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Coating Inspector Jobs in Montana (NOW HIRING)

TrueNorth Steel

Coating Applicator Team Lead

Billings, MT · On-site

$28.50 - $32/hr

  • PTO

This includes managing various application processes on the exterior and interior of products, such as surface preparation, application of coatings, and inspection of finished products. The Coating ...

MDU Resources

Field Inspector/Sr.

Glendive, MT

$45.68 - $55.83/hr

Two years of experience in coating application and pipeline inspection or cathodic protection application and installation. Field Inspector, Sr. ($45.68 - $55.83 per hour) * A working knowledge of ...

WBI Energy

Field Inspector/Sr.

Glendive, MT · On-site

$39.73 - $48.56/hr

Two years of experience in coating application and pipeline inspection or cathodic protection application and installation. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: * Must take all measures necessary to protect networks ...

MDU Resources Group, Inc.

Field Inspector/Sr.

Glendive, MT · On-site

$39.73 - $48.56/hr

Two years of experience in coating application and pipeline inspection or cathodic protection application and installation. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: * Must take all measures necessary to protect networks ...

WBI Energy

Field Inspector/Sr.

Glendive, MT · On-site

$39.73 - $48.56/hr

Two years of experience in coating application and pipeline inspection or cathodic protection application and installation. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: * Must take all measures necessary to protect networks ...

Par Pacific

Tank Integrity Coordinator

Billings, MT · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... inspections * Floor scans, UT, MFL, and NDE activities * Repair scope development and execution * Tank bottom replacements and shell repairs * New tank construction * Coating and lining applications

Northwestern Energy

Corrosion Technician

Montana City, MT · On-site

$27.50 - $55.09/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

About this job: Knowledge of corrosion fundamentals Ability to inspect, monitor and remediate ... coating conductance, Current Mapping, Soil Resistivity, and leak detection.Familiar with ILI ...

All JobsCoating Inspector JobsCoating Inspector Jobs in Montana

Coating Inspector information

See Montana salary details

$16

$30

$52

How much do coating inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for coating inspector in Montana is $30.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.29 and $35.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a coating inspector do?

A Coating Inspector is responsible for evaluating and ensuring the quality and integrity of protective coatings applied to surfaces, such as pipelines, tanks, or structural steel. They inspect surface preparation, application processes, and finished coatings to verify compliance with project specifications and industry standards. Coating Inspectors use various tools to measure thickness, adhesion, and detect any defects or irregularities. Their work helps prevent corrosion, extend the lifespan of assets, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

How much do coating inspectors make in the US?

Coating inspectors in the US typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, with the median around $55,000. Salaries vary based on experience, certifications, location, and industry, and inspectors often need knowledge of coating standards and inspection tools.

What is the difference between Coating Inspector vs NDT Technician?

AspectCoating InspectorNDT Technician
CertificationsSSPC, NACE, AWS certificationsASNT, NAS-410 certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial sites, construction, offshoreManufacturing, aerospace, oil & gas
Job FocusSurface preparation, coating application, inspectionMaterial testing, flaw detection, non-destructive testing
Industry UsageConstruction, maintenance, industrial coating projectsManufacturing, aerospace, power generation

While both roles involve inspection and testing, a Coating Inspector specializes in surface coatings, ensuring proper application and quality, whereas an NDT Technician focuses on non-destructive testing methods to detect flaws in materials. Both roles require specific certifications and are vital in industrial and construction sectors, but they serve different inspection purposes.

What does a coating inspector do?

A coating inspector checks industrial equipment to ensure protective coatings were correctly applied and minimize corrosion risk. They go through rigorous training to learn how to identify problems in coating applications and to suggest which types of coatings will protect the materials from corroding. Manufacturing plants, roadway projects such as bridges, and other major industries that utilize paint need coating inspectors for quality assurance.

Is coating inspection a stressful job?

Coating inspection can be stressful due to the need for precision, attention to detail, and adherence to safety standards in often challenging environments. Inspectors must identify defects and ensure compliance, which can involve tight deadlines and working in conditions that may be physically demanding or hazardous.

What are some common challenges coating inspectors face when working on large-scale construction projects?

Coating Inspectors on large construction sites often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple contractors to ensure coating schedules align with project timelines, dealing with varying weather conditions that can impact coating application and curing, and maintaining strict adherence to industry standards while under tight deadlines. Effective communication with project managers, applicators, and quality control teams is essential to address issues quickly and maintain coating integrity. Navigating these challenges requires strong attention to detail, flexibility, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

How much do coating inspectors make?

