The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise in industrial coatings, holds a current paint inspector certification, and communicates fluently in both English and Spanish to effectively lead a ...
The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise in industrial coatings, holds a current paint inspector certification, and communicates fluently in both English and Spanish to effectively lead a ...
Inspector IV
San Diego, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Inspector IV
San Diego, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV
San Diego, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV
San Diego, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV
Del Mar, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV
Del Mar, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV
San Diego, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV
San Diego, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV
San Diego, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV
San Diego, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV
El Cajon, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV
El Cajon, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV
Chula Vista, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV
Chula Vista, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV
San Diego, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV
San Diego, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV
San Diego, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV
San Diego, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV
Jamul, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV
Jamul, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV
San Diego, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV
San Diego, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV
Spring Valley, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV
Spring Valley, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV
San Diego, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV
San Diego, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV
San Diego, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV
San Diego, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV
San Diego, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV
San Diego, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV-San Diego,California
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV-San Diego,California
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV-San Diego,California
San Diego, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV-San Diego,California
San Diego, CA · On-site
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV-San Diego,California
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Quality Inspector IV-San Diego,California
$66K - $105K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience. * Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding ...
Paint Inspector information
See California salary details
$24.2K - $30.9K
3% of jobs
$30.9K - $37.5K
16% of jobs
$39.2K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$37.5K - $44.2K
23% of jobs
The median wage is $46.2K / yr.
$44.2K - $50.9K
27% of jobs
$55.2K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$50.9K - $57.6K
10% of jobs
$57.6K - $64.3K
4% of jobs
$64.3K - $71K
5% of jobs
$71K - $77.7K
2% of jobs
$77.7K - $84.3K
2% of jobs
$84.3K - $91K
2% of jobs
$91K - $97.7K
5% of jobs
$24.2K
$54.2K
$97.7K
How much do paint inspector jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for paint inspector in California is $54,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $62,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is a paint inspector?
Paint Inspectors are professionals responsible for evaluating and ensuring the quality of paint applications, often on industrial structures such as bridges, pipelines, ships, or buildings. They inspect surfaces before, during, and after painting to verify that the proper materials, techniques, and safety standards are used. Their tasks include measuring paint thickness, checking for defects, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and client specifications. Paint Inspectors play a crucial role in preventing corrosion, ensuring longevity, and maintaining the appearance and safety of painted surfaces.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a paint inspector, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Paint Inspector, you need a solid understanding of coating application standards, surface preparation, and inspection procedures, often supported by certifications like NACE or SSPC. Familiarity with inspection tools such as dry film thickness gauges, adhesion testers, and documentation software is typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help ensure accurate reporting and collaboration with project teams. These competencies are vital to guarantee quality, compliance with specifications, and the longevity of protective coatings in industrial or construction environments.
What are some common challenges paint inspectors face during on-site inspections?
Paint Inspectors often encounter challenges such as varying weather conditions that can affect paint application and curing, limited access to certain structures, and tight project timelines. Ensuring compliance with safety standards while navigating scaffolding or confined spaces is also common. Effective communication with contractors and project managers is crucial to address discrepancies and ensure all work meets quality standards. Staying organized and detail-oriented helps inspectors manage documentation and reporting efficiently.
What is the difference between Paint Inspector vs Coating Inspector?
| Aspect | Paint Inspector | Coating Inspector |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | Typically holds certifications like SSPC, NACE, or AWS | Often has similar certifications, including SSPC and NACE |
| Work Environment | Inspects paint applications on structures, ships, or industrial equipment | Inspects various coatings, including paints, on industrial or marine surfaces |
| Industry Usage | Commonly used in construction, manufacturing, and marine industries | Used across similar industries, often interchangeably with Paint Inspector |
Paint Inspectors and Coating Inspectors share similar roles, certifications, and work environments. The main difference lies in terminology preference, with 'Coating Inspector' often encompassing a broader range of coating types beyond just paint. Both roles are essential for ensuring coating quality and adherence to standards in industrial and construction projects.
What cities in California are hiring for Paint Inspector jobs?
Cities in California with the most Paint Inspector job openings:
Full-time
Re-posted 5 days ago
Job description
The Paint Production Manager is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day painting and surface preparation operations. This hands-on leadership role ensures that coating projects are completed safely, on schedule, and to the highest quality standards in compliance with applicable specifications (NAVSEA, commercial, or as required). The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise in industrial coatings, holds a current paint inspector certification, and communicates fluently in both English and Spanish to effectively lead a bilingual workforce.