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Lead Inspector Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

We Inspect

Environmental Field Inspector

Mclean, VA · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

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 ...

We Inspect

Environmental Field Inspector

Mclean, VA · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

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 ...

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All JobsLead Inspector JobsLead Inspector Jobs in Washington, DC

Lead Inspector information

See Washington, DC salary details

$14

$34

$67

How much do lead inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead inspector in Washington, DC is $34.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.49 and $45.19 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.

What are Lead Inspectors?

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.
More about Lead Inspector jobs
What are popular job titles related to Lead Inspector jobs in Washington, DC? For Lead Inspector jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lead Inspector jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Inspector jobs in Washington, DC are:
Lead Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Inspector job openings in Washington, DC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,762 per year, or $35 per hour.
Senior Inspector / Lead Inspector

Senior Inspector / Lead Inspector

Maryland Environmental Service

Lanham, MD • On-site

$50K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Maryland Environmental Service has multiple openings for Inspectors at the Senior to Lead level within our Technical and Environmental Services Group (TES). These positions will support the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) at their offices in Lanham, Maryland. These positions will serve as Energy Quality Assurance Inspectors responsible for the review and approval of energy audits, scopes of work, specifications work progression and inspection of completed units to ensure compliance. Key responsibilities include completion of site visits or progress meetings, review work for compliance with approved documents and industry best practices, conduct desktop reviews and monitor energy projects for compliance with funding source requirements and regulations. These positions will also assist managers in the compilation of data and statistics for reporting, researching new technologies, and provide technical assistance to network partners as it related to energy modeling and completion of assigned projects.
This position will include both field and office duties, with work locations in the field being Statewide. There is the possibility of working non-standard hours, overtime, nights, weekends, holidays, and during adverse weather conditions. Overnight travel may be required.

Minimum education requirements for each classification include graduation from a standard high school or GED, plus:

Senior Inspector - three years of experience in inspection, reading and interpretation of regulatory requirements, observing and recording activities for report preparation, data entry, and coordination between contractors and managers.

Lead Inspector - five years of experience in inspection, reading and interpretation of regulatory requirements, observing and recording activities for report preparation, data entry, and coordination between contractors and managers.

The preferred candidate will have experience in energy quality assurance inspections and energy auditing and have certifications such as BPI Building Analyst Technician and Professional (BA-T/P), BPI Energy Auditor, BPI Quality Control Inspector (QCI), OSHA 10, Asbestos Awareness (EPA AHERA), and EPA Lead Repair Renovation and Painting (RRP). Additionally, preferred candidates will have familiarity with the State of Maryland Weatherization Standards.

Must have a valid driver’s license with less than five points, the ability to lift 50lbs, and the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.


Employment Type: Full Time
Years Experience: 3 - 5 years
Salary: $50,234 - $75,978 Annual
Bonus/Commission: No