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Welding Inspector Jobs in Lexington, KY (NOW HIRING)

Welding 3rd

Richmond, KY

$17 - $21/hr

You'll inspect parts before assembly, maintain welding equipment, and help deliver high-quality finished products. What's a Typical Day Like? * Conduct MIG welding on metal components according to ...

Welding - 3rd

Lexington, KY

$18.50 - $22.50/hr

You'll inspect parts before assembly, maintain welding equipment, and help deliver high-quality finished products. What's a Typical Day Like? * Conduct MIG welding on metal components according to ...

Welding - 2nd

Richmond, KY · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

You'll inspect parts before assembly, maintain welding equipment, and help deliver high-quality finished products. What's a Typical Day Like? * Conduct MIG welding on metal components according to ...

Welding - 2nd

Lexington, KY

$18.50 - $22.50/hr

You'll inspect parts before assembly, maintain welding equipment, and help deliver high-quality finished products. What's a Typical Day Like? * Conduct MIG welding on metal components according to ...

Welding - 3rd

Georgetown, KY · On-site

$16.75 - $20.50/hr

You'll inspect parts before assembly, maintain welding equipment, and help deliver high-quality finished products. What's a Typical Day Like? * Conduct MIG welding on metal components according to ...

Welding - 3rd

Richmond, KY · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

You'll inspect parts before assembly, maintain welding equipment, and help deliver high-quality finished products. What's a Typical Day Like? * Conduct MIG welding on metal components according to ...

Welding - ALL Shift

Richmond, KY · On-site

$18 - $23.75/hr

You'll inspect parts before assembly, maintain welding equipment, and help deliver high-quality finished products. What's a Typical Day Like? * Conduct MIG welding on metal components according to ...

Welding - All shift

Lexington, KY · On-site

$19.50 - $25.50/hr

You'll inspect parts before assembly, maintain welding equipment, and help deliver high-quality finished products. What's a Typical Day Like? * Conduct MIG welding on metal components according to ...

Welding - 1st Shift

Richmond, KY

$18 - $23.75/hr

You'll inspect parts before assembly, maintain welding equipment, and help deliver high-quality finished products. What's a Typical Day Like? * Conduct MIG welding on metal components according to ...

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Welding Inspector information

See Lexington, KY salary details

$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 Lexington, KY is $22.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $28.56 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 popular job titles related to Welding Inspector jobs in Lexington, KY?

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

What job categories do people searching Welding Inspector jobs in Lexington, KY look for?

The top searched job categories for Welding Inspector jobs in Lexington, KY are:

What cities near Lexington, KY are hiring for Welding Inspector jobs?

Cities near Lexington, KY with the most Welding Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Welding Inspector job openings in Lexington, KY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,637 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Certified Welding Inspector

Universal Engineering Sciences

Lexington, KY • On-site

$24.50 - $33.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Universal Engineering Sciences rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

416th of 450 rated engineering


Job description

Overview
At UES, we're a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose-to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.
Position Overview
UES is seeking a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) to join our Lexington team. This is a hands-on, field-based role supporting structural steel, commercial, industrial, manufacturing, transportation, and infrastructure projects throughout Kentucky and the surrounding region.
This opportunity is ideal for an experienced inspector who enjoys working in the field, collaborating with contractors and engineers, and helping ensure projects are built safely and according to industry standards. You'll have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects while serving as a trusted quality resource for clients and project teams.
Responsibilities
What You'll Do
As a Certified Welding Inspector, you'll play a critical role in verifying the quality, safety, and compliance of welded structures and construction activities.
Responsibilities include:
  • Performing welding inspections at construction sites, fabrication facilities, industrial plants, and infrastructure projects
  • Reviewing engineering drawings, welding procedures, specifications, and project requirements
  • Verifying compliance with AWS codes, project specifications, and applicable industry standards
  • Preparing accurate inspection reports and project documentation
  • Working closely with contractors, fabricators, engineers, and project managers to address quality concerns and maintain project schedules
  • Conducting visual inspections of structural steel and welded assemblies
  • Supporting quality assurance and quality control efforts throughout project execution
  • Communicating inspection findings and recommendations to clients and project teams
  • Maintaining a strong commitment to safety while working in active construction and industrial environments
  • Managing field assignments throughout Kentucky and the surrounding area

What We're Looking For
We're seeking a detail-oriented professional who takes pride in quality workmanship and enjoys working independently while collaborating with project teams.
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent with a completed welding certificate program or vocational training.
  • American Welding Society (AWS) or similar welding certification, preferred.
  • Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record and basic computer literacy.
  • Knowledge of various welding techniques, equipment, and safety protocols.
  • Adaptability and flexibility to changing schedules and hours to support business needs.
  • Strong time management, mathematics, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.
    Preferred Qualifications
    • Experience with structural steel fabrication, steel erection, bridge construction, or transportation-related projects
    • Experience with Non-Destructive Examination (NDE), including Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) and Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
    • Additional AWS, ICC, API, or related industry certifications
    • Previous consulting or third-party inspection experience
    • Experience supporting transportation, industrial, manufacturing, energy, or infrastructure projects

    Travel Requirements
    This position requires moderate travel, approximately up to 40% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on-site work.
    #LI-CB1
    Physical Demands & Work Environment
    • This position primarily works in an outdoor work environment, regularly exposed to varying field conditions, including:
      • Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, fields, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man-made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
      • Moderate to loud noise levels, common in active construction and industrial environments.
      • Exposure to environmental elements including dirt, dust, sun, heat, humidity, and adverse weather conditions.
    • The physical requirements for this position may include and are not limited to:
      • Ability to lift and/or carry 35 to 75 lbs. up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
      • Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate equipment for extended periods.
      • Frequent use of hands and arms for typing, handling tools, and operating equipment.
      • Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for fieldwork and inspections.
      • Ability to speak and hear effectively to communicate in noisy environments and with project teams.
      • Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) smell, hear, touch (use hands to reach climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit).

    EEO Statement
    UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here

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    About Universal Engineering Sciences

    Sourced by ZipRecruiter

    Universal Engineering Sciences, based in Orlando, FL, US, is a reputable name in the field of geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, construction materials testing, and inspection services. With an impressive industry presence of over six decades since its establishment in 1964, Universal Engineering Sciences specializes in providing engineering consulting services that effectively address multiple civil, structural, and geotechnical challenges. Their extensive service portfolio includes environmental assessments, field testing services, laboratory testing services, and quality control consulting, among others. As a stalwart advocate of integrity, excellence, service, and people, Universal Engineering Sciences takes pride in delivering exceptional services that realize their mission of setting industry standards through technical superiority and efficient communication.

    Industry

    Construction

    Company size

    1,001 - 5,000 Employees

    Headquarters location

    Orlando, FL, US

    Year founded

    1964

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