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Metal Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cotecna Inspections

Cargo Observer

Portland, OR · Remote

We are a Swiss-based company with multiple locations across North America, seeking Waste Paper/Plastic/Metal freelance Inspectors to join our team. In this role, you'll conduct inspections for ...

Cotecna Inspections

Cargo Observer

Tacoma, WA · On-site

We are a Swiss-based company with multiple locations across North America, seeking Waste Paper/Plastic/Metal freelance Inspectors to join our team. In this role, you'll conduct inspections for ...

Cotecna Inspections

Cargo Observer

Honolulu, HI · On-site

We are a Swiss-based company with multiple locations across North America, seeking Waste Paper/Plastic/Metal freelance Inspectors to join our team. In this role, you'll conduct inspections for ...

Cotecna Inspections

Cargo Observer

San Francisco, CA · Remote

We are a Swiss-based company with multiple locations across North America, seeking Waste Paper/Plastic/Metal freelance Inspectors to join our team. In this role, you'll conduct inspections for ...

Cotecna Inspections

Cargo Observer

Tampa, FL · Remote

We are a Swiss-based company with multiple locations across North America, seeking Waste Paper/Plastic/Metal freelance Inspectors to join our team. In this role, you'll conduct inspections for ...

Cotecna Inspections

Cargo Observer

San Francisco, CA · Remote

We are a Swiss-based company with multiple locations across North America, seeking Waste Paper/Plastic/Metal freelance Inspectors to join our team. In this role, you'll conduct inspections for ...

Cotecna Inspections

Cargo Observer

Boston, MA · On-site

$25/hr

The Waste Paper/Plastic/Metal Inspector is responsible for conducting detailed inspections of recyclable materials, ensuring compliance with industry standards, environmental regulations, and client ...

Cotecna Inspections

Cargo Observer

Cleveland, OH · Remote

We are a Swiss-based company with multiple locations across North America, seeking Waste Paper/Plastic/Metal freelance Inspectors to join our team. In this role, you'll conduct inspections for ...

Cotecna Inspections

Cargo Observer

Portland, OR · Remote

We are a Swiss-based company with multiple locations across North America, seeking Waste Paper/Plastic/Metal freelance Inspectors to join our team. In this role, you'll conduct inspections for ...

Cotecna Inspections

Cargo Observer

Othello, WA · On-site

We are a Swiss-based company with multiple locations across North America, seeking Waste Paper/Plastic/Metal freelance Inspectors to join our team. In this role, you'll conduct inspections for ...

Cotecna Inspections

Cargo Observer

Boston, MA · On-site

$25/hr

The Waste Paper/Plastic/Metal Inspector is responsible for conducting detailed inspections of recyclable materials, ensuring compliance with industry standards, environmental regulations, and client ...

Cotecna Inspections

Cargo Observer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$25/hr

The Waste Paper/Plastic/Metal Inspector is responsible for conducting detailed inspections of recyclable materials, ensuring compliance with industry standards, environmental regulations, and client ...

Cotecna Inspections

Cargo Observer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$25/hr

We are a Swiss-based company with multiple locations across North America, seeking Waste Paper/Plastic/Metal freelance Inspectors to join our team. In this role, you'll conduct inspections for ...

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Metal Inspector information

See salary details

$24.5K

$54.9K

$99K

How much do metal inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for metal inspector in the United States is $54,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $63,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Metal Inspector, you need expertise in metallurgy, inspection techniques, and a solid understanding of manufacturing standards, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with non-destructive testing (NDT) tools, measurement instruments like micrometers and calipers, and relevant certifications such as ASNT NDT Level I/II are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and strong communication are vital soft skills for accurately identifying defects and reporting findings. These competencies ensure product quality, compliance with safety standards, and the reliability of metal components in critical applications.

What are some common challenges faced by Metal Inspectors during the quality assurance process?

Metal Inspectors often encounter challenges such as identifying subtle defects in materials, maintaining accuracy under time constraints, and adapting to evolving inspection technologies. They must stay up-to-date with industry standards and effectively communicate findings to both production teams and supervisors. Additionally, working in noisy or physically demanding environments requires attention to safety protocols and personal protective equipment to ensure a thorough and safe inspection process.

What are metal inspectors?

Metal inspectors are professionals who examine metal products, components, or assemblies to ensure they meet specified standards of quality, safety, and performance. They use a variety of tools and techniques—including visual inspections, measuring instruments, and testing equipment—to identify defects such as cracks, corrosion, or improper dimensions. Metal inspectors often work in manufacturing, construction, or fabrication industries, and play a key role in maintaining product reliability and compliance with regulations.

What is the difference between Metal Inspector vs Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Technician?

AspectMetal InspectorNon-Destructive Testing (NDT) Technician
CertificationsTypically ASNT Level I or II, AWS certificationsOften ASNT Level I or II, specific NDT method certifications (ultrasound, radiography)
Work EnvironmentFactories, construction sites, manufacturing plantsIndustrial settings, aerospace, oil & gas, power plants
Job FocusInspecting metal parts for defects, ensuring qualityUsing NDT methods to detect flaws without damaging materials
Industry UsageManufacturing, construction, metal fabricationEngineering, aerospace, energy sectors

While both roles involve metal quality assurance, Metal Inspectors focus on visual and dimensional inspection of metal parts, whereas NDT Technicians use specialized testing methods to detect internal flaws without damaging the material. Both roles require certifications and are vital in manufacturing and industrial sectors.

More about Metal Inspector jobs
What states have the most Metal Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Metal Inspector jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Metal Inspector jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Metal Inspector jobs are:
Metal Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Metal Inspector job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,939 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Scrap Metal Inspector

Scrap Management Industries

Kansas City, MO • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Scrap Management Industries is looking for a full-time Scrap Metal Inspector. This role will provide quality control and appropriate categorization of materials.
Performs assigned and routine visual inspections of scrap metal loads
Tests and inspects materials based on established quality specifications
Interact with suppliers and peddlers on a daily basis
Demonstrate good customer service
Inspect all inbound scrap metal deliveries
Document (using tablet or another company-issued device) any non-conforming items in scrap metal deliveries and report findings to scale operator and commercial personnel.
Make appropriate deductions for loads containing excessive non-metallic material
Maintain constant communication with office personnel, operators, and on-site company drivers by radio and phone
Monitor and direct traffic flow through the yard
Crosstrain in multiple roles and on various pieces of mobile equipment to assist general operations when shorthanded
Use handheld Geiger counter to survey loads and pinpoint location of lightly radioactive material
Maintain hard copy of commodity description with picture handbook
Adhere to company safety policy and all OSHA requirements
Crosstrain staff on inspection procedures
Requirements
Ability to navigate in, and adapt to, a fast-paced and dynamic environment
Ability to work Saturdays and extended hours during the week
Ability to adhere to schedule
Ability to work well under pressure and diffuse tense interpersonal situations
Ability to stand/walk/remain outside in most weather conditions for up to 12 hours per day
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs several times a day
Ability to understand and carry out written and/or oral instructions
Prior experience operating heavy equipment is a plus
Knowledge of different metals (metal identification) a plus
Ability to speak Spanish and English (Bilingual) a plus

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