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Weld Inspection Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Weld Associate-1

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.95 - $21/hr

Inspect completed welds to determine structural soundness. * May train others. * Abides OSHA and ... MIG (GMAW) welding of carbon steel required. * Ability to interpret welding blueprints and call ...

Welding Engineer II

Palatine, IL · On-site

$87K - $116K/yr

CWI - Certified Welding Inspector * CWEng - Certified Welding Engineer Skills, Knowledge & Experience Required * 3+ years of demonstrated experience in the core competencies of Welding Fabrication.

Quality Technician

Franklin Park, IL

$18 - $24/hr

Quality Inspector / Quality Technician (1st Shift) Company Description We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled ...

Welder, TIG

Cary, IL · On-site

$20.75 - $27/hr

Conduct in-process inspections and correct minor defects * Select appropriate consumables and welding parameters * Maintain equipment and ensure work complies with welding codes * Identify hazards ...

Welder, TIG

Cary, IL · On-site

$20.75 - $27/hr

Conduct in-process inspections and correct minor defects * Select appropriate consumables and welding parameters * Maintain equipment and ensure work complies with welding codes * Identify hazards ...

Welder, TIG

Cary, IL · On-site

$20.75 - $27/hr

Conduct in-process inspections and correct minor defects * Select appropriate consumables and welding parameters * Maintain equipment and ensure work complies with welding codes * Identify hazards ...

Welding Engineer

Chicago, IL

$36.75 - $50.75/hr

... weld procedures and prepared weld documentation; assists sales and design engineering with drawing, specification and contract reviews to satisfy welding and NDT inspection requirements; develop ...

Welding Engineer

Chicago, IL

$36.75 - $50.75/hr

... weld procedures and prepared weld documentation; assists sales and design engineering with drawing, specification and contract reviews to satisfy welding and NDT inspection requirements; develop ...

Light Welder

Cary, IL · On-site

$19.75 - $26/hr

Conduct basic visual inspections of welds * Maintain a clean and safe work area * Meet production ... Vocational welding training or apprenticeship (preferred) * Basic AWS or company-specific ...

Light Welder

Cary, IL · On-site

$19.75 - $26/hr

Conduct basic visual inspections of welds * Maintain a clean and safe work area * Meet production ... Vocational welding training or apprenticeship (preferred) * Basic AWS or company-specific ...

Showing results 21-40

Weld Inspection information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$15

$27

$42

How much do weld inspection jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for weld inspection in Chicago, IL is $27.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.81 and $33.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

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.

Are weld inspectors in high demand?

Weld inspectors are in high demand across industries such as construction, manufacturing, and energy, especially as skilled trades remain essential for safety and quality assurance. The job often requires certifications like AWS or ASME, and demand is expected to grow with ongoing infrastructure projects and maintenance needs.

How do you become a weld inspector?

To become a weld inspector, you typically need to complete a welding inspection training program and obtain certification from a recognized organization such as the American Welding Society (AWS). Experience in welding and knowledge of codes and standards are also important for performing inspections effectively.

Is weld inspection a good career?

Weld 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 typical schedule involving on-site work and the need for attention to detail and technical skills. The profession can provide steady employment and advancement potential for those with proper training and experience.

What job categories do people searching Weld Inspection jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Weld Inspection jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Weld Inspection jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Weld Inspection job openings:

Infographic showing various Weld Inspection job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,167 per year, or $27 per hour.

Weld Associate-1

Lippert

Chicago, IL • On-site

$19.95 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Lippert rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 107 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

314th of 496 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Who We Are:

Lippert is a leading, global manufacturer and supplier of highly engineered products and customized solutions, dedicated to shaping, growing and bettering the RV, marine, automotive, commercial vehicle and building products industries.  We combine our strategic manufacturing capabilities with the power of our winning team culture to deliver unrivaled customer service, award-winning innovation and premium products to all of our customers.

Why We are Different:

At Lippert, Everyone Matters. This is not just a tagline or empty promise; it is who we are.  We have intentionally created a culture that values and celebrates our team members’ unique and varied backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.  We strive to give our team members a deeper sense of purpose at work, and we continue to build a better work environment by aligning our cultural and business strategies with the needs of our team members.

What You will Get:

  1. A unique, inclusive and supportive company culture.
  2. Comprehensive benefit offerings including medical, dental, vision, 401k with employer match, vacation, and more!
  3. Fair and competitive compensation.
  4. Career development and mentoring and opportunities to grow.
  5. Holiday, personal and vacation days.

Summary/Objective:

The welder’s main responsibility is to join, fabricate, and repair metal, including but not limited to carbon, stainless steel and aluminum, by applying appropriate welding techniques and maintaining Freedman Seating quality standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Read blueprints and/or job procedures to determine appropriate welding process.
  2. Ability to weld with minimal quality issues.
  3. Ability to measure weldments using quality control equipment.
  4. Performs basic fit up operation in preparation for welding, on stock and standard products.
  5. Meet minimum production requirements.
  6. Inspect completed welds to determine structural soundness.
  7. May train others.
  8. Abides OSHA and FSC rules and regulations for safety.
  9. Wear typical protection gear in an environment that contains dust, odors and noise.
  10. Work well under pressure.
  11. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions:

  1. Fast-paced manufacturing environment
  2. Repetitive use of hands to operate machines

Qualifications:

  1. High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
  2. One or more years of experience preferred and/or combination of education and experience.
  3. MIG (GMAW) welding of carbon steel required.
  4. Ability to interpret welding blueprints and call-outs.
  5. Ability to read English.
  6. Must have strong math and measurement skills.
  7. Ability to work and communicate effectively with others.

Preferred Requirements:

  • Education: Technical Diploma in Welding

Competencies:

  1. Customer Focus
  2. Decision Quality
  3. Results, Action Oriented
  4. Displaying Technical Expertise
  5. Time Management

Supervisory Responsibility:

This role does not have any supervisory responsibility upon hiring.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing all day. The Team Member may have to lift and/or move items over 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time hourly position, and hours of work and days are decided by production schedules and your reporting manager.

 Pay Rate: $19.95 -$21.00 per hour 2nd shift 3:00pm-11:30pm

Freedman by Lippert determines pay based on several factors, including but not limited to the position being offered, education, skills, work experience, and other factors permitted by law. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range.

Freedman by Lippert offers Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401K with employer match, Short Term Disability, Life Insurance, Paid Family Leave, Paid Time Off and Sick Time. For a more comprehensive list please see Human Resources. 

Freedman by Lippert is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

Travel:

No travel required.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance 

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the Team Member for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications:UNAVAILABLEEducation:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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