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Welding Inspector Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Provide on the job training for trainees and LI/LII inspectors * Administer examinations to NDT ... Have knowledge of welding joint design and joint fit up requirements * Ability to follow ...

Provide on the job training for trainees and LI/LII inspectors * Administer examinations to NDT ... Have knowledge of welding joint design and joint fit up requirements * Ability to follow ...

NDT Ultrasonic Inspector LII

Jamul, CA ยท On-site

$40 - $50/hr

Provide on the job training for trainees and LI/LII inspectors * Administer examinations to NDT ... Have knowledge of welding joint design and joint fit up requirements * Ability to follow ...

Provide on the job training for trainees and LI/LII inspectors * Administer examinations to NDT ... Have knowledge of welding joint design and joint fit up requirements * Ability to follow ...

Provide on the job training for trainees and LI/LII inspectors * Administer examinations to NDT ... Have knowledge of welding joint design and joint fit up requirements * Ability to follow ...

Provide on the job training for trainees and LI/LII inspectors * Administer examinations to NDT ... Have knowledge of welding joint design and joint fit up requirements * Ability to follow ...

Provide on the job training for trainees and LI/LII inspectors * Administer examinations to NDT ... Have knowledge of welding joint design and joint fit up requirements * Ability to follow ...

Provide on the job training for trainees and LI/LII inspectors * Administer examinations to NDT ... Have knowledge of welding joint design and joint fit up requirements * Ability to follow ...

Provide on the job training for trainees and LI/LII inspectors * Administer examinations to NDT ... Have knowledge of welding joint design and joint fit up requirements * Ability to follow ...

Provide on the job training for trainees and LI/LII inspectors * Administer examinations to NDT ... Have knowledge of welding joint design and joint fit up requirements * Ability to follow ...

Provide on the job training for trainees and LI/LII inspectors * Administer examinations to NDT ... Have knowledge of welding joint design and joint fit up requirements * Ability to follow ...

Provide on the job training for trainees and LI/LII inspectors * Administer examinations to NDT ... Have knowledge of welding joint design and joint fit up requirements * Ability to follow ...

Provide on the job training for trainees and LI/LII inspectors * Administer examinations to NDT ... Have knowledge of welding joint design and joint fit up requirements * Ability to follow ...

Provide on the job training for trainees and LI/LII inspectors * Administer examinations to NDT ... Have knowledge of welding joint design and joint fit up requirements * Ability to follow ...

Provide on the job training for trainees and LI/LII inspectors * Administer examinations to NDT ... Have knowledge of welding joint design and joint fit up requirements * Ability to follow ...

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Welding Inspector Trainee information

See California salary details

$9

$21

$38

How much do welding inspector trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for welding inspector trainee in California is $21.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $24.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Welding Inspector Trainee, you need a solid understanding of welding processes, basic metallurgy, and blueprint reading, often supported by a technical diploma or relevant training. Familiarity with inspection tools, non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, and a willingness to pursue certifications like AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) are typically expected. Attention to detail, strong observation skills, and effective communication help trainees accurately assess weld quality and collaborate with welders and supervisors. These skills ensure safe, high-quality welds and compliance with industry standards, which are critical for structural integrity and project success.

What are some common challenges faced by a Welding Inspector Trainee during their initial months on the job?

As a Welding Inspector Trainee, one of the main challenges you'll encounter is learning to accurately interpret welding codes and standards while adapting to the fast-paced environment of construction or manufacturing sites. Trainees often need to quickly develop observational skills to identify welding defects and ensure proper documentation, all while working closely with experienced inspectors, welders, and engineers. Gaining confidence in communicating findings and recommendations, sometimes in high-pressure situations, is another key aspect of the learning curve. Support from mentors and a willingness to ask questions are invaluable during this period.

What are Welding Inspector Trainees?

Welding Inspector Trainees are individuals who are learning to inspect welded joints and structures to ensure they meet specific codes, standards, and safety regulations. Under the supervision of experienced inspectors, trainees gain hands-on experience in visual inspections, reviewing documentation, and understanding weld procedures. They typically assist with identifying welding defects, measuring weld dimensions, and reporting findings. This role is essential for developing the skills and knowledge needed to become a certified welding inspector in the future.

