ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Coating Inspector Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Celnor

Construction Inspector

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Job details This is a field-based role where you will carry out construction inspections, materials testing observations, welding and coating inspections, project documentation and coordination ...

Advex Corporation

Painter

Hampton, VA · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

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

ADVEX CORPORATION

Painter-Hampton,Virginia

Smithfield, VA

$17 - $23/hr

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

ADVEX CORPORATION

Painter

Hampton, VA

$17.75 - $24/hr

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

ADVEX CORPORATION

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

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

Kelly Services

Quality Control Inspector

Hampton, VA

$36 - $45/hr

AWS CWI, NDT, or coating inspection certifications * Aerospace, defense, or military specification experience Apply today to take the next step in your quality inspection career with Kelly Services.

Kelly Services

Quality Control Inspector

Hampton, VA · On-site

$36 - $45/hr

AWS CWI, NDT, or coating inspection certifications * Aerospace, defense, or military specification experience Apply today to take the next step in your quality inspection career with Kelly Services.

CoAspire, LLC

Be Seen First

Coatings Preparation Technician (Weapon Systems)

Manassas, VA · On-site

$41K - $58K/yr

Conduct coating thickness measurements (wet/dry film mil gauges), adhesion testing (tape/cross-hatch), conductivity/resistivity checks, and visual inspections post painting. * Enforce and follow ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCoating Inspector JobsCoating Inspector Jobs in Virginia

Coating Inspector information

See Virginia salary details

$17

$32

$57

How much do coating inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 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 kind of inspectors make the most money?

Senior coating inspectors, especially those with specialized certifications like NACE or SSPC, tend to earn the highest salaries in the inspection field. Inspectors working in high-risk industries such as oil and gas, aerospace, or infrastructure projects often command higher wages due to the complexity and safety requirements of their work.

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 pipeline coating inspectors make?

Pipeline coating inspectors typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications such as NACE or SSPC. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, overtime, and working in remote or high-demand areas.

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, and industry, and inspectors often work in industrial or construction environments requiring 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.

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 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.

How to become a coating inspector?

To become a coating inspector, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training in coating application and inspection techniques. Certifications such as NACE or SSPC are often required and demonstrate proficiency in inspecting coatings, ensuring quality and compliance in industrial environments.
More about Coating Inspector jobs
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 are popular job titles related to Coating Inspector jobs in Virginia? For Coating Inspector jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Coating Inspector jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for 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:
Coating Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Coating Inspector job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,540 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Construction Inspector

Celnor

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Construction Inspector
Department: Field Team
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Virginia Beach
Compensation: $30.00 - $35.00 / hour
Description
Construction Inspector with Certified Welder Experience (CWI)
Engineering and Testing Services, INC (ETS)
Who we areEngineering & Testing Services are continuing to grow, and we are looking for an experienced Construction Inspector with CWI to join our team.
ETS is a leading Geotechnical Engineering and Construction Materials Testing business supporting high-profile transportation, municipal, federal, Department of Defense, private and internationally recognised projects across Virginia and North Carolina.
We operate one of the region's most advanced full-service geotechnical and construction materials testing laboratories, accredited by AASHTO and validated by USACE. We invest heavily in our people through ongoing training, professional certifications, modern equipment, strong technical support and an excellent benefits package.
Part of the Celnor GroupCelnor Group is a UK-based environmental services group operating across the Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) landscape. With a growing portfolio of specialist businesses, Celnor provides essential services that protect people, property and the environment.
While each business retains its own identity, culture and technical specialism, all are supported by a central group function that invests in people, systems and long-term sustainable growth.
Job details
This is a field-based role where you will carry out construction inspections, materials testing observations, welding and coating inspections, project documentation and coordination across a variety of active construction sites.
The role would suit an experienced inspector with a strong construction background and specialist knowledge of welding, structural steel, coatings and contractor quality control. The position is not limited to welding inspections and will also include broader work involving concrete, soils, asphalt, aggregates, reinforcing steel, utilities and structural construction.
What you will do
  • Carry out field inspections across transportation, bridge, roadway, utility, structural, marine, municipal, industrial and heavy civil projects.
  • Inspect construction works, welding, structural steel, coatings, reinforcing steel, concrete, soils, aggregates and asphalt against approved plans, specifications and industry standards.
  • Complete and document destructive and non-destructive testing, field measurements, quantities and pay items where required.
  • Monitor contractor operations, identify non-conforming work and support corrective actions to maintain quality and compliance.
  • Produce accurate daily inspection reports, photographs, test records, deficiency logs and wider project documentation.
  • Coordinate with contractors, engineers, laboratory teams, agency representatives and other stakeholders, including arranging samples and testing requirements.
  • Support junior inspectors and maintain full compliance with company, project and site-specific health and safety procedures.

Who you are
  • You will ideally have at least five years of construction inspection experience across roadway, bridge, utility, structural, marine, municipal, industrial or heavy civil projects.
  • You will have experience in welding, structural steel, coatings, repairs, contractor quality control and construction materials testing.
  • You will be confident reading plans, specifications, standards and technical documents and producing clear, accurate inspection reports.
  • You will be comfortable working independently while communicating professionally with contractors, clients, engineers and agency representatives.
  • You will hold a valid driver's licence and be able to travel to project sites as required.
  • You must hold Nuclear Gauge Safety, ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician, ACI Concrete Strength Testing Technician and VDOT Soils and Aggregate certifications.
  • AWS CWI, AMPP/NACE coatings, VDOT asphalt, WACEL, ICC, reinforced concrete, masonry or structural steel certifications would be advantageous.

Join us
You'll be joining a business where your contribution matters and where professionalism, integrity and teamwork are genuinely valued. As part of the wider Celnor Group, you'll benefit from group-wide investment, shared expertise and opportunities to develop your career as the organisation continues to grow.
Benefits
  • Delta Dental Insurance for the employee, fully paid by ETS, with the option to add family members up to age 26 after 90 days.
  • Sentara Health Insurance, with ETS contributing 50% of the employee cost and family coverage options available after 90 days.
  • 401(k) pension plan with ETS matching contributions up to 3% annually.
  • Company vehicle and fuel card.
  • Company-provided mobile phone and laptop.
  • Paid professional training, certifications and continuing education.
  • Seven paid holidays.
  • Five paid sick days.
  • Ten paid vacation/PTO days.
  • Exposure to technically complex and high-profile projects.
  • Ongoing support, mentorship and opportunities for career progression.

Important information
Celnor Group and its businesses manage recruitment directly. We do not require agency support for this role and will only engage with recruitment partners from our preferred supplier list where necessary.
We may use technology, including AI-enabled tools, to support parts of the recruitment process. AI is not used for candidate screening, scoring or hiring decisions. All hiring decisions are made by people, for people. Our recruitment systems are ISO 42001 accredited, reflecting our commitment to ethical, transparent and responsible use of technology.

Apply