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Coating Inspector Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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QA Inspector

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$43K - $66K/yr

QA Inspectors play a key role in ensuring that all repair, fabrication, and coating work meets NAVSEA, U.S. Coast Guard, and company quality standards . This position offers steady, long-term ...

... coating inspectors and on-site representatives in Norfolk, VA; Mayport, FL; San Diego, CA; Everett ... Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) Senior Certified Coatings Inspector ...

Coating Technician

Lynchburg, VA

$16 - $21.25/hr

Inspect finished products to maintain high-quality standards * Rack, hang, and unload parts efficiently while preventing defects * Assist in maintaining and troubleshooting coating equipment

Coating Technician

Lynchburg, VA

$16 - $21.25/hr

Inspect finished products to maintain high-quality standards * Rack, hang, and unload parts efficiently while preventing defects * Assist in maintaining and troubleshooting coating equipment

Painter

Hampton, VA · On-site

$16 - $21.75/hr

... coating thickness, including DFT gauges, psychrometers, and surface profile gauges • Maintain accurate records of work performed, inspections, and equipment maintenance • Ensure compliance with ...

Painter

Hampton, VA · On-site

$16 - $21.75/hr

... coating thickness, including DFT gauges, psychrometers, and surface profile gauges · Maintain accurate records of work performed, inspections, and equipment maintenance · Ensure compliance with ...

... coating thickness, including DFT gauges, psychrometers, and surface profile gauges • Maintain accurate records of work performed, inspections, and equipment maintenance • Ensure compliance with ...

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Coating Inspector information

See Virginia salary details

$17

$32

$57

How much do coating inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for coating inspector in Virginia is $32.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.92 and $38.12 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.

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 are the three types of coating?

In coating inspection, the three main types of coating are liquid coatings, powder coatings, and metallic coatings. Liquid coatings include paints and varnishes applied with brushes or spray, while powder coatings are applied as dry powders and cured with heat. Metallic coatings, such as galvanization, involve applying metal layers to protect surfaces from corrosion.

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.

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.

What do you mean by coating?

In the context of a coating inspector, coating refers to a protective or decorative layer applied to surfaces such as metal, concrete, or other materials. The inspector ensures the coating is applied correctly, adheres properly, and meets quality standards, often using tools like gauges and adhering to industry certifications. Proper coating application helps prevent corrosion, wear, and environmental damage.

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.

What is a synonym for coating?

In the context of a coating inspector, a synonym for coating is finish or surface treatment. These terms refer to the protective or decorative layer applied to materials, and understanding different terminology can help in inspections and documentation. Knowledge of related terms like paint, varnish, or sealant can also be useful in this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Coating Inspector jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Coating Inspector jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Coating Inspector jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Coating Inspector job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Coating Inspector jobs in VA? For Coating Inspector jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
AMPP Senior Certified Coating Inspector

AMPP Senior Certified Coating Inspector

Quinn Consulting Services, Inc.

Fredericksburg, VA • On-site

$41 - $47/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job 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.
  • Schedules work and inspection phases with contractor's superintendent and agency personnel.
  • Advises contractors of violations and recommends adjustments to operations.
  • Takes field measurements of pay items.
  • Maintains daily diaries.
  • Serve as the lead coatings inspector on assigned projects.
  • Provide technical guidance, training, and mentoring to Basic and Certified Coatings Inspectors.
  • Review inspection reports, testing documentation, and project records for completeness and accuracy.
  • Coordinate inspection staffing, scheduling, and daily inspection activities.
  • Resolve complex coating inspection, quality assurance, and contract compliance issues.
  • Serve as the primary coatings inspection liaison between the contractor, agency representatives, and project management team.
  • Assist the Construction Manager with project planning, staffing recommendations, and inspection resource allocation.
  • Lead project meetings related to coatings inspection activities and provide recommendations regarding quality control and contract compliance.
  • 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.
  • Minimum of 5 years of bridge coatings inspection experience.
  • Demonstrated experience leading inspection activities and coordinating with contractors, agency personnel, and project management staff.
  • 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.
Salary Description
$41.00 to $47.00 per hour