Are welding inspectors in demand?

Welding inspectors are in steady demand across industries such as construction, manufacturing, and energy, especially as safety standards and quality control become more stringent. Employment opportunities often increase with infrastructure projects and the need for certified inspectors with qualifications like AWS or ASME certifications.

What is the difference between Welding Inspector Trainee vs Welding Inspector?

AspectWelding Inspector TraineeWelding Inspector
CertificationsBasic safety and introductory welding certificationsAdvanced certifications like AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
Work EnvironmentSupervised, training-focused settings on job sitesIndependent inspections on construction, manufacturing, or industrial sites
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting inspectors, observing, learning inspection proceduresPerforming detailed weld inspections, ensuring code compliance

The main difference between a Welding Inspector Trainee and a Welding Inspector is experience and certification level. Trainees are in learning mode, assisting experienced inspectors, while inspectors are fully qualified professionals responsible for conducting inspections independently.

What are the most commonly searched types of Welding Inspector jobs in California? The most popular types of Welding Inspector jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Welding Inspector Trainee jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Welding Inspector Trainee jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Welding Inspector Trainee jobs? Cities in California with the most Welding Inspector Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Welding Inspector Trainee job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $44,032 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
NDT Ultrasonic Inspector LII

NDT Ultrasonic Inspector LII

IMIA, LLC

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

$40 - $50/hr

Part-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

JOB TITLE: NDT Ultrasonic Inspector, Level II

REPORTS TO: NDT Examiner, LIII

PAY RANGE:ย $40.00-$50.00/Hourly DOE

Employees are eligible for a $5,000.00ย bonus if certification in all methods is achieved within 90 days of employment start date.

LOCATION: San Diego, CA

****If selected for employment,ย in-person NDT certification testing in Bremerton, WA or Chesapeake, VA is required.ย Expenses associated will be covered byย IMIA**

Summary of position: NDT inspector level II will perform VT, UT, MT and PT inspections on surface ship and submarine structure. Required to perform miscellaneous tasks, as assigned by his or her supervisor.

Required Education: High school graduate, or GED

Responsibilities:

  • Performs physical inspections of completed welds and materials on board surface ships and submarines
  • Work to approved company inspection procedures
  • Assist with Reviews and writing procedures/standards for VT MT PT, and UT processes
  • Provide on the job training for trainees and LI/LII inspectors
  • Administer examinations to NDT personnel when designated by a LIII NDT Examiner
  • Ensure work is done safely and meets quality standards
  • Keep work areas clean and organized and take proper care of all equipment and facilities
  • Follow all company rules and policies
  • Provide a great level of attention to detail and focus on the given task
  • Follow all safety rules and quality standards
  • Work with team members to maximize productivity and efficiency
  • Report any unsafe work conditions or practice to supervisor
  • Perform other inspection/Quality Assurance/Planning duties as deemed necessary in support of the projects being worked

Qualifications:

  • At a minimum qualified level II inspector for VT and UT Shear Wave IAW NAVSEA requirements in Tech pub 271. Will consider 300+ work time experience hours with UT shear wave initial training certificate as equivalent.
  • Experience with SMAW, GTAW and GMAW welding highly preferred
  • Have knowledge of welding joint design and joint fit up requirements
  • Ability to follow instructions given both verbally and in written form
  • Willingness to learn and work to the best of his/her abilities and have a dependable work ethic
  • Ability to read and interpret documents furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form including but not limited to safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, quality manuals and procedure manuals
  • Familiarity with the metric system
  • Ability to stand continuously for long periods of time
  • Willing to work 40+ hours a week
  • Pass substance abuse testing

Physical Requirements:

  • Regularly required to walk; frequently required to stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, balance, or crawl at various heights and in confined spaces; occasionally required to sit; required to reach with hands and arms, use hands to feel, grip, or handle; regularly required to safely lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; required use of vision to see up close, distance, and peripherally, as well as depth perception and ability to adjust focus in low light conditions. May be required to wear a respirator to safely perform assigned tasks.
  • Travel often Required

Mental Requirements: Must be able to carry out simple to complex instructions in a safe and efficient manner.

Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None