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Welding Inspector Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Quality Inspector

Richmond, VA · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Ideally the person in this role is a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI). This position is instrumental in ensuring all welding and mechanical pipe work meets required codes, standards, regulations ...

Quality Inspector

Richmond, VA · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Ideally the person in this role is a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI). This position is instrumental in ensuring all welding and mechanical pipe work meets required codes, standards, regulations ...

Showing results 21-40

Welding Inspector information

See Virginia salary details

$15

$25

$40

How much do welding inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for welding inspector 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Welding Inspector jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Welding Inspector jobs in Virginia are:

What job categories do people searching Welding Inspector jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Welding Inspector jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Welding Inspector jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Welding Inspector job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Welding Inspector jobs in VA?

For Welding Inspector jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Welding Inspector job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,056 per year, or $26 per hour.

Certified Weld Inspector (CWI) and NDT Inspector

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

$27 - $35/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Bay Metals & Fabrication, LLC is seeking a CWI / NDT Inspector to join our team supporting Navy ship repair and fabrication projects. This position is primarily responsible for welding inspections and quality assurance activities, with opportunities to perform and develop additional NDT capabilities.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented and dependable professional who takes pride in quality workmanship and documentation. A strong work ethic, good communication skills, and the ability and willingness to learn are essential to this position.

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) duties for mechanical, structural, and piping repairs and installations, both in fabrication shops and aboard ships.
  • Inspect welding activities for compliance with applicable specifications, NAVSEA technical publications, fabrication drawings, procedures, and customer requirements.
  • Verify welding joint design, joint fit-up, workmanship, and other applicable welding requirements.
  • Read and interpret specifications, procedures, diagrams, NAVSEA technical publications, fabrication drawings, and other technical documents.
  • Review specifications and Test and Inspection Plans (TIPs) before, during, and after work is performed to verify completeness, accuracy, and compliance with technical requirements.
  • Perform in-process shipboard surveillances and other quality assurance inspections as assigned by the Quality Assurance Supervisor.
  • Perform Visual Inspection (VT) of welds in accordance with applicable specifications, standards, procedures, and company requirements.
  • Perform NDT activities, including PT, MT, and/or UT, when qualified.
  • Work with Operations, Production, NDT personnel, and customer representatives to identify and resolve quality issues.
  • Identify, document, and communicate deficiencies, discrepancies, and nonconforming work.
  • Maintain accurate inspection and quality documentation.
  • Support customer and government inspections as required.
  • Perform additional quality assurance and inspection duties as assigned by the Quality Assurance Supervisor.

Qualifications

  • Current Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification is required.
  • Prior qualification or certification in PT, MT, and/or UT is preferred but not required.
  • Candidates with NDT experience or certifications in addition to their CWI qualification are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • BMF is willing to provide training and development opportunities for qualified CWIs to obtain additional NDT qualifications.
  • Strong knowledge of welding joint design, joint fit-up, and welding inspection requirements.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical specifications, drawings, procedures, and NAVSEA technical publications.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to identify discrepancies and potential quality issues.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, trades personnel, customers, and other members of the QA team.
  • Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
  • CAD experience is a plus.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen due to government contract requirements.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a DBIDS badge/access credential to enter area shipyards and naval installations.
  • Must be able to gain and maintain access to area shipyards and naval installations, including NN-HII, NASSCO, BAE Systems, MHI, NNSY, NOB, and other customer facilities as required.
  • Must be willing and able to work overtime and weekends when required by project needs.
  • Must follow all company, shipyard, vessel, and customer safety requirements at all times.

CWI certification is required. Additional NDT qualifications and experience in PT, MT, and/or UT are preferred and may qualify candidates for compensation at the higher end of the range.

Work Environment

This position supports active ship repair operations and may require working aboard Navy vessels, in shipyards, fabrication facilities, and other industrial environments. Candidates must be comfortable working in areas with varying temperatures, noise, confined spaces, ladders, and other conditions commonly associated with ship repair.

About Bay Metals & Fabrication

Bay Metals & Fabrication, LLC is a growing ship repair and fabrication contractor supporting Navy and commercial ship repair operations. Our team works alongside shipyard and government customers to safely deliver quality work in demanding marine environments.

If you are a CWI who takes pride in quality, understands the importance of accurate inspection and documentation, and wants to build your skills in NDT while supporting critical ship repair work, we want to hear from you.

Bay Metals & Fabrication, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance

Work Location: In person