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Lead Inspector Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Ulteig

Lead Construction Inspector

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Ulteig is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Lead Construction Inspector, helping to bring the most impactful transportation and water infrastructure projects in the U.S. from vision ...

Ulteig

Lead Construction Inspector

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Ulteig is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Lead Construction Inspector, helping to bring the most impactful transportation and water infrastructure projects in the U.S. from vision ...

We Inspect

Environmental Field Inspector

Mclean, VA · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Collaborate closely with a team of experts, including a Lead Consultant who provides guidance pre-inspection and a Lead Inspector who supports you throughout the inspection process * Engage in ...

SGS

Senior HDD Inspector - Contract

Danville, VA · On-site

$178/day

Chief Inspector or Lead Inspector experience * Transmission pipeline construction experience * Large-diameter HDD crossing experience * Multi-site project oversight Additional Information SGS is an ...

Waveforce Electrical

Quality and EH&S Manager

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$73K - $98K/yr

Guide and lead inspector personnel * Safety (EHS) Leadership & Compliance * Provide leadership and oversight of all company safety programs and policies * Ensure compliance with OSHA, NAVSEA ...

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All JobsLead Inspector JobsLead Inspector Jobs in Virginia

Lead Inspector information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$30

$59

How much do lead inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead inspector in Virginia is $30.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.85 and $39.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lead inspector do?

A lead inspector examines homes or buildings for the presence of lead paint or other material with a lead base. In this career, you may work in residential homes, public facilities, or commercial buildings. Most facilities that serve children, such as schools, need to have their buildings checked for lead content. You walk through the building, inspecting every wall and surface for the possibility of lead and test the paint to determine the severity of the hazard. After each inspection, you document your findings for your client or company.

What are some common challenges faced by a lead inspector, and how are they typically addressed?

Lead Inspectors often encounter challenges such as managing tight project deadlines, coordinating with multiple teams, and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. To address these, they rely on strong organizational skills, clear communication, and up-to-date knowledge of industry standards. Building strong relationships with team members and stakeholders also helps streamline inspection processes and resolve issues efficiently, ensuring projects remain on track and compliant.

How much do lead inspectors make?

Lead inspectors typically earn an average annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the industry or region. In some areas, experienced lead inspectors with specialized skills can earn higher wages, especially if working in construction, safety, or quality assurance environments.

What is a lead inspector?

Lead Inspectors are professionals responsible for identifying the presence of lead-based paint and other lead hazards in homes, schools, and other buildings. They conduct visual assessments, collect samples of dust, paint, and soil, and use specialized equipment to detect lead contamination. Their work is crucial for ensuring that environments meet safety standards and protect occupants, especially children, from the harmful effects of lead exposure. Lead Inspectors often work with property owners, contractors, and government agencies to recommend and oversee remediation efforts.

What is the difference between Lead Inspector vs Quality Control Inspector?

AspectLead InspectorQuality Control Inspector
CertificationsOften requires certifications like ASQ CQI, API, or specific industry standardsMay require basic certifications, but less frequently
Work EnvironmentSupervises inspection teams, coordinates inspections, and ensures compliancePerforms inspections, checks products or processes, and reports issues
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, construction, aerospace, and oil & gas industriesCommon across manufacturing, automotive, and production sectors

The main difference between a Lead Inspector and a Quality Control Inspector is that the Lead Inspector oversees inspection teams and manages inspection processes, while the Quality Control Inspector primarily conducts inspections and reports on product quality. Both roles require similar certifications and are vital in ensuring compliance and quality standards within various industries.

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

To thrive as a Lead Inspector, you need strong attention to detail, knowledge of industry regulations, and relevant experience or certifications in inspection practices. Familiarity with inspection tools, quality management systems, and reporting software is typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help you coordinate teams and resolve issues efficiently. These skills are crucial to ensure compliance, maintain safety standards, and drive continuous improvement within inspection processes.
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What are popular job titles related to Lead Inspector jobs in VA?

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Lead Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Inspector job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,692 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Senior Construction Inspector / Lead Inspector

M&J Engineering

Fairfax, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

M&J Engineering, D.P.C. is a quality provider of multi-discipline consulting services with over 300 employees. Since its inception in 2004, M&J has grown into diversified provider of engineering, construction management, construction inspection, technology, and environmental services to a broad range of clients, including federal, state and city/local agencies, private owners, architects, engineers and contractors.

M&J is a leader in construction management and inspection, ITS, mechanical, electrical, wastewater, water supply, tunnel airport, port, marine/coastal, environmental engineering, and design-build services for both new infrastructure projects and renovations.

M&J bases its employment and personnel decisions on the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity, with the intent to further the Company’s Affirmative Action commitment. M&J does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, employment status, veteran or military status, or any other category protected by law. Our Company vigorously pursues opportunities to recruit and develop job candidates who have the desire and potential for becoming qualified employees through our Affirmative Action Plan.

M&J is seeking a Senior Construction Inspector / Lead Inspector to lead and coordinate daily field inspection activities for Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) construction projects.


• Lead and coordinate daily field inspection activities for transportation construction projects.
• Supervise Construction Inspectors and coordinate inspection coverage for contractor operations.
• Ensure construction work complies with VDOT plans, specifications, standards, and contract requirements.
• Review Daily Work Reports (DWRs) prepared by field inspectors.
• Monitor contractor operations including earthwork, drainage, paving, bridge construction, utilities, and traffic control devices.
• Verify quantities of materials incorporated into the project for pay estimate documentation.
• Coordinate materials testing activities and verify testing results.
• Identify construction issues and coordinate with project management staff to resolve them.
• Monitor maintenance of traffic operations in accordance with the VDOT Work Area Protection Manual (WAPM).
• Monitor jobsite safety and ensure compliance with environmental requirements.


Required

  • Minimum 7–10 years of experience in highway or bridge construction inspection.
    • NICET Level III or IV certification in Transportation Construction Inspection or Construction Materials Testing.
    • ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician – Grade I certification.

Preferred

  • OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Training.
    • Nuclear Density Gauge Safety Certification.
    • ATSSA Traffic Control Supervisor (TCS) certification.
    • VDOT materials certifications such as Asphalt Field Level I or Soils and Aggregate Compaction.

M&J is a leader in providing quality engineering consulting services to a diverse and exciting client base.  We attract experienced professionals who understand proactive client service, safety, risk management and loss prevention practices, quality control, teamwork, and the development of younger staff.  We seek employees who enjoy their work, desire continuous improvement, and want to contribute to the vision and growth of a quality, employee-owned, professional firm. To all full-time employees we provide a comprehensive package of benefits, including medical, dental and eye insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, etc. Salary will depend on experience and credentials.

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