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Entry Level Welding Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WELDER/STRUCTURE ENTRY-LEVEL

Newport News, VA

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

WELDER/STRUCTURE ENTRY-LEVEL Location: Newport News, Virginia, United States Date: May 27, 2026 Req ... inspection, fire watch, carbon arcing, and troubleshooting minor welding equipment problems. Watch ...

WELDER/STRUCTURE ENTRY-LEVEL

Newport News, VA

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

WELDER/STRUCTURE ENTRY-LEVEL Location: Newport News, Virginia, United States Date: May 27, 2026 Req ... inspection, fire watch, carbon arcing, and troubleshooting minor welding equipment problems. Watch ...

Repair machinery and other components by welding pieces and filling gaps * Test and inspect welded ... Proven experience as a welder, or entry-level welding ability with the mindset to be trained on ...

Set up welding jobs on fixtures * Utilize tools as needed * Performed welds in multiple positions including overhead, flat, and vertical * Visually inspect welds * Grind out welds Qualifications:

Job Summary Responsible for performing setup on all entry-level welding components that range from ... Accuracy with alignment, dimensions, materials, number of components, and general inspection ...

Welder

Sabetha, KS · On-site

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

Inspect welds visually and with basic measuring tools, identify defects, and complete rework or ... Ability to perform entry-level welding tasks with guidance and follow standard work instructions.

Welder

Cambridge, MD · On-site

$24/hr

... all entry-level welding components that range from similar to dissimilar metals and alloys ... Accuracy with alignment, dimensions, materials, number of components, and general inspection ...

... all entry-level welding components that range from similar to dissimilar metals and alloys ... Accuracy with alignment, dimensions, materials, number of components, and general inspection ...

... all entry-level welding components that range from similar to dissimilar metals and alloys ... Accuracy with alignment, dimensions, materials, number of components, and general inspection ...

Welder

Sabetha, KS · On-site

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

Inspect welds visually and with basic measuring tools, identify defects, and complete rework or ... Ability to perform entry-level welding tasks with guidance and follow standard work instructions.

Welder Fabricator

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

Maintaining routine inventory supplies that are used for operating the welding unit via inspection ... Education and Qualification Entry level welder fabricators are expected to pass relevant technical ...

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Entry Level Welding Inspector information

See salary details

$15

$26

$40

How much do entry level welding inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level welding inspector in the United States is $26.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $32.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Welding Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Welding Inspector, you need a fundamental understanding of welding processes, basic metallurgy, and inspection standards, typically supported by a high school diploma and completion of a welding inspector training course such as AWS Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI). Familiarity with inspection tools, measurement devices, and documentation systems is essential for accurate assessments. Attention to detail, strong observational skills, and effective communication help you identify defects and collaborate with welders and supervisors. These skills are crucial for ensuring weld quality, safety compliance, and the integrity of finished structures.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level welding inspectors, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Entry-level welding inspectors often encounter challenges such as understanding complex welding codes, adapting to various inspection environments (e.g., construction sites, fabrication shops), and effectively communicating findings to experienced welders and supervisors. It's important to proactively seek mentorship from senior inspectors, regularly review relevant standards, and participate in hands-on training to build confidence. Clear communication and attention to detail are crucial for success, as well as being open to feedback and continuous learning.

What are entry level welding inspectors?

Entry level welding inspectors are professionals who examine welded joints and structures to ensure they meet specific safety and quality standards. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced inspectors and are responsible for visually inspecting welds, recording results, and learning to use testing tools and gauges. Their main goal is to help ensure that welding work is performed according to industry codes and client specifications, which is crucial for safety and reliability. Entry level inspectors often work in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding. Over time, they may pursue further certifications to advance their careers.

How much does a welding inspector earn?

Entry-level welding inspectors typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. With additional certifications and experience, salaries can increase, and inspectors working in specialized industries or high-demand areas may earn higher wages.

What is the difference between Entry Level Welding Inspector vs Welding Inspector?

