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Paint Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Understand and use tools provided in trainings for problem solving, auditing, paint inspection, inspection tool usage, inspection tool calibration, blueprint and mylar reading, and understand GD&T ...

Understand and use tools provided in trainings for problem solving, auditing, paint inspection, inspection tool usage, inspection tool calibration, blueprint and mylar reading, and understand GD&T ...

Paint Prepper/Detailer

Corona, CA · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Inspect quality of repairs, received by the Body Department before painting begins. * Ensures safe and organized vehicle flow in and out for the Paint department * Adhere to paint production schedule ...

Understand and use tools provided in trainings for problem solving, auditing, paint inspection, inspection tool usage, inspection tool calibration, blueprint and mylar reading, and understand GD&T ...

Sr. Inspector

Gardena, CA · On-site

$26 - $34/hr

Understand and use tools provided in trainings for problem solving, auditing, paint inspection, inspection tool usage, inspection tool calibration, blueprint and mylar reading, and understand GD&T ...

Painter 2 (2nd Shift)

Garden Grove, CA · On-site

$18.36 - $24.67/hr

Post paint inspection of parts for appearance and proper coverage * Able to paint effectively on different surfaces and metals * Applies some advanced skills that allow employee to adapt and meet ...

Paint Prep Technician

Torrance, CA · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Clean and inspect vehicles for any flaws or imperfections prior to painting * Prep vehicles for paint application and ensures quality assurance to precise company standards. * Properly fill ...

Paint Prep/Painter

Chino, CA · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Paint helper/Prepper for an electrical sign company. Job Summary: The Paint Helper/Prepper is ... Inspect final sign parts for runs, dust, or uneven thickness before assembly.

Inspection: Conduct pre- and post-prep inspections to ensure quality standards are met. Equipment ... Work closely with painters and body technicians to ensure timely and accurate job completion.

Conduct pre- and post-prep inspections to ensure quality standards are met. • Equipment Use ... Work closely with painters and body technicians to ensure timely and accurate job completion.

Be Seen First

Paint Prep Technician

Merced, CA · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

Inspect surfaces and components for damage, corrosion, or defects prior to painting. * Perform basic surface repairs and apply primer or protective coatings as needed. * Mix paints, primers, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Paint Inspector information

See California salary details

$24.2K

$54.2K

$97.7K

How much do paint inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 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?

AspectPaint InspectorCoating Inspector
CertificationsTypically holds certifications like SSPC, NACE, or AWSOften has similar certifications, including SSPC and NACE
Work EnvironmentInspects paint applications on structures, ships, or industrial equipmentInspects various coatings, including paints, on industrial or marine surfaces
Industry UsageCommonly used in construction, manufacturing, and marine industriesUsed 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:

Infographic showing various Paint Inspector job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,220 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Quality Inspector IV-San Diego,California

BAE Systems

San Diego, CA

$66K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


BAE Systems rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Job Description
How does it feel to work on a team driven to make a big impact? Empowering.
BAE Systems is seeking a Quality Inspector IV to support at its San Diego shipyard site.
In this role as a Quality Inspector, you will:
  • Use predetermined methods, operations, setups and prescribed specifications to visually inspect in-process and completed products such as electronic units and subsystems, precision electromechanical assemblies or mechanical units, subassemblies, structural flaws, internal defects, and missing welds.
  • Use various measuring devices and testing equipment.
  • Work from blueprints, diagrams, dial indicators, preset micrometers, scales, fixtures, customer, regulatory and BAE specifications, drawing or inspection instructions and checklists.
  • Accept, reject, or rework defective or malfunctioning units or systems.
  • On occasion, monitor and verify quality in accordance with statistical process or other control procedures.
  • Perform line clearances after each lot to ensure all materials from the previous lot have been removed.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills
  • Typically requires a High School diploma and three years shipboard experience in Quality Assurance, or the overall equivalent.
  • NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), or related / equivalent certification / experience.
  • Ability to work within a shipyard environment including heights, confined spaces, using ladders, boarding and traversing ships.
  • Effective communication skills, verbal and written.
  • Basic computer skills to include MS Suite and industry specific software applications.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
  • NBPI certification
  • NACE certification
  • NDT certification

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $66017 - $105628
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Platforms & Services
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
The Platforms & Services (P&S) sector under BAE Systems, Inc does the big stuff: the armored combat vehicles, naval guns, missile launchers, and ship repair...just to name a few. Our employees take pride in the work they do and why they do it. They are on the front lines every day, building our products to protect the lives of those who serve. We may be biased, but we think P&S does some of the coolest work around, and we think you will too.

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