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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 ...

M&J Engineering

Senior Inspector

Rockville, MD · On-site

M&J is seeking a Senior Inspector to lead daily field inspections and supervise inspection/testing staff, supporting highway and bridge construction work on Maryland Department of Transportation ...

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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 Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead inspector in Washington, DC is $34.97, 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.

How much do lead inspectors make?

Lead inspectors typically earn between $60,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the industry they work in. In some cases, experienced lead inspectors with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in urban or high-demand areas.

How much do lead paint inspectors make?

Lead paint inspectors typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. The role often requires knowledge of environmental regulations and the use of testing tools such as XRF analyzers or lab analysis.

What do lead inspectors do?

Lead inspectors are responsible for examining and evaluating work sites, products, or systems to ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards. They conduct inspections, document findings, and may recommend corrective actions, often using tools like checklists and inspection software. Strong attention to detail and knowledge of industry regulations are essential for this role.

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.

Is it hard to become a lead inspector?

Becoming a lead inspector typically requires several years of experience in inspection roles, strong attention to detail, and often relevant certifications or licenses. Developing technical skills, leadership abilities, and understanding industry standards are essential steps in advancing to a lead position.

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 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 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,735 per year, or $35 per hour.
Senior Construction Inspector / Lead Inspector

Senior Construction Inspector / Lead Inspector

M&J Engineering

Fairfax, VA

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Overview

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.

Responsibilities

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.

Qualifications

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.
Benefits

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.

Employment Type: OTHER

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