AspectEntry Level Welding InspectorWelding Inspector
CertificationsBasic certifications like AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) Level I or IITypically requires CWI certification and more experience
Work EnvironmentEntry-level roles in manufacturing, construction, or fabrication sitesMore complex projects, possibly supervisory or specialized roles
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level positions in various industries using welding standardsEstablished inspectors with advanced skills in similar industries

In summary, Entry Level Welding Inspectors are beginners with basic certifications working under supervision, while Welding Inspectors have more experience, certifications, and handle complex inspections independently.

More about Entry Level Welding Inspector jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Welding Inspector jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Welding Inspector job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Welding Inspector jobs? The most popular types of Welding Inspector jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Welding Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Welding Inspector jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Welding Inspector jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Welding Inspector jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Welding Inspector job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,523 per year, or $26.2 per hour.
WELDER/STRUCTURE ENTRY-LEVEL

WELDER/STRUCTURE ENTRY-LEVEL

HII

Newport News, VA

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

WELDER/STRUCTURE ENTRY-LEVEL
Location:
Newport News, Virginia, United States
Date: May 27, 2026
Req ID: 45604
Team: X18 WELDERS
Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding
US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes
Full-Time
Shift: Multiple
Relocation: No relocation assistance available
Virtual/Telework Opportunity: No - Not eligible for telework
Travel Requirement: No
Clearance Required: No - Clearance Not Required to Start
Meet HII's Newport News Shipbuilding
With more than 25,000 employees - including third-, fourth- and even fifth-generation shipbuilders - HII's Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division is the largest industrial employer in Virginia. We're the sole designer, builder and refueler of U.S. Navy nuclear aircraft carriers and one of two providers of U.S. Navy nuclear submarines. Our diverse and innovative team of professionals ranges from skilled trades to project managers, engineers and software developers to solution architects, technical subject matter experts, and system users. Anchored in our rich, 135-year history, we collaborate together at the forefront of technology, manufacturing, and integration of the most powerful and survivable naval ships in the world. Want to be part of the team? Apply today! We look forward to meeting you.
The Role
Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, is hiring Entry-Level Welders. No experience needed, WE TRAIN!
Newport News Shipbuilding offers competitive pay, weekly paychecks, paid time off, paid holidays, medical benefits including an on-site health center, 401K company match, employee discounts, and more.
As a welder, you will first be qualified through the shipyards state of the art Welding School. After completion of Welding School, you will use a wide range of welding filler metals and welding processes to perform structural and/or pipe welds in all phases of ship construction. Welders perform tack, fillet, and full penetration welding on steel foundations and structural and pipe joints in production on aircraft carriers and submarines. This will be done using various welding processes including SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding), GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding), and GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding). These welds are made in all positions using both manual and mechanized processes and will satisfy all nondestructive tests requirements (visual inspection, magnetic particle inspection, ultrasonic inspection, radiographic inspection). Welders will also receive additional training including certified visual inspection, fire watch, carbon arcing, and troubleshooting minor welding equipment problems.
Watch this Welder video to learn more: https://youtu.be/FETHnJ854Qs?si=HS0UmOkcAxVuILrS
Must Have
Must be able to work assigned shift as production needs.
Must be able to work at extreme heights or small confined spaces.
Must be able to kneel, squat, crawl, bend, stoop, and climb.
Must be able to lift 40 lbs and must take and pass a respirator fit test.
Must be able to work indoors/outdoors year round in all weather conditions.
Must be able to pass Physical Agility Test.
Must be able to perform overhead work.
Must be able to work overtime as needed.
Must be willing to undergo a background investigation and drug screen.
Nice to Have
High school graduate or equivalent preferred.
Why HII
We build the world's most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. HII's diverse workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.
Recognized as one of America's top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you'll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.
Working at HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a future. We offer comprehensive benefits including: medical, prescription drug, dental and vision plan choices, on-site health centers, tele-medicine, wellness resources, employee assistance programs, savings plan options (401K), financial education and planning tools, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships, and more. Some benefits may vary depending on your specific division or work location.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. U.S. Citizenship may be required for certain positions.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.
Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #2 for Newport News Shipbuilding.

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About HII

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Newport News, VA, US

Year founded

1998

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