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Entry Level Inspection Jobs in Minneapolis, MN (NOW HIRING)

As an Entry-Level Post-Production Auto Technician, you'll be expected to perform light maintenance, fluid checks, and/or conduct quality inspections on our vehicles to look for any imperfections or ...

As an Entry-Level Post-Production Auto Technician, you'll be expected to perform light maintenance, fluid checks, and/or conduct quality inspections on our vehicles to look for any imperfections or ...

As an Entry-Level Post-Production Auto Technician, you'll be expected to perform light maintenance, fluid checks, and/or conduct quality inspections on our vehicles to look for any imperfections or ...

As an Entry-Level Post-Production Auto Technician, you'll be expected to perform light maintenance, fluid checks, and/or conduct quality inspections on our vehicles to look for any imperfections or ...

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Read and interpret blueprints (training available for entry-level candidates) * Fit, align, grind, and prepare materials for welding * Inspect completed welds for quality and accuracy * Pass a weld ...

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Entry Level Inspection information

See Minneapolis, MN salary details

$15

$27

$82

How much do entry level inspection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level inspection in Minneapolis, MN is $27.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $24.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level inspection job?

Entry-level inspection jobs are positions that involve examining products, materials, or equipment to ensure they meet specific standards and requirements. These roles typically require minimal prior experience and training is often provided on the job. Common duties include checking for defects, recording results, and reporting any issues found during inspections. Entry-level inspectors may work in manufacturing, construction, or quality assurance environments. These positions are ideal for individuals looking to start a career in quality control or related fields.

What are common challenges faced by entry level inspectors, and how can they be overcome?

Entry-level inspectors often encounter challenges such as understanding complex quality standards, adapting to fast-paced production environments, and effectively communicating findings with other team members. Overcoming these challenges involves thorough training, asking questions when unclear about inspection criteria, and building strong relationships with supervisors and experienced colleagues. Staying organized, documenting inspections carefully, and being proactive in seeking feedback can also help new inspectors grow their confidence and effectiveness in the role.

How to become an entry level inspection with no experience?

To become an entry-level inspector, focus on developing basic skills such as attention to detail and understanding safety standards. Many employers provide on-the-job training, and obtaining relevant certifications or a high school diploma can improve your chances. Prior experience is not always required, but familiarity with tools or inspection procedures can be beneficial.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level inspector?

To thrive as an Entry Level Inspector, you need strong attention to detail, basic math skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with inspection tools such as calipers, micrometers, and basic computer systems for documentation is commonly required. Good communication, reliability, and the ability to follow procedures make candidates stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring product quality, safety, and compliance with standards in manufacturing or production environments.

What is the difference between Entry Level Inspection vs Quality Control Inspector?

AspectEntry Level InspectionQuality Control Inspector
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic understanding of inspection proceduresHigh school diploma; may require certifications like ASQ Certified Quality Inspector
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, warehouses, or production linesManufacturing facilities, laboratories, or production environments
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level role in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and other industriesQuality assurance departments across similar industries

Entry Level Inspection and Quality Control Inspector roles often overlap in manufacturing settings, but the Quality Control Inspector typically requires more specialized certifications and performs more detailed quality assessments. Entry Level Inspection roles are suitable for those starting in inspection tasks, while Quality Control Inspectors focus on ensuring products meet quality standards through thorough evaluations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Inspection jobs in Minneapolis, MN? The most popular types of Inspection jobs in Minneapolis, MN are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Inspection job openings in Minneapolis, MN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,029 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Quality Inspector III- Weekday Day

Protolabs

Brooklyn Park, MN

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Protolabs rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 84 rated plastic manufacturers


Job description

Be yourself at Protolabs 
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to building a diverse team that feels they are valued in the workplace. So do you feel you do not meet every single requirement but still intrigued? We encourage you to still apply! You can help make our company even better. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, age, mental or physical ability, or any way you represent yourself. We strongly believe diversity makes for more successful teams. 
 
Why Protolabs? 
We are the leaders in digital manufacturing.  We hire doers, makers, and creative thinkers who tackle our roles with an entrepreneurial spirit.  Our culture is centered around meaningful work that brings new and innovative products to market at unprecedented speeds.  We are a diverse team that comes from all walks of life and take pride in our team who is smart, genuine, humble, and passionate about what we do.  It's our people who fuel our creativity and make our culture feel like home. 