Coating inspectors typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior or specialized inspectors with certifications like NACE or SSPC can earn higher salaries, and the job often involves working in industrial or construction environments with safety protocols.

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 strong knowledge of surface preparation, coating application processes, industry standards, and relevant inspection techniques, often supported by certifications like NACE or SSPC. Familiarity with inspection tools such as dry film thickness gauges, holiday detectors, and documentation software is crucial. Attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities are standout soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure coating systems are applied safely and effectively, protecting assets from corrosion and ensuring compliance with project specifications.
More about Coating Inspector jobs

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What are popular job titles related to Coating Inspector jobs in MT?

For Coating Inspector jobs in MT, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Coating Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Coating Inspector job openings in Montana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,528 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Coating Applicator Team Lead

TrueNorth Steel

Billings, MT • On-site

$28.50 - $32/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 25 days ago

TrueNorth Steel rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

POSITION: Coating Applicator Team Lead
SHIFT: Monday - Thursday, 5:30 am - 4:30 pm, (OT Friday 5:30 am - 11:00 am)
PAY RATE: $28.50 - 32.00+ per hour (Depending on Experience) + Full Benefits Package
LOCATION: Billings, MT
SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES
The Coating Applicator Team Lead will assist the Shop Supervisor in overseeing and coordinating all activities of production employees in their designated area. This includes managing various application processes on the exterior and interior of products, such as surface preparation, application of coatings, and inspection of finished products. The Coating Applicator Team Lead will ensure these processes meet customer and/or internal quality specifications.
ESSENTIAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS
  • Embrace and demonstrate the qualities of the TrueNorth Steel Game Changer Definition.
  • Participate in building a strong culture to positively impact site yearly retention goals.
  • Will support and strive for safety in all areas of the site. This includes resolving safety problems that arise and completing the required paperwork to close the actions items.
  • Drive employee engagement by hosting one-on-one discussions with shop floor employees.
  • Prepare and administer, with shop supervisor assistance, employee's yearly goal check ins and annual performance review.
  • Apply root cause analysis and actively participate in the closing of site Corrective Actions (CA's) and Non-Conformances (NC's) to ensure our internal and external customers receive the highest quality product.
  • Time and Labor Management
    • Review and make corrections daily to labor time reporting.
    • Review and approve or deny PTO requests for direct reports.
    • Approve bi-weekly time sheets for Payroll.
  • Review and correct labor reporting in jobs in ERP system.
  • Continually supervise direct staff to produce manufactured products, organize and monitor workflow on the shop floor.
  • Identify issues, problems, and solutions in areas of safety, quality, and production.
  • Maintain safe and clean work environment through leading by example and assisting Shop Supervisor in monitoring the proper use of equipment and resources.
  • Oversees the day-to-day functions of their assigned department by providing guidance and direction.
  • Maintains an adequate supply of tools and consumables required to keep the shop floor producing efficiently.
  • Helps to reduce production costs without compromising the quality of the end products.
  • Enforce safety rules with their team members to avoid them getting badly injured in cases of accidents and production hazards.
  • Ensures that all team members wear protective gear during production and all safety items are installed and are functioning correctly.
  • Inspect work done by team members to ensure that they meet company standards of good quality.
  • Follows all company Safety and Quality policies.
  • Be trained in surface preparations using blast and solvent cleaning processes and application of coatings products.
  • Establish knowledge of how to read Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Product Data Sheets.
  • Able to follow verbal or simple written instructions and procedures.
  • Assist in the loading/unloading of product onto flatbeds/trailers.
  • Operate forklift and overhead crane.
  • Prompt and dependable attendance with a willingness to work flexible hours including overtime or weekends as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
  • Leadership Skills to positively impact those they are leading.
  • Training and experience in personnel management.
  • Applies knowledge and skills to complete a wide range of complex tasks.
  • Good understanding of company policies and procedures.
  • All aspects of Coating Applicator 1 & 2.
  • Extensive experience in the application of exterior and interior coatings.
  • Able to perform simple maintenance on application equipment.
  • Ability to perform quality inspections on all tank coatings.
  • Mentors and trains lower level of applicators.
  • Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions and the trait of being dependable and trustworthy. Ability to be truthful and be seen as credible in the workplace.
  • Uses effective methods, resources and interpersonal skills to help build a cohesive team.
  • Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task and perform work accurately and thoroughly.
  • Ability to make decisions to take actions to solve a problem or reach a goal and look beyond the standard solutions.
EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE
  • High School diploma or GED required.
  • Minimum of two years' experience in a related field preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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