Welding inspector salary can vary greatly depending on the level of experience and expertise an inspector has. In this blog post, we will discuss welding inspector salary and what factors influence how much inspectors make.
Welding is an important part of many industries, so there is a great demand for qualified welding inspectors. If you are interested in becoming a welding inspector, or just want to know more about the profession, read on!
What Is a Welding Inspector?
A welding inspector is a professional who inspects welds to ensure they meet quality standards. Welding inspectors typically work in manufacturing or construction, and their job is to make sure that welds are strong and free of defects.
Welding inspectors must have a thorough understanding of welding processes and be able to identify defects. They also need to be able to use testing equipment, such as ultrasonic testers, to measure the strength of welds.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Welding Inspector?
The Welding Inspector Certification process usually takes around four to six weeks. After you have completed the required coursework and welding projects, you will be able to take the American Welding Society’s (AWS) Welding Inspector Certification Exam.
However, keep in mind that becoming a certified welding inspector is only the first step in your career journey. Once you have your certification, you will need to find a job with a company that is willing to hire you.
There are many different types of companies that employ welding inspectors. Some examples include:
- Manufacturing plants
- Steel mills
- Construction companies
- Shipyards
- Railroad companies
Each company will have its specific requirements for welders, so you must do your research before applying for a job.
Certification as a Level 1 W.I.
To become a certified Level I Welding Inspector, you must have a minimum of three years of welding experience. You will also need to pass the AWS Welding Inspector Certification Exam.
The Level I Welding Inspector Certification is the entry-level certification for welding inspectors. With this certification, you will be able to inspect relatively simple welding projects.
If you want to move up in your career and inspect more complex welding projects, you will need to obtain additional certifications.
Certification as a Level 2 W.I.
To become a certified Level II Welding Inspector, you must have a minimum of five years of welding experience, two years of which must be in the inspection.
To qualify for a welding inspector salary at this level, you will need to have completed an AWS Welding Fundamentals course as well as an AWS Welding Inspector Certification course.
Certification as a Level 3 W.I.
Level III is the highest. To become a certified Level III Welding Inspector, you must have at least five years of welding inspection experience and pass a written exam. The AWS also offers certifications for welding educators and welding engineers.
What should I do if I want to be a qualified welding inspector?
There are a few things you will need to do to become a qualified welding inspector. First, you will need to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. You will also need to complete an accredited welding program. Finally, you will need to pass the American Welding Society’s Welding Inspector Certification Exam.
While there is no specific degree required to become a welding inspector, completing an accredited welding program can give you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this career. The American Welding Society’s Welding Inspector Certification Exam is the final step in becoming a qualified welding inspector.
This exam tests your knowledge of welding safety, quality control, and inspection procedures.
Are you thinking about becoming a certified welding inspector? If so, contact your local community college or vocational school to find out how to get started.
What are the Benefits of Becoming a Certified Welding Inspector?
There are many benefits of becoming a certified welding inspector. The most obvious benefit is the increased Welding Inspector salary.
According to the American Welding Society, the average salary for a CWI is $75,000 per year. That is a significant increase from the median income of $65,712 for all occupations in the United States.
In addition to the increased salary, welding inspectors also enjoy other benefits. These include job security, as there will always be a need for welding inspectors as long as there are welders.
Welding inspectors also have more opportunities for advancement than welders and can eventually move into management positions.
It’s Fulfilling
Becoming a welding inspector is also gratifying to work. Welding inspectors help to ensure the safety of welders and the public. They do this by inspecting welds and making sure they meet all the necessary codes and standards.
Welding inspectors also play an important role in quality control.
By ensuring that welds are up to code, they help to ensure that products are safe and of high quality. This can be very satisfying work for those who take pride in their workmanship.
Consistent Need
There will always be a need for welding inspectors as long as there are welders. Welding is used in a variety of industries, including construction, manufacturing, and automotive. As long as these industries exist, there will be a need for welding inspectors.
