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Contract Welding Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ENGICON CM

Welding Inspector

Alhambra, CA · On-site

$85K/yr

Current American Welding Society Certification as a Certified Welding Inspector, or Senior ... Verify compliance with the requirement of the contract documents. * Review Welding Reports prepared ...

Owais Construction Group

Welding Inspector

Alhambra, CA · On-site

$85K/yr

Verify compliance with the requirement of the contract documents. * Review Welding Reports prepared ... inspection. Through meticulous coordination, communication, and attention to detail, our ...

TERRACON

Certified Welding Inspector

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$36 - $50.40/hr

... to contract specifications. * Read and interpret construction drawings and specifications ... American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) * American Society for ...

TERRACON

Certified Welding Inspector

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$30 - $40.75/hr

American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) * American Society for ... to contract specifications. * Read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.

SGS

Welding / Mechanical Inspector

San Diego, CA · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

This is not a full-time contract but some intermittent quality assurance work which will vary based on the projects. This project will start in June 2026. Scope of work: * Responsible for inspecting ...

Essel

Special Inspector

Hayward, CA · On-site

Job Title: Contract Inspector Location: Hayward, CA Position Type: Contract Overview: We are ... Verify welding procedures, welder qualifications, and weld quality. * Ensure adherence to ...

Essel

Special Inspector

Hayward, CA

Job Title: Contract Inspector Location: Hayward, CA Position Type: Contract Overview: We are ... Verify welding procedures, welder qualifications, and weld quality. * Ensure adherence to ...

Essel

Special Inspector

Hayward, CA · On-site

Job Title: Contract Inspector Location: Hayward, CA Position Type: Contract Overview: We are ... Verify welding procedures, welder qualifications, and weld quality. * Ensure adherence to ...

Actalent

Senior QA/QC Inspector

San Jose, CA · On-site

Contract-to-Hire _____ About Exential Exential specializes in delivering high-purity process ... Weld & Piping Inspection * Perform visual weld inspections and verify weld quality. * Inspect UHP ...

NV5

Construction Inspector-Public Works

Irvine, CA

$50 - $75/hr

Interpret plans and contract terms , ensuring all stakeholders--from administrative staff to ... AWS-CWI Welding Inspector * Concrete Inspector * Building/Construction Inspector * Grading ...

NV5

Construction Inspector-Public Works

Riverside, CA · On-site

$50 - $75/hr

Be the Go-To Expert: Interpret plans and contract terms , ensuring all stakeholders-from ... AWS-CWI Welding Inspector * Concrete Inspector * Building/Construction Inspector * Grading ...

NV5

Senior Public Works Inspector

Ventura, CA · On-site

$40 - $45/hr

Be the Go-To Expert: Interpret plans and contract terms, ensuring all stakeholders-from ... AWS-CWI Welding Inspector * Concrete Inspector * Building/Construction Inspector * Grading ...

NV5

Senior Public Works Inspector

Ventura, CA

$40 - $45/hr

Be the Go-To Expert: Interpret plans and contract terms, ensuring all stakeholders--from ... AWS-CWI Welding Inspector * Concrete Inspector * Building/Construction Inspector * Grading ...

NV5

Construction Inspector-Public Works

Irvine, CA · On-site

$50 - $75/hr

Be the Go-To Expert: Interpret plans and contract terms , ensuring all stakeholders-from ... AWS-CWI Welding Inspector * Concrete Inspector * Building/Construction Inspector * Grading ...

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All JobsContract Welding Inspector JobsContract Welding Inspector Jobs in California

Contract Welding Inspector information

See California salary details

$15

$25

$40

How much do contract welding inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract welding inspector in California is $25.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $32.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract welding inspector?

Contract welding inspectors are professionals hired on a temporary or project basis to oversee the quality and safety of welding work. They ensure that all welds meet industry standards, codes, and project specifications by performing inspections, tests, and documentation. Contract welding inspectors often work for construction companies, fabrication shops, or engineering firms, and their role is crucial in maintaining structural integrity and compliance. They may also help troubleshoot welding problems and recommend corrective actions to improve quality. Certification, such as from the American Welding Society (AWS), is often required for this position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract welding inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Welding Inspector, you need a solid understanding of welding processes, codes, and standards, typically supported by certifications such as AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or equivalent. Knowledge of inspection tools, non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, and proficiency in documentation systems are also essential. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help ensure compliance and collaboration with project teams. These skills are crucial for maintaining quality, safety, and regulatory standards in welding projects.

What are some common challenges faced by contract welding inspectors when working on multiple job sites?

Contract Welding Inspectors often face challenges related to adapting to different worksite environments and varying company procedures. Each project may have unique welding codes, safety standards, and documentation practices, requiring inspectors to quickly familiarize themselves with new protocols. Additionally, balancing multiple assignments can demand strong time management and communication skills, especially when coordinating with diverse teams of welders, supervisors, and engineers. Staying up-to-date with industry certifications and maintaining impartiality across projects are also essential for success in this role.

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

AspectContract Welding InspectorCertified Welding Inspector
CertificationsTypically requires AWS or ASME certifications, but may vary by contractMust hold AWS CWI certification
Work EnvironmentOn-site inspections for specific projects, often temporarySimilar on-site work, often with more standardized procedures
Employer & Industry UsageContract basis, used across various industries like construction, manufacturingFull-time or contract, recognized across industries requiring welding standards

The main difference is that a Contract Welding Inspector often works on a temporary basis for specific projects, possibly with varied certifications, while a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) holds a recognized certification and may work in more permanent roles. Both roles involve on-site welding inspections, but the CWI designation emphasizes formal certification and industry recognition.

What are the most commonly searched types of Welding Inspector jobs in California?

The most popular types of Welding Inspector jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Welding Inspector jobs in California?

For Contract Welding Inspector jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Welding Inspector jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Welding Inspector jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Contract Welding Inspector jobs?

Cities in California with the most Contract Welding Inspector job openings:

Contract Welding Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Welding Inspector job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,809 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Welding Inspector

ENGICON CM

Alhambra, CA • On-site

$85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

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:
Current American Welding Society Certification as a Certified Welding Inspector, or Senior Certified Welding Inspector, with a minimum of 10 years experience, and holds a current International Code Council (ICC) Welding Certificate and an ICC High Strength Bolting Certificate.
  • Familiarity with, and a working knowledge of the welding codes from the American Welding Society (AWS), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), American Petroleum Institute (API), and American Water Works Association (AWWA). 
  • Familiarity with Caltrans Standard Specifications and Standard Special Provisions pertaining to welding.
  • Previous inspection or trade experience in inspection or performing welding on bridge construction or bridge seismic retrofit projects.
Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Under the oversight and direction of Department Section Heads, Area Supervisors, or consultant Construction Managers Welding Inspectors will be assigned to bridge construction, bridge seismic retrofit, retaining wall, water tank, water line and other projects during and in support of welding operations as needed for quality assurance.
  • Review Welding Quality Control Plans prepared by contractors.
  • Perform welding quality assurance inspection. Such inspection will typically supplement contractor performed quality control inspection required in the Special Provisions. Verify compliance with the requirement of the contract documents.
  • Review Welding Reports prepared by contractors.