compliant results.

What is coating inspection?

Coating inspection is the process of assessing protective coatings applied to surfaces such as steel or concrete to ensure they meet specified standards and provide adequate protection against corrosion and other environmental factors. Inspectors use a variety of tools and techniques to examine surface preparation, coating thickness, adhesion, and overall application quality. This process is critical in industries like oil and gas, construction, and manufacturing to extend the lifespan of structures and equipment, maintain safety, and comply with industry regulations.

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

To thrive as a Coating Inspector, you need a solid understanding of coating application methods, surface preparation standards, and common industry specifications, often supported by certifications like NACE or SSPC. Familiarity with inspection tools such as dry film thickness gauges, holiday detectors, and documentation systems is crucial. Attention to detail, strong observational skills, and effective communication help ensure accurate reporting and collaboration with project teams. These skills are vital for maintaining quality standards, ensuring compliance, and preventing costly failures in coating projects.
What are popular job titles related to Coating Inspection jobs in California? For Coating Inspection jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Coating Inspection jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Coating Inspection jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Coating Inspection jobs? Cities in California with the most Coating Inspection job openings:
Coating Inspection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Coating Inspection job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 28% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 18% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,232 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

Coating Inspector

OWAIS CONSTRUCTION GROUP

Alhambra, CA

$90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development
  • Vision insurance
  • Competitive salary
  • Employee discounts
  • Opportunity for advancement

Desired Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with, and a working knowledge of related standards from the American National Standard Institute (ANSI), NACE International (NACE), Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC), NSF International (NSF), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), etc.
  • Familiarity with but not limited to standard test practices for coating work surface preparation techniques, coating inspection instrumentation, measurements of film thickness, protection of surfaces, use and application of fillers, adhesion testing, spark testing, etc.
  • Working knowledge of the Cal/OSHA Construction Safety Orders and applicable confined space regulations.
  • Applicable SSPC & NACE Level 2 or 3 certifications with a minimum of 10 years experience. NACE Level 2 must be under the supervision of a NACE Level 3 supervisor who will review and sign off on reports.
  • Ability to interpret plans, specifications, special provisions and other contract documents.
  • Ability to independently identify potential problems and propose solutions.
  • Previous experience on inspection of coating work related but not limited to penstocks, valves, storage tanks, waterlines and bridges.
  • Knowledge of cathodic protection systems
Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Under the oversight and direction of Department Section Head, Construction Inspectors, Resident Engineers, Area Supervisors or Consultant Construction Managers on projects requiring a coating inspector.
  • Preparation of inspection reports.
  • Perform inspections of coating works and the related practices such as but not limited to surface preparation, film thickness, protection of surfaces, application of fillers, adhesion testing, spark testing, instrument verification, etc.; perform oversight and enforcement of compliance with the contract documents for the coating of various Department waterworks, bridge, and flood control projects/facilities being constructed/restored by contractors under contract with the Department.
  • Respond to complaints and inquiries from the public, elected officials, other agencies, Project Management Division III staff and other affected Department Divisions.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Department staff.