Join our team as a Quality Inspector III!
The Quality Inspector III is responsible for performing advanced inspections of manufactured parts and assemblies to ensure they meet Protolabs quality standards, customer specifications, and applicable regulatory requirements. This role serves as a subject matter resource within the quality team, supports continuous improvement efforts, and helps drive consistent inspection practices across operations. 
 
Shift: Monday - Thursday; 7AM-5PM
What You Will Do:
  • Conduct basic to complex dimensional measurements
  • Conduct basic to advanced visual cosmetic inspections
  • Conduct part count verification
  • Inspect completed order for packaging accuracy
  • Inspect completed orders for fulfillment accuracy
  • Enter process information into computer-based data systems
  • Identify quality issues relating to manufacturing processes and order fulfillment
  • Interface with shift supervisor and/or quality control staff regarding order quantities and part quality
  • Coordinate corrective action as needed to complete orders
  • Transport parts to designated areas
  • Obtaining knowledge and skills to verify the competency of the trainers who provide the primary education for entry level coworkers
  • Communicate within and without the Quality department as needed
  • Analyze, acquire, and provide feedback regarding, trend data, training received/given, and the inspection process
  • Adhere to all quality and safety standards within the department
  • Assisting in the delegation required to maintain, clean and organized work area with an emphasis on safety, quality, efficiency and utilization, and ensure all tools are properly stored and accounted for when not in use
  • Continually seeking to educate others to improve their work processes and individual performance
  • Provide guidance and assist in the adherence of all company policies and operational procedures
  • Assist in the expansion of technical capabilities within the department with an emphasis on creating service opportunities for our customers
  • Perform additional tasks as assigned
What It Takes:
  • High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent
  • Blueprint/CAD print reading
  • Mechanical aptitude: previous experience in a machine shop, preferably with CNC machining is helpful
  • Strong teamwork and foundational leadership skills
  • Strong attention to detail and thoroughness is required
  • Sense of urgency
  • Navigate 3D models in CAD software
  • Able to provide education and feedback to ensure others can comprehend and follow printed or on computer-screen directions, instructions, or education given from appropriate points of contact
  • Following prescribed sampling plans to complete product inspection
  • Able to obtain the skills to demonstrate the principles of basic measurement instruments such as scales, calipers, thread gauges, pin gauges, digital height gauge
  • Able to assist in the acquisition and use of new measurement equipment and the evaluation of its performance
  • Basic computer and calculator skills necessary; must be familiar with Microsoft Office programs 
  • Ability and willingness to work overtime
  • Demonstrate the ability to obtain a technical familiarity of other departments and understand how they affect performance
  • Detailed written and oral communication skills
  • Able to read and write in English, and do basic arithmetic
  • Able to work safely with sharp tools/objects, such as but not limited to, hobby knives, utility knives, diagonal-cutting pliers
  • Good decision-making, follow-up, and follow-through
  • Inclination to ask questions and learn
  • Able to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented work environment and assist in the realignment when expectations are not met
  • Must be punctual and have good attendance
  • Customer focused
  • Able to lift 40 lbs 
Bonus Points For:
  • Related experience with certification in assigned area preferred
What's In It For You:
  • We offer amazing benefits including but not limited to:
  • Health Insurance: Traditional OR High Deductible plan
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Health Savings Account (including employer contributions)
  • Dental and Vision
  • Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
  • Paid caregiver leave
  • You will receive at least 3 weeks of PTO, Holiday Pay, and Volunteer Hours
  • 401k with company match and immediate vest
  • Employee Stock Purchase Program at a discounted rate
  • Matching grants through Protolabs foundation
  • And More!
$21.83 - $26.97 an hour
Protolabs offers a competitive total rewards package, and compensation mix vary based on position, such as base wage, as well as other earnings including incentives and commissions. Actual pay offered will vary depending on multiple factors which may include, without limitation, job function, work experience, specialized skills, training, education, and certifications. 
Proto Labs maintains ITAR-compliant operations in all of our United States based facilities.  Due to ITAR regulations, this role is only open to U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders) or foreign nationals granted refugee or asylee status.  Individuals with temporary visas (e.g. E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, TN or OPT) are not eligible for hire in this role.
 
Proto Labs, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer
 
Physical Demands:
While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use a computer keyboard, monitor and mouse, telephone and printer; reach with hands, and arms, talk, see and hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop or kneel and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Work Environment:
Indoors (A/C); nonsmoking; the majority of this job function is performed in an office setting requiring normal safety precautions. However, there may be job duties that require the employee to spend time in the manufacturing areas exposed to machinery and noise; eye protection occasionally required. Occasionally works in outside weather conditions. Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
  

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