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Ship Coating Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KTA-Tator, Inc

U.S. Navy Coating Inspectors

San Diego, CA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Elzly Technology Corporation (Elzly) is recruiting highly experienced senior level coating inspectors with shipbuilding experience in San Diego, CA. Candidates willing to relocate for several years ...

KTA-Tator, Inc.

U.S. Navy Coating Inspectors

Boston, MA · On-site

$30 - $60/hr

Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) Senior Certified Coatings Inspector ... US Navy ship leadership, ship personnel, and program leadership. * Experience in corrosion ...

KTA-Tator, Inc.

U.S. Navy Coating Inspectors

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$30 - $60/hr

Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) Senior Certified Coatings Inspector ... US Navy ship leadership, ship personnel, and program leadership. * Experience in corrosion ...

Tidewater Staffing

Be Seen First

Quality Assurance Inspector

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Perform inspections throughout various phases of ship repair and construction. * Verify work ... AMPP/NACE Coating Inspector * AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) * ASNT/NDT Certifications

Tidewater Staffing

Be Seen First

Quality Assurance Inspector

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Perform inspections throughout various phases of ship repair and construction. * Verify work ... AMPP/NACE Coating Inspector * AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) * ASNT/NDT Certifications

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Ship Coating Inspector information

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$57

How much do ship coating inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship coating inspector in the United States is $32.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.12 and $38.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a ship coating inspector?

Ship Coating Inspectors are professionals responsible for examining and verifying the quality of protective coatings applied to ships and marine structures. Their main role is to ensure that coatings, such as paint or anti-corrosive layers, meet industry standards and project specifications to protect vessels from rust, corrosion, and other environmental damage. They use specialized tools and testing methods to assess surface preparation, coating application, and curing processes. Ship Coating Inspectors also document their findings, ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and may provide recommendations for corrective actions. Their expertise helps extend the lifespan of ships and maintain safety at sea.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a ship coating inspector?

To thrive as a Ship Coating Inspector, you need a solid understanding of marine coating systems, corrosion control, and inspection techniques, usually supported by certifications like NACE or FROSIO. Familiarity with inspection tools such as dry film thickness gauges, surface profile meters, and reporting software is essential. Attention to detail, strong communication, and problem-solving skills help inspectors effectively identify issues and collaborate with shipyard teams. These abilities are vital to ensuring vessel longevity, safety, and compliance with industry standards.

What are common challenges faced by ship coating inspectors during ship maintenance projects?

Ship Coating Inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in harsh marine environments, coordinating with multiple teams under tight schedules, and ensuring strict adherence to industry standards for surface preparation and coating application. They must also address unexpected issues like weather delays or surface contamination, which can impact project timelines and coating quality. Effective communication with contractors, crew members, and project managers is essential to resolve issues promptly and maintain safety standards throughout the inspection process.

What is the difference between Ship Coating Inspector vs Ship Painter?

AspectShip Coating InspectorShip Painter
CertificationsSurface preparation, coating application, and inspection certificationsPainting and coating application certifications
Work EnvironmentInspection sites, shipyards, and coating application areasShip surfaces, paint booths, and shipyard environments
Job FocusEnsuring coating quality, adherence to standards, and surface preparationApplying paint and coatings to ship surfaces
Industry UsageUsed in shipbuilding, repair, and maintenance industriesPrimarily in shipbuilding and repair sectors

The Ship Coating Inspector and Ship Painter roles are closely related but differ mainly in focus. The inspector emphasizes quality control, standards compliance, and surface inspection, while the painter concentrates on applying coatings. Both roles require relevant certifications and work in similar environments within the maritime industry.

How much do ship coating inspectors make in the US?

Ship coating inspectors in the US typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Experienced inspectors with specialized skills or certifications like NACE or SSPC can earn higher salaries, especially in maritime or industrial environments.

How to become a ship coating inspector?

To become a ship coating inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training in surface preparation and coating application. Industry certifications such as NACE or SSPC are often required, and experience in marine environments or industrial coating inspection is beneficial. Knowledge of safety protocols and inspection tools is also important.
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Ship Coating Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ship Coating Inspector job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,125 per year, or $32.8 per hour.

U.S. Navy Coating Inspectors

San Diego, CA • On-site

KTA-Tator, Inc
Civil Engineering Construction • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about KTA-Tator, Incexternal

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Elzly Technology Corporation (Elzly) is recruiting highly experienced senior level coating inspectors with shipbuilding experience in San Diego, CA. Candidates willing to relocate for several years may also be considered. Travel may still be required throughout the United States for several weeks to months at a time.

Elzly is a growing consulting-engineering firm that provides subject matter expertise and technical services for corrosion prevention and control. Our services include assisting our clients with field investigations of corrosion phenomena, research and testing of materials, developing training materials, and development of specifications. Culturally, we focus on providing our customers a valuable service while creating an enjoyable and professional organization, allowing employees maximum opportunity to express their individual talents.

Required Education and/or Experience:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent; and one of the following: related military experience, completion of trade/industrial school, or trade experience.

Required Certification:

Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) Senior Certified Coatings Inspector (formerly NACE CIP Level III with peer review) or Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) Basic or Certified Coatings Inspector (formerly NACE CIP Level I or II) with a willingness/ability to obtain Senior Certified Coatings Inspector level.

Desired Experience (approximately 2-8 years):
  • Military Sealift Command (MSC) experience / experience in the corrosion control field.
  • Experience overseeing and providing quality control for corrosion control work; interfacing with government, shipyard, and contractor corrosion control maintenance activities; and working with US Navy ship leadership, ship personnel, and program leadership.
  • Experience in corrosion prevention and control trade.
Physical Requirements

Close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth vision, ability to adjust focus, work from a ladder or lift occasionally, safely lift 20 pounds, walk on uneven ground or terrain, work in confined spaces, crawl for extended periods of time, enter 24” diameter space, hearing, work outside (including inclement weather), manual dexterity (to handle small objects, instruments, or gages), wear a respirator, speaking and smelling.

Salary Range: $30.00-$60.00/hour. Hourly rate is based on experience and certifications.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. and hold a valid driver's license.

  • Elzly offerscompetitive pay, great benefits, andis a casual, friendly workplace, where all employees are treated with dignity and respect
  • We are a 100% employee-owned company, run with family-inspired values and ethics, where diverse perspectives, experiences, and capabilities are embraced and valued
  • The employees of Elzly are dedicated to making each other, the company and our clients successful
  • We believe that serving our clients as we want to be served results in long lasting business relationships
  • We are committed to helping you take your career to a new and exciting level
  • At Elzly, you’ll work, learn from, and become one of the best in the industry

KTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Elzly Technology Corporation (Elzly) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of KTA-Tator, Inc. (KTA).

We strive to make this site accessible to any and all users. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center and application process as a result of your disability or if you have Equal Employment Opportunity questions. To request an accommodation, please contact us at info@kta.com

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