This makes Welding Inspector jobs very stable. Even during economic downturns, Welding Inspectors will still be needed to ensure that welds meet all the necessary safety codes and standards.
New Challenges Every Day
No two days are the same for a Welding Inspector. Welds must be inspected for a variety of different factors, including size, shape, and penetration. Welding inspectors must also be able to interpret welding blueprints and symbols.
This can make the job both challenging and interesting. Welding inspectors who enjoy new challenges will never get bored with their jobs.
Defined Career Path
Welding inspectors have a defined career path. They can start as welding inspectors and eventually move into management positions. This can be very rewarding for those who enjoy working with others and helping them to improve their skills.
Invest in Your Career as a Certified Welding Inspector Today
Now that you know the benefits of becoming a certified welding inspector, it’s time to invest in your career. The American Welding Society offers a variety of different certification programs to help you get started.
These programs will teach you everything you need to know about welding inspection. They will also allow you to earn your CWI credential.
Invest in your career today and become a certified welding inspector!
Welding Inspector Salary
The average Welding Inspector salary in the United States is $75,326, but the range usually falls between $55,376 and $84,251. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
What are the Top Highest Paying Cities for Welding Inspector Jobs?
The list below shows the Welding Inspector jobs with the highest average salary in some of the most populous cities in the United States. If you are interested in Welding Inspector Jobs, be sure to check out these high-paying cities!
- New York City, NY
- Los Angeles, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Houston, TX
- Phoenix, AZ
- Philadelphia, PA
- San Antonio, TX
- Dallas, TX
- Detroit, MI
Remember that Welding Inspector salaries vary greatly from city to city.
What are the total pay estimates for a Welding Inspector at different companies?
The list below shows the Welding Inspector’s salaries at different companies. The figures represent the average salary you can expect to earn when working as a Welding Inspector at each company.
Total Pay Estimates for a Welding Inspector:
- National Oilwell Varco: $79,410
- Bechtel: $80,780
- Chevron: $81,180
- Self Opportunity: $82,120
- US Army: $84,250
As you can see, there is a wide range of Welding Inspector salaries at different companies. If you are interested in Welding Inspector Jobs, be sure to check out these high-paying companies!
Is being a welding inspector a good career?
Welding inspectors are in high demand due to the increasing popularity of welding as a construction method.
The job outlook for welding inspectors is positive, with an expected growth rate of 16% between 2022 and 2026. This growth is due to the continued expansion of the construction industry and the need for welders in all industries.
Is it possible to get a job as a welding inspector after doing NDT?
Welding inspector job requirements usually call for a degree in metallurgy, materials science, or engineering. However, many employers will accept candidates who have completed a related NDT program.
Non-destructive testing (NDT) is a type of testing that is used to detect defects in materials without causing damage.
Welding inspectors use NDT to examine welds and welded joints to ensure they are free of defects and meet the required standards.
How much welding experience do I need to become a welding inspector?
The short answer is that you need a lot of welding experience to become a welding inspector. There are no Welding Inspector schools that we know of, and most likely the CWI (Certified Welding Inspector) certification is not going to be offered at your local community college.
The American Welding Society (AWS) does offer some great welding courses, but again, these are geared more towards those who already have a lot of welding experience.
Is it possible to take a welding inspector course after mechanical engineering?
Yes, it is possible to take a welding inspector course after mechanical engineering. The Welding Institute (TWI) offers a Welding Inspector Certificate Course, which is open to anyone with a degree in mechanical engineering or a related discipline.
The Welding Institute is the world’s largest provider of welding education and training, and their Welding Inspector Certificate Course is internationally recognized. The course covers all aspects of weld quality control and inspection, and upon completion, students will be able to work as welding inspectors in any industry.
Conclusion
Welding inspector is a great career choice for those who are looking for stable work with good pay and benefits. It is also a gratifying job that helps to ensure the safety of welders and the public. So if you’re looking for a stable career with good job security and an increased salary, becoming a certified welding inspector is a great option to consider.
What do you think? Is becoming a welding inspector something you’d be interested in? Let us know in the comments below!
