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Visual Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Visual Inspector

Fremont, CA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Open to being W2 not a contractor Focus on visual inspection (close up) and using a microscope for entire shift Good hand eye coordination and dexterity - have to manipulate with precision when using ...

Pay Rate Low: 27.00 | Pay Rate High: 29.00 Great development opportunity to work as a Visual Inspector with a global, research-driven pharmaceutical manufacturer focused on developing innovative ...

Perform mechanical and visual inspections in Receiving Inspection and mechanical areas to verify the quality of incoming turn-key materials and other services. * Maintain accurate and complete ...

Perform mechanical and visual inspections in Receiving Inspection and mechanical areas to verify the quality of incoming turn-key materials and other services. * Maintain accurate and complete ...

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Visual Inspector information

See California salary details

$24.2K

$54.2K

$97.7K

How much do visual inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for visual 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 visual inspector?

Visual Inspectors are professionals responsible for examining products, materials, or equipment to ensure they meet specified standards and quality requirements. They use their eyes, sometimes aided by tools or magnification, to detect defects, inconsistencies, or non-conformities in items being produced or maintained. Visual Inspectors commonly work in manufacturing, construction, or quality assurance roles, where their main goal is to help maintain safety and quality by catching issues early. Their work is critical in preventing faulty products from reaching customers and in ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

What skills and qualifications does a visual inspector need?

To thrive as a Visual Inspector, you need keen attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with inspection tools such as magnifiers, calipers, and sometimes computerized inspection systems is typically required. Strong observational skills, reliability, and effective communication help you excel in identifying defects and reporting findings. These abilities ensure that products meet quality standards and minimize defects in manufacturing or production environments.

How does a visual inspector collaborate with quality assurance and production teams?

Visual Inspectors work closely with both quality assurance and production teams to ensure products meet established standards. They regularly communicate findings, report defects, and provide feedback to production staff, which helps address issues quickly and prevent recurring problems. Collaboration with quality assurance professionals is essential for implementing corrective actions and continuously improving inspection protocols. This teamwork fosters a proactive quality culture and ensures that all departments are aligned on product quality goals.

What is the difference between Visual Inspector vs Quality Control Inspector?

AspectVisual InspectorQuality Control Inspector
CertificationsOften requires OSHA safety training, basic inspection certificationsMay require specific industry certifications like ASQ CQI certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, construction sites, assembly linesManufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and other production facilities
ResponsibilitiesInspect products visually for defects, ensure compliance with standardsOversee quality processes, perform inspections, document issues

Both roles focus on inspection tasks within manufacturing and construction environments. Visual Inspectors primarily perform visual checks for defects, while Quality Control Inspectors have broader responsibilities including process oversight and documentation. The roles often overlap, but Quality Control Inspectors typically require more comprehensive certifications and handle a wider scope of quality assurance activities.

What are the responsibilities of a visual inspector?

A visual inspector is responsible for examining products, materials, or structures to identify defects, damages, or inconsistencies using their eyesight and sometimes magnification tools. They document findings, ensure compliance with quality standards, and may perform re-inspections after repairs. Attention to detail and knowledge of inspection procedures are essential for this role.

What skills are needed for visual inspector?

A visual inspector needs strong attention to detail, good eyesight, and the ability to identify defects or inconsistencies in materials or products. Skills in reading technical drawings, familiarity with inspection tools, and knowledge of safety standards are also important. Often, certifications such as ASNT or OSHA are beneficial for this role.

What job categories do people searching Visual Inspector jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Visual Inspector jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Visual Inspector jobs?

Cities in California with the most Visual Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Visual Inspector job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 6% Contract, and 14% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,220 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Visual Inspector

CalTek Staffing, Inc.

Fremont, CA • On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

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Job description

  • Pay range is $21– 25 + 10% differential with swing shift. But for the right experience, we have gone higher of course.
  • Day Shift 5am – 1:30pm
  • Swing Shift 1:30pm -10pm
  • Monday through Friday, with some/many Saturdays (6 hour shift) – We have been very busy and bookings are up.
  • We have 2 current openings, just making an offer to a third opening, but want to hire 5 more after these 3 are filled.
  • Temp to hire, corporate policy is we either let go at 520 hours or convert.


Here is what we have found works and does not work with our specific work environment, industry, and product.


Works:

Experienced in QA inspection of small parts especially in semiconductor or electronics manufacturing.

Open to being W2 not a contractor

Focus on visual inspection (close up) and using a microscope for entire shift

Good hand eye coordination and dexterity – have to manipulate with precision when using small tools

Company Description

CalTek is a manufacturing, technical, engineering and IT consulting firm that has expanded its business operations from its headquarters in San Diego, throughout all of California and into Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Texas and Washington. CalTek has staffed positions with global companies such as Siemens, Parsons, and Illumina but also works with startups with 10+ employees.


CalTek Staffing logo

About CalTek Staffing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 2002 by two career recruiters, CalTek Staffing is a premier manufacturing, technical, IT and engineering staffing and recruiting firm. Since its inception, CalTek has become the employment firm that a growing number of companies turn to for their hiring needs. CalTek has continued to grow and has now expanded its business operations from its headquarters in San Diego, throughout all of California and into Colorado, Georgia, Texas and Washington. CalTek has staffed positions with global companies such as Siemens, Parsons, and Illumina but also works with startups with 10+ employees. CalTek services companies throughout all industry sectors, such as aerospace, automotive, chemical, civil, computer, defense, electronics, internet, medical/pharmaceutical, oil and gas, semiconductor, telecommunications, and many others.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

2002

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