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Welding Inspection Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

SGS

VA · On-site

$40 - $45/hr

Company Description We are SGS - the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company ... SGS is currently looking for Welding Inspectors in multiple locations throughout the USA. Work will ...

Froehling & Robertson

Certified Welding Inspector

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$27.75 - $37.50/hr

High School diploma or equivalent required * 3 years or more of experience in performing steel inspection to include welded and bolted connections for fabrication, assembly or erection * Current AWS ...

TERRACON

Certified Welding Inspector

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$30.25 - $42.25/hr

Prepare inspection reports and provide written documentation of observations and testing of ... American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) * American Society for ...

TERRACON

Certified Welding Inspector

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$28 - $37.75/hr

Prepare inspection reports and provide written documentation of observations and testing of ... American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) * American Society for ...

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Welding Inspection information

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$15

$25

$40

How much do welding inspection jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for welding inspection in Virginia is $25.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $32.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by welding inspectors on construction sites?

Welding inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in harsh or confined environments, managing tight project deadlines, and ensuring that welds comply with stringent codes and standards. They must frequently communicate findings to both welders and project managers, sometimes needing to resolve conflicts or clarify technical requirements. Staying updated with evolving industry standards and maintaining meticulous documentation are also key aspects of the role, requiring strong attention to detail and effective teamwork.

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 processes. The job typically involves working in various environments and may require physical stamina and adherence to safety standards.

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

To thrive as a Welding Inspector, you need a solid understanding of welding processes, metallurgy, and quality standards, typically supported by certifications such as AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or equivalent. Familiarity with inspection tools, non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, and industry codes like ASME and API is essential. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and clear communication skills help ensure precise evaluations and effective collaboration with teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensuring the safety, quality, and compliance of welded structures in various industries.

What is welding inspection?

Welding inspection is the process of examining welded joints to ensure they meet specific standards and requirements for quality, safety, and performance. Inspectors use various methods, including visual checks and non-destructive testing techniques, to detect defects such as cracks, porosity, or incomplete fusion. The goal is to confirm that welds are structurally sound and adhere to codes or project specifications. Proper welding inspection helps prevent failures, ensuring the integrity and safety of structures or products.

How much does a welder inspector make a year?

A welding 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 welding jobs pay $50 an hour?

Welding inspection roles, especially those with certifications like AWS or ASME, can pay around $50 an hour or more, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Skilled welders working in specialized fields such as aerospace, oil and gas, or heavy construction may also earn this rate, particularly with advanced certifications and in high-demand regions.

What type of inspectors make the most money?

In welding inspection, senior inspectors with advanced certifications such as ASNT Level III or API certifications tend to earn the highest salaries. Inspectors working in high-demand industries like oil and gas or aerospace, and those with specialized skills in non-destructive testing, generally make more money due to the complexity and safety requirements of their work.

What is the difference between Welding Inspection vs Welding Quality Control?

AspectWelding InspectionWelding Quality Control
CertificationsASNT, AWS CWIAWS QC1, CWI often preferred
Work EnvironmentOn-site inspections, field environmentsOffice and field, process oversight
Primary FocusVerifying welds meet standardsDeveloping and maintaining welding procedures
Employer UsageConstruction, manufacturing, oil & gasManufacturing plants, fabrication shops

Welding Inspection involves examining welds to ensure they meet quality standards, often requiring certifications like AWS CWI. Welding Quality Control focuses on developing procedures and overseeing welding processes. While both roles ensure weld integrity, Inspection is more about verification, whereas Quality Control emphasizes process management.

Welding Inspection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Welding Inspection job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,056 per year, or $26 per hour.
Welding Inspectors - Multiple Locations - Contract

Welding Inspectors - Multiple Locations - Contract

SGS

VA • On-site

$40 - $45/hr

Contractor

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Company Description
We are SGS - the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 98,000 employees operate a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.
Job Description
SGS is currently looking for Welding Inspectors in multiple locations throughout the USA. Work will be assigned on a as needed basis and will be paid for the hours/days and other applicable cost items for the hours/days spent on the assigned work. The work duration could be a day or several days or several weeks.
The inspector will be required to sign an independent contractor agreement/sub-contractor agreement (1099) with SGS North America Inc.
Scope of work:
The scope of work includes:
  • Ensuring that welds and welding processes comply with codes, standards, specifications, and project requirements by performing visual inspections and also to witness & verify non-destructive tests & their reports.
  • Monitoring welding parameters and inspecting materials and equipment.
  • Quality document reviews including WPS / PQR, assessment of quality, and issue reports or recommendations for corrective actions to ensure the safety and structural integrity of welded components.
  • Verify that welders are qualified, and that welding procedures and specifications (WPS) are followed correctly.
  • Ensure all welding activities adhere to relevant industry codes (like ASME, AWS, API) and contractual requirements.
  • Perform pre-weld, in-process, and post-weld inspections to identify defects and ensure quality.
  • Conduct visual inspections of welded joints, checking dimensions, penetration, and bead formation.
  • Witness non-destructive testing (NDT) and interpret / verify results.
  • Visual inspection on the quality of welding and mechanical projects.
  • Ensure that materials, equipment, and safety regulations are followed.
  • Prepare detailed reports documenting inspection results, including any issues found.

Qualifications
  • Must have at least one of the following: AWS / CWI / CSWIP/API
  • Minimum of five (5) years industrial welding-related inspection experience. Two (2) of these years should be in Quality Assurance / vendor surveillance / shop inspections inspector.
  • Minimum of 5 - 10 years of industry experience (mainly Oil and Gas)
  • Must be able to demonstrate knowledge of welding inspections. Welding inspections experience at manufacturer shops / facilities.
  • Welding inspection experience of Pipeline, Equipment i.e. Pressure vessels, Heat exchangers, Pumps, etc.. would be an asset.
    Work schedule is Monday to Friday - 8 to 10 hours/day
  • Hourly rate - $40 to $45/hr + $0.70/km
  • No set schedule, the inspector will be contacted as needed.
  • If the inspection site is beyond a round trip of 200 miles from the inspector place of residence, a per diem may be considered.
  • The inspector will be required to sign an independent contractor agreement/sub-contractor agreement (1099) with SGS North America Inc.

Additional Information
SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
If you are applying for a position within the United States and you have difficulty completing the on-line employment application because of a disability, please call 201-508-3149 for assistance and leave a message. You will receive a callback. Please note, this phone number is not for general employment information but is only for individuals who are experiencing difficulty applying for a position due to a disability.

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