| Aspect | Per Diem Certified Welding Inspector | Certified Welding Inspector |
|---|
| Certifications | Typically holds AWS CWI certification; work may be on a per diem basis | Holds AWS CWI certification; full-time or contract roles |
| Work Environment | Project-based, temporary assignments at various sites | Steady employment at specific companies or projects |
| Employer Usage | Used by contractors and construction firms for short-term inspections | Employed by manufacturing, construction, or inspection firms for ongoing roles |
The main difference is that a Per Diem Certified Welding Inspector works on temporary, project-based assignments, often paid daily, while a Certified Welding Inspector may have a full-time or long-term role. Both hold the same certification but differ in employment structure and work setup.