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Welding Inspector Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

General Matter

Certified Welding Inspector

Paducah, KY · On-site

$50 - $75/hr

About This Role The Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) is responsible for performing visual and dimensional inspections of welds, weldments, and welding operations to ensure compliance with applicable ...

General Matter

Certified Welding Inspector

Paducah, KY · On-site

$50 - $75/hr

About This Role The Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) is responsible for performing visual and dimensional inspections of welds, weldments, and welding operations to ensure compliance with applicable ...

Tate

Senior Certified Welding Inspector

Glasgow, KY · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

About the Role The Certified Weld Inspector plays a critical role in ensuring the quality, safety, and compliance of welded components and fabrications in our manufacturing operations. This position ...

Jobless

$120 - $180/hr

AWS Certified Welding Engineer, Certified Welding Inspector, or Senior Certified Welding Inspector credential (preferred) * Experience with machine GTAW/orbital welding and specialty welding/NDE ...

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All JobsWelding Inspector JobsWelding Inspector Jobs in Kentucky

Welding Inspector information

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$13

$22

$35

How much do welding inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for welding inspector in Kentucky is $22.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $28.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a welding inspector do?

A Welding Inspector is responsible for ensuring that welded structures and components meet specific standards and codes for quality and safety. They review welding procedures, inspect welds visually and with testing methods, and document compliance with regulations. Welding Inspectors work in industries like construction, manufacturing, and oil and gas, helping to prevent defects that could lead to structural failures. Their role is crucial for maintaining the integrity and reliability of welded products.

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 inspection standards, typically supported by certifications such as AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or CSWIP. Familiarity with non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, welding codes, and inspection tools is essential. Attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, and effective communication help inspectors accurately assess weld quality and convey findings. These skills ensure welding work meets safety and regulatory standards, preventing costly failures and ensuring structural integrity.

What are some common challenges welding inspectors face on the job, and how can they effectively address them?

Welding Inspectors often encounter challenges such as ensuring compliance with strict safety and quality standards, interpreting complex blueprints or welding codes, and navigating communication between welders and management. To address these issues, inspectors must maintain up-to-date certifications, develop strong attention to detail, and foster clear, respectful communication with team members. Staying organized and proactive in documentation also helps Welding Inspectors manage multiple projects and ensure all work meets regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Welding Inspector vs Welding Supervisor?

AspectWelding InspectorWelding Supervisor
CertificationsCertified Welding Inspector (CWI) often requiredMay hold CWI or supervisory certifications, but focus is on management
Work EnvironmentInspecting welds on-site or in fabrication shopsOverseeing welding teams and ensuring quality standards
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in manufacturing, construction, oil & gasFound in similar industries, with added managerial responsibilities

The main difference is that a Welding Inspector focuses on inspecting and ensuring weld quality, while a Welding Supervisor manages welding teams and oversees the entire welding process. Both roles require certifications like the CWI, but their responsibilities and daily tasks differ significantly.

Are welding inspectors in high demand?

Welding inspectors are in high demand across industries such as construction, manufacturing, and energy due to the need for quality control and safety compliance. The job outlook is strong, especially for those with certifications like AWS or ASME, and employment opportunities are expected to grow as infrastructure and industrial projects increase.

How do you become a welding inspector?

To become a welding inspector, individuals typically need to complete relevant training or education in welding technology or inspection, gain work experience in welding or fabrication, and obtain certification from recognized organizations such as the American Welding Society (AWS) or the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET). Certification often requires passing written and practical exams and maintaining ongoing education. Strong attention to detail, knowledge of welding codes and standards, and familiarity with inspection tools are essential for success in this role.

How hard is it to be a welding inspector?

Becoming a welding inspector requires technical knowledge of welding processes, attention to detail, and often certification such as AWS CWI. The job involves inspecting welds in various environments, which can be physically demanding and requires ongoing training to stay current with industry standards.
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Welding Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Welding Inspector job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 7% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,355 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Certified Welding Inspector

General Matter

Paducah, KY • On-site

$50 - $75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

About the Company
General Matter is enriching uranium in America.
Our goal is to design, build, and operate the world's lowest-cost enrichment services in the United States.
Our mission is to restore America's ability to produce nuclear fuel-fuel that will power AI, advanced manufacturing, critical industries, and the next generation of nuclear reactors.
Ultimately, our work will help power national ambitions and enable a high-energy society.
We were incubated by Founders Fund, like Anduril and Palantir before us, and are backed by top-tier investors. Our lean, world-class team of engineers and operators is applying a first-principles approach to solving the problem of nuclear fuel production.
We are a mission-driven company with a culture of urgency, accountability, and transparency.
Help us build a high-energy society by making the cleanest, safest form of baseload energy the most affordable.
About This Role
The Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) is responsible for performing visual and dimensional inspections of welds, weldments, and welding operations to ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, and quality requirements. This position requires interpretation of welding procedures, engineering drawings, and specifications, as well as coordination with welding personnel, engineers, and other quality professionals to maintain the highest standards of weld quality and workmanship.
Responsibilities
  • Perform welding inspections to verify workmanship, weld quality, and conformance to applicable specifications and acceptance criteria.
  • Evaluate welding processes and support the development, qualification, and improvement of WPS/PQR documentation.
  • Mentor welders and support training initiatives to strengthen technical skills, consistency, and adherence to best practices.
  • Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to resolve welding issues and implement process improvements.
  • Verify compliance with applicable welding codes, standards, procedures, and customer requirements.
  • Improve manufacturing quality by identifying defects, addressing root causes, and driving continuous improvement opportunities.

Basic Qualifications
  • Evidence of exceptional ability (prior projects, portfolio of work, completed products, etc).
  • Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals.
  • Ability to perform trade studies and make clear recommendations using first principles and engineering fundamentals even with partial information.
  • Education requirement - High School Diploma and Professional Certifications or demonstration of ability.
  • 4 years of work experience in welding.

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Experience working in a fast-paced engineering or highly technical environment, with a resourceful approach to delivering results under tight timelines and budget constraints.
  • AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification.
  • Strong hands-on fabrication and technical experience.
  • Experience with structural and piping fabrication and welding applications.
  • Strong knowledge of welding processes, procedures, and industry best practices.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively across engineering, manufacturing, and production teams.

Additional Requirements
  • Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary.

Equal Opportunity Employer
General Matter is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with General Matter is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Compensation and Benefits
The hourly rate for this role is $50 to $75 per hour.
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. Please note that the stated salary range is an estimate and may be adjusted based on market conditions, business needs, or other factors. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.

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