How to hire a certified welding inspector

How to hire a certified welding inspector, step by step

Here's a step-by-step certified welding inspector hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a certified welding inspector job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new certified welding inspector
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your certified welding inspector job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a certified welding inspector for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a certified welding inspector to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a certified welding inspector that fits the bill.

   The following list breaks down different types of certified welding inspectors and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Certified Welding Inspector	Description	Hourly rate
   Certified Welding Inspector	Quality control inspectors examine products and materials for defects or deviations from specifications.	$14-34
   Test Operator	The job of a test operator is to test the functionality of electronic components, assemblies, units, parts, and systems in a manner consistent with standard procedures. As a test operator, you will perform a variety of duties that include working with engineers to ensure accurate procedures are being followed, perform different mechanical assembly operations, and inspecting products for the correct orientation and placement... Show more	$12-23
   Quality Assurance Inspector	Quality Assurance Auditors are employees who ensure the adherence of other employees to company processes and guidelines. They are expected to be experts on quality assurance processes and procedures... Show more	$12-23

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CWI
   • PT
   • Structural Steel
   • NDT
   • Inspection Reports
   • Level II
   • RT
   • Destructive Testing
   • Arc Welding
   • Non-Destructive
   • Nace
   • API
   • Procedure Specifications
   • ASNT

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Verify all welders are within approve WPS parameters using the GTAW, FCAW, SMAW and GMAW welding processes.
   • Inspect construction projects to ensure adherence to AISC requirements for clients of 3rd party NDT visual and ultrasonic testing company.
   • Experience welder in FCAW, TIG, SMAW with AWS D1.1 Certification.
   • Log all welds, schedule all NDE, develop weld procedures, test welders, perform all visual inspections on welds.
   • Qualify PQR's to the applicable codes.
   • Weld various types of metals using MIG and TIG.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your certified welding inspector job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A certified welding inspector salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, certified welding inspectors' average salary in illinois is 51% less than in district of columbia.
   • Seniority. Entry-level certified welding inspectors earn 57% less than senior-level certified welding inspectors.
   • Certifications. A certified welding inspector with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a certified welding inspector's salary.

   Average certified welding inspector salary

   $47,494yearly

   $22.83 hourly rate

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   Entry-level certified welding inspector salary

   $31,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 28, 2025

4. Writing a certified welding inspector job description

   A certified welding inspector job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a certified welding inspector job description:

   Certified welding inspector job description example

   Do you currently hold the ICC Bolting Inspection Certification? Are you working towards or are currently a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)? If so, we want you to join our team!
   
   Come work for a team that is ready to help you to continue to grow your career in Construction Materials Testing!
   
   This position exists for the primary purpose of providing testing observation and general inspections on the assigned field project according to the applicable specification for independent testing laboratories. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, sample reparation, collection & testing, field observations, general inspections and documentation of construction activities on site pertaining to soil, concrete, grout, mortar and asphalt. The position requires the incumbent to clearly identify, verbally communicate, and document test results and activities.
   
   Building & Earth offers a competitive benefits package including Medical, Dental, and Vision plans, 401(k) with company match, Flexible Spending Account, and Group Short Term Disability and Life Insurance plans.
   SCHEDULING NOTE: This position will require NIGHT shift work as well as some WEEKEND work days. Your daily schedule can change from day to day and you must be able to accommodate a flexible working schedule and have reliable transportation to and from the branch office at all hours of the day if needed. Responsibilities Essential Functions and Responsibilities
   Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time as needed. Reasonable temporary modifications for a period of time do not waive any essential functions of the job requirements. The position requires an incumbent to be trained to:
   • Receive, understand and execute written and verbal directions • Review specifications for civil and structural plans and identify sections applicable to the scope ofwork • Perform tests and observations according to project requirements • Perform both general & special construction inspections, such as concrete & masonry construction, fireproofing, proof roll footing, etc. • Submit daily field reports to document testing, inspections and field observations • Document and communicate non-conforming items to designated project supervision • Clean, maintain and calibrate all assigned equipment according to applicable codes and standards • Transport, operate and care for a nuclear density gauge as assigned, meeting all safety, care and maintenance guidelines as outlined in the Radiation Safety Program Policy. • Provide training and limited oversight to lower level Engineering Technicians Qualifications Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies)
   • Advanced knowledge of sample preparation, collection & testing, field observations and documentation of construction activities. • Knowledge of general construction inspection responsibilities. • Must pass relevant tests and/or achieve valid signatures. • Ability to create and maintain accurate and confidential test records and to prepare easily understandable reports for documentation. • Skilled in the use of computers and common software applications. • Ability to teach company specific software and programs. • Ability to train others. Can give and follow directions. • Ability to communicate effectively. • Ability to build and maintain effective working. • Ability to dress, speak and act professionally & appropriately • Ability to deal with stressful situations, multiple priorities and hectic schedules calmly and courteously. • Ability to work ethically, honestly and safely at all times as scheduled. • Ability to drive a company vehicle and adhere to all company guidelines for operation and safety.
   Physical Requirements
   1. Must be able to move, lift or carry objects or materials up to 50 lbs. without assistance.
   2. Ability to climb ladders and scaffolding
   3. Ability to physically maneuver construction sites and excavations
   4. Visual/hearing ability sufficient to comprehend written/verbal communications in the English language, including the ability to communicate directly and over the telephone and be understood.
   Minimum Education, Training, Certifications and/or Experience
   • High School diploma or equivalent
   • Minimum 3 years or 1 year with BS Degree in Engineering or other applicable sciences
   • ICC Bolting Special Inspector Certification and/or Certified Welding Inspector CWI certification
   • Competency in reading detailed plans and specifications
   • Competency in mortar and grout sampling and testing
   • General knowledge of asphalt placement monitoring
   Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
   This position is generally full time, with a normal work schedule of 7AM to 5PM, Monday through Friday. Hours will regularly be adjusted to meet construction schedules of clients and may include weekend rotations, night work, and early morning work.
   Travel
   Daily travel to and from construction work sites, generally within 100 miles from the home