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Material Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday off Material Support Inspectors are responsible for validating product and documentation compliance to ...

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Material Inspector information

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$34

How much do material inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for material inspector in the United States is $22.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Material Inspectors face when working with suppliers or vendors?

Material Inspectors often encounter challenges such as inconsistent documentation, varying quality standards across suppliers, and communication barriers when clarifying specifications or discrepancies. To address these issues, inspectors must be detail-oriented, proactive in following up on non-conformities, and skilled in both written and verbal communication. Building strong relationships with suppliers and maintaining thorough records can help ensure materials consistently meet the required standards and facilitate smoother collaboration.

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

To thrive as a Material Inspector, you need a solid understanding of material properties, quality assurance standards, and inspection procedures, often backed by a relevant technical diploma or certification. Familiarity with inspection tools, non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, and quality management systems like ISO 9001 is typically required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help ensure accurate reporting and collaboration with engineering teams. These competencies are essential for maintaining product quality, ensuring regulatory compliance, and preventing costly defects in manufacturing processes.

What does a Material Inspector do?

A Material Inspector is responsible for examining and testing materials used in manufacturing or construction to ensure they meet required standards and specifications. They inspect raw materials, components, or finished products for quality, durability, and compliance with regulations. Material Inspectors use specialized tools and testing procedures to detect defects or inconsistencies. Their work helps prevent faulty materials from being used, ensuring safety and reliability in the final product.

What is the difference between Material Inspector vs Quality Control Technician?

AspectMaterial InspectorQuality Control Technician
CertificationsOften requires certifications like NDT or industry-specific quality standardsTypically holds certifications such as ISO auditor or quality assurance credentials
Work EnvironmentInspects materials on-site or in manufacturing facilitiesPerforms testing and inspections in labs or production lines
Industry UsageCommon in construction, manufacturing, and shipping industriesUsed across manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive sectors

Material Inspectors focus on examining raw materials and components for quality and compliance, often working directly in the field. Quality Control Technicians perform testing and inspections to ensure products meet quality standards, usually in controlled environments. While both roles aim to ensure product quality, Material Inspectors primarily verify incoming or in-process materials, whereas Quality Control Technicians focus on finished products and processes.

More about Material Inspector jobs
What states have the most Material Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Material Inspector jobs include:
Material/Process Inspector I or II

Material/Process Inspector I or II

Texas Department of Transportation

Houston, TX • On-site

$45K - $76K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Texas Department Of Transportation rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 643 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Position Information
TxDOT's Houston District is seeking a Material/Process Inspector I or II to join us in the material testing and manufacturing process inspections in the lab, plants and points of supply in the Southeast Harris-Metro region. This position will be to work in the Southeast Harris Area Office lab and will assist with the day-to-day testing of materials used in highway/bridge construction and maintenance projects. TxDOT offers a rewarding blend of professional challenge, teamwork, outstanding training programs, opportunity for growth and advancement, and work/life balance. Come be part of our team, apply now.
The Texas Department of Transportation reserves the sole right to determine the level of position based on the applicant's work experience, education, skill level, and all other appropriate factors, and based on business needs.
Benefits and Perks
At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:
  • Retirement Plans
  • Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
  • Paid Leave and Holidays
  • Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
  • On-the-Job Training
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
  • Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
  • Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.
For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package
To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance (ERS.texas.gov)
Position Description
Material/Process Inspector I:
Performs material tests and manufacturing process inspections in laboratories, plants and/or at points of supply. Employees at this level follow standard practices that do not require frequent supervision of details.
Material/Process Inspector II:
Performs material tests and manufacturing process inspections in laboratories, plants and/or at points of supply. Employees at
this level follow standard practices that do not require frequent supervision of details.
Essential Duties:
Material/Process Inspector I:
  • Conducts nuclear density tests on subgrade, base and asphaltic concrete pavement
  • Conducts pavement evaluations in the field.
  • Coordinates test and inspection results with engineers, inspectors and material producers and suppliers.
  • Maintains and calibrates equipment.
  • Performs tests and inspection duties.
  • Records test data on worksheets and performs calculations to convert raw data into specific units of measurement.
  • Reports test results to field construction personnel and may assist in determining cause for material problems.
  • Secures, logs in and prepares samples of raw materials or manufactured materials at various stages of production for testing.
  • Drives/travels to laboratories, manufacturing plants, points of supply, warehouses and project sites to monitor status of programs
  • Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Material/Process Inspector II:
Includes all essential duties listed for Material/Process Inspector I as well as:
  • Prepares and maintains inspection or test reports and issues material reports.
  • Reviews plans and material specifications for changes in material requirements.
  • Maintains inventory of test supplies.
  • Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
Material/Process Inspector I:
Education: High School Grad or Equivalent in general high school studies.
Experience: No experience required (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent).
Licenses and Certifications:
  • Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
  • HMA Plant Spec-IA
  • Cert Soils & Flex Bases SB 101
  • Aggregate Prop Spec Agg101

Material/Process Inspector II:
Education: High School Grad or Equivalent in general high school studies.
Experience: 1 year of experience laboratory work, material inspection, other engineering related work or related experience. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). College education and/or relevant technical training may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications
Licenses and Certifications:
  • Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
  • HMA Plant Spec-IA
  • Cert Soils & Flex Bases SB 101
  • Aggregate Prop Spec Agg101

Preferred Qualifications:
Applicable testing methods process and procedures for different materials including soils, aggregates, asphalt, concrete, etc.
Materials Testing Certifications, Calibration of Testing Equipment
Competencies:
Material/Process Inspector I:
  • Some skill in:
    • Giving attention to detail and reviewing information to identify any errors and problems; ensuring consistency and clarity of information
    • Using computers, applicable programs, applications, and systems
    • Maintaining a safe and effective working relationship with others

Material/Process Inspector II:
Includes all competencies listed for Material/Process Inspector I as well as:
  • Some knowledge of:
    • Materials used in highway/bridge construction and maintenance
    • Applicable testing methods, processes and procedures
    • Laboratory testing procedures and methodologies
    • Nuclear gauge operation
    • Applicable industry safety standards, guidelines, and specification codes
    • Maintaining a safe and effective working relationship with others
  • Some skill in:
    • Conducting laboratory tests
    • Calibrating equipment

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
Material/Process Inspector I and II:
  • Subject to environmental conditions; protection from weather but not temperature changes
  • Subject to inside and outside environmental condition
  • Subject to noise
  • Subject to vibration
  • Subject to atmospheric conditions-fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation
  • Medium work: Lift up to 50 lbs. at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 25 lbs.
  • Lifting - raising objects from lower to higher position/horizontally to a different position

Conditions of Employment:
Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)
  • This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical.
  • Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.
    • Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation - 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) - does not authorize "medical marijuana" under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.

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