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Weld Inspection information

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$13

$23

$37

How much do weld inspection jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for weld inspection in Tennessee is $23.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.45 and $29.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I become a weld inspector?

To become a weld inspector, you typically need to complete a high school diploma or equivalent, gain experience in welding or fabrication, and obtain certification such as the AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI). Knowledge of welding processes, materials, and inspection techniques, along with strong attention to detail, are essential for the role.

What welding jobs pay $50 an hour?

Welding inspectors, especially those with certifications like AWS or ASME, can earn around $50 an hour or more, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled welders working in specialized fields such as aerospace, oil and gas, or construction may also reach or exceed this rate, particularly with advanced certifications and overtime opportunities.

How much does a welder inspector make a year?

A welder inspector typically earns between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior inspectors with specialized skills or working in high-demand industries can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $90,000 per year.

What are some common challenges faced by weld inspectors on large construction projects?

Weld inspectors on large construction projects often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple teams to schedule inspections without disrupting project timelines, interpreting complex blueprints and welding codes, and ensuring consistent quality across varied environments. They must also document findings thoroughly and communicate effectively with welders and project managers to address any non-conformities. Navigating changing site conditions and maintaining safety standards adds to the complexity, making attention to detail and adaptability crucial for success in this role.

Is welding inspection a good career?

Welding inspection is a stable career that involves examining welds for quality and safety, often requiring certifications such as AWS or ASNT. It offers opportunities in manufacturing, construction, and energy sectors, with a need for attention to detail and knowledge of welding techniques and codes. The profession can provide steady employment and advancement potential for those with technical skills and certification.

What is weld inspection?

Weld inspection is the process of evaluating welded joints to ensure they meet specific safety, quality, and regulatory standards. Inspectors use visual assessments, measurement tools, and sometimes advanced techniques like ultrasonic or X-ray testing to detect flaws such as cracks, porosity, or incomplete fusion. The goal is to verify that the welds are structurally sound and meet the required specifications. Proper weld inspection helps prevent failures in structures, machinery, and pipelines, ensuring reliability and safety.

What is the difference between Weld Inspection vs NDT Technician?

AspectWeld InspectionNDT Technician
CertificationsASNT Level I/II, AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)ASNT Level I/II, Level III, specific NDT methods certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, manufacturing plants, oil & gas facilitiesIndustrial, aerospace, power plants, manufacturing
Job FocusInspecting welds for quality, compliance, and safetyPerforming non-destructive testing methods on materials and welds

Weld Inspection primarily involves evaluating weld quality and ensuring compliance with standards, often requiring specific certifications like AWS CWI. NDT Technicians perform various non-destructive testing methods to detect flaws in materials, which may include welds. While both roles require similar certifications and work in industrial environments, Weld Inspectors focus on visual and dimensional assessments of welds, whereas NDT Technicians use specialized testing techniques to assess material integrity.

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

To thrive as a Weld Inspector, you need a solid understanding of welding processes, metallurgy, industry codes, and standards, often supported by certifications such as AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI). Familiarity with inspection tools like ultrasonic testers, radiographic equipment, and documentation systems is crucial. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are important soft skills for accurately assessing weld quality and reporting findings. These skills ensure weld integrity, safety compliance, and the overall quality of construction or manufacturing projects.
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What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Weld Inspection jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Weld Inspection job openings:
Weld Inspection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weld Inspection job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,486 per year, or $23.8 per hour.
Inspection & NDE Supervisor

Inspection & NDE Supervisor

Centrus Energy Corp.

Oak Ridge, TN

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
The Inspection & NDE Supervisor is a handson, frontline leader responsible for overseeing the site's weld inspection and nondestructive examination (NDE) program. In this role, you will guide all Visual Testing (VT) activities and coordinate additional NDE methods-including Liquid Penetrant (PT), Acoustic Testing, and Leak Testing (LT). You'll ensure welds meet strict code, procedural, and quality requirements while supporting safe, compliant, and efficient operations.

Your leadership ensures that inspections are performed by qualified personnel, required hold points are met, and results are accurately documented-ultimately preventing issues before they reach production or installation and reinforcing the integrity of every weld that moves forward.

What You'll Be Doing: 
In this role, you will lead the site's weld inspection and NDE program, guiding all visual weld inspections and coordinating additional NDE methods such as PT, LT, and acoustic testing. You'll ensure welds meet all code, procedural, and quality requirements while overseeing personnel qualifications, equipment readiness, documentation accuracy, and inspection scheduling. You will verify that WPS/PQR requirements, welder qualifications, and acceptance criteria are correctly applied, and ensure that only compliant welds move forward into production or installation.

You'll also maintain oversight of NDE personnel certification cycles, training needs, and proficiency evaluations. Your leadership includes ensuring proper execution and documentation of VT and other NDE activities, maintaining calibration and suitability of tools, and safeguarding compliance with AWS/ASME Codes and site standards. You'll support investigations of weld defects and systemic issues, collaborate with Engineering and Manufacturing to resolve technical questions, and provide clear communication on inspection status, risks, and qualityrelated concerns. Ultimately, your decisions directly influence weld quality, safety, regulatory compliance, and production readiness.

We'd Love to Hear from Candidates with:

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Technical degree or certification in Welding, NDE, or a related field preferred.
Experience performing weld VT and/or coordinating NDE activities in manufacturing or industrial environments.
Experience with inspection or NDE documentation, acceptance criteria, and weld quality processes.
Experience providing technical direction or mentoring NDE personnel preferred.

A Successful Candidate Also Brings:
Knowledge of VT, PT, and LT methods.
Understanding of welding processes, WPS/PQR requirements, and welder qualifications.
Ability to interpret drawings, weld symbols, and acceptance criteria.
Familiarity with AWS/ASME Codes and applicable site requirements.
Ability to identify weld defects and systemic welding issues and maintain independence in inspection decisions.

Pay
 
Estimated Starting Base Salary Range: $76,0101 - $126,683. This position is Bonus eligible. Centrus considers several factors when extending job offers, including but not limited to candidates' key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications.  While the posted range reflects the anticipated hiring range for this position, compensation above the range may be considered for candidates with exceptional qualifications and directly relevant experience.

Centrus Energy and all subsidiaries shall abide by the applicable legal requirements. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.

This position requires the successful candidate to obtain and maintain a Q security clearance.  Candidates for positions requiring a security clearance are required to be tested for the absence of any illegal drug as defined in 10 CFR 707.4 prior to an offer of employment being made.  In addition, once employed, employees will become part of a random drug testing program and may also be tested in the event of any incident causing injury or causing damage to property, or if it is determined that there is a reasonable suspicion the employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  This position will require preemployment background check on the part of the Company and in order to receive a Q security clearance, a background investigation by the Federal government.  Subsequent Federal government reinvestigations may be required.

Centrus Energy Corp. is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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