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Steel Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Quality Control Inspector - 2nd Shift Midsouth Steel | College Park, GA Schedule: Monday-Thursday, 3:00 PM-1:30 AM (with mandatory OT as needed) Position Summary Midsouth Steel is seeking a detail ...

CWI / NDT INSPECTOR

Reno, NV · On-site

$40 - $50/hr

CWI / NDT Inspector, Structural Steel -- Your Certs Deserve a Career, Not Just a Contract Reno, NV | Full-Time, Hourly (Non-Exempt) | $40 - $50/hour (suggested, DOE) + OT at time-and-a-half | Company ...

Quality Control Structural Steel Coatings Inspector The Quality Control Structural Steel Coatings Inspector is responsible for inspecting, testing, and verifying surface preparation and protective ...

Quality Inspector

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

The Steel Inspector will work under the supervision of the Quality Manager. Key Responsibilities & Duties: The position's main responsibility is inspection and documentation of parts and assemblies.

Senior Welding Inspector

Metairie, LA · On-site

$25.50 - $34.50/hr

Job Summary The Senior Welding Inspector is a more experienced welding inspector having performed welding and structural steel inspection and maintained their American Welding Society (AWS) certified ...

Showing results 41-60

Steel Inspector information

See salary details

$24.5K

$54.9K

$99K

How much do steel inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for steel inspector in the United States is $54,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $63,500.00 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 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.

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.

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.

How to become a structural steel inspector?

To become a structural steel inspector, individuals 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 and Bridge Inspector certification can improve job prospects. Gaining hands-on experience and understanding of blueprints, welding, and safety standards are essential for this role.

What states have the most Steel Inspector jobs?

States with the most job openings for Steel Inspector jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Steel Inspector jobs?

For Steel Inspector jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Steel Inspector job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,939 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Quality Control Inspector (Structural Steel)

Hartford, CT • On-site

Shepard Steel
Construction • 51 - 200 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Our company is seeking an experienced AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) to support quality control operations within our Structural Steel Division.
Responsibilities
  • Inspect structural steel fabrication for compliance with project specifications and approved shop drawings
  • Perform in-process and final inspections, including layout, dimensional checks, welding, bolting, and coatings
  • Coordinate with Shop Supervisors to ensure products are built correctly prior to shipment
  • Identify and communicate fabrication errors or non-conformances affecting production or delivery
  • Maintain inspection documentation, error logs, and repair records
  • Provide constructive feedback on recurring quality issues
  • Interpret and apply AWS D1.1/D1.5 standards, AISC fabrication practices, and company inspection procedures
  • Develop Welding Procedure Specifications
  • Administer welder qualification testing and maintain qualification records
  • Utilize Microsoft Excel, email, and other basic computer applications

Qualifications
  • AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) required
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in structural steel fabrication
  • Strong knowledge of AWS D1.1/D1.5 welding codes and AISC fabrication tolerances
  • Experience with welder qualifications and welding documentation
  • Familiarity with AISC Certification requirements preferred
  • Additional inspection certifications or training are a plus
  • Detail-oriented with strong communication and problem-solving skills

Benefits
  • Competitive salary based on experience
  • Health, dental, and life insurance
  • 401(k) with employer match and profit sharing
  • Paid vacation, holidays, earned days, and birthdays
  • Full-time, first shift position (Monday-Friday with overtime as needed)

We are a structural steel and miscellaneous fabrication company that has been an integral part of the Connecticut construction landscape for over 65 years. With a staff of approximately 100 talented professionals, we are carrying out the company's proud tradition of meeting the structural and miscellaneous steel requirements of customers throughout all Southern New England and Eastern New York State. We fabricate approximately 12,000 tons of steel per year and have invested heavily in state-of-the-art fabrication equipment in recent years.
SHEPARD STEEL is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer