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Steel Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

This Opportunity WSP is currently seeking a Structural Steel Inspector CWI NDT to join our team in San Diego, CA . This is a technical field position with some laboratory testing expected. AWS ...

This Opportunity WSP is currently seeking a Structural Steel Inspector CWI NDT to join our team in San Diego, CA . This is a technical field position with some laboratory testing expected. AWS ...

Review and approve reinforcing steel placement, formwork, and concrete placement. * Inspect pre-stressed concrete components during fabrication and installation. * Verify compliance with ...

Review and approve reinforcing steel placement, formwork, and concrete placement. * Inspect pre-stressed concrete components during fabrication and installation. * Verify compliance with ...

Review and approve reinforcing steel placement, formwork, and concrete placement. * Inspect pre-stressed concrete components during fabrication and installation. * Verify compliance with ...

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Showing results 1-20

Steel Inspector information

See California salary details

$24.2K

$54.2K

$97.7K

How much do steel inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for steel 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 does a steel inspector do?

A Steel Inspector is responsible for examining and assessing steel structures, components, and welds to ensure they meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards. They conduct visual inspections, use specialized tools to test material integrity, and review documentation to verify compliance with engineering specifications and codes. Their work is crucial in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure to prevent structural failures and maintain public safety.

What is the difference between Steel Inspector vs Welding Inspector?

AspectSteel InspectorWelding Inspector
CertificationsASNT Level I/II, AWS CWI (optional)AWS CWI, CSWIP, or equivalent
Work EnvironmentFactories, construction sites, fabrication plantsWelding shops, construction sites, fabrication facilities
Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, oil & gasWelding, fabrication, pipeline, structural

Both roles require knowledge of industry standards and certifications like AWS CWI. While Steel Inspectors focus on overall steel quality, thickness, and structural integrity, Welding Inspectors specialize in the quality of welds and welding processes. Both work in similar environments and industries, often overlapping in construction and manufacturing sectors. The main difference lies in their specific focus areas: steel versus welds.

What are some common challenges faced by steel inspectors during on-site inspections?

Steel Inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in harsh or hazardous environments, dealing with tight project schedules, and ensuring compliance with strict safety and quality standards. They must carefully examine welds, structural integrity, and material specifications, sometimes in difficult-to-access areas. Effective teamwork with engineers, project managers, and construction crews is essential to address issues promptly and maintain project timelines. Strong attention to detail and thorough documentation are crucial for success in this role.

How to become a structural steel inspector?

To become a structural steel inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by relevant training or experience in steel fabrication and construction. Earning certifications such as the AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or NASP Structural Steel Inspector certification can improve job prospects. Gaining hands-on experience and understanding of blueprints, welding, and safety standards are essential for this role.

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

To thrive as a Steel Inspector, you need a solid understanding of metallurgy, welding standards, construction codes, and quality assurance processes, typically backed by relevant certifications such as AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or similar. Familiarity with inspection tools, non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, and documentation systems is crucial for accurate assessments. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication help inspectors identify issues and collaborate with project stakeholders. These competencies ensure structural integrity, regulatory compliance, and the successful delivery of steel construction projects.
Infographic showing various Steel Inspector job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,220 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Structural Steel Inspector CWI NDT

WSP

San Diego, CA • On-site

$40 - $55/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


WSP rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description


This Opportunity
WSP is currently seeking a Structural Steel Inspector CWI NDT to join our team in San Diego, CA. This is a technical field position with some laboratory testing expected. AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) Certification is required with experience in inspection of structural steel fabrication and erection, familiarity with AWS Codes D1.1, along with ASNT NDT Level II certification in Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) and Ultrasonic Testing (UT). The ideal candidate will be available for immediate employment for projects in Southern California, mainly in San Diego County. There could be opportunities for travel to various locations within the US (optional, if the inspector is agreeable to travel).
Your Impact
• Inspection of welding, steel fabrication, and steel erection.
• Monitoring work for compliance with approved shop drawings, standards, and specifications.
• Inspection and evaluation of corroded and/or damages steel members.
• Inspection of repair welding and coatings.
• Communication and interaction with owners, fabricators, engineers, and other CWIs and NDT technicians.
• Review submittals (welding plans, WPS, WPQR, Welder Certification, shop drawings, quality control reports) for compliance to the project requirements.
• Writing daily shop / field reports in digital format.
• Participate in WSP safety meetings.
Who You Are
Required Qualifications
• High School Diploma.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant post education experience in discipline.
• AWS Certified Welding Inspector with (CWI) Certification
• ASNT NDT Level II Certification (UT and MT)
• Experience performing QA/QC during structural steel fabrication
• Dependability, honesty, and integrity
• Computer Skills: Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office applications, Adobe PDFs
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Must be able to work well independently and with others
• Decision making skills
• Self-starter
• Must be willing to travel as needed, including overnight stays when out of town
• Valid Driver License
• Sufficient physical stamina to work long hours indoors and outdoors under various field conditions and exposure to traffic, extreme heat, cold, rainfall, and snow
• Climbing, bending, crawling, and working in confined spaces and on uneven terrain
• Ability to lift 25+ lbs.
• Must pass a physical and background check and must have a satisfactory driving record in accordance with the Company's driving (MVR) policy
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Any ICC special inspector certifications.
  • City of San Diego Special Inspector Registration.
  • ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician - Grade I.
  • NACE / AMPP or SSPC Coatings Certification.
  • ASNT NDT Level II Certifications such as RT, PT, and PAUT.
    WSP Benefits:
    WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.
    Compensation
    Expected Salary: $40.00- $55.00
    WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.
    #LI-AB2

About Us
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
www.wsp.com
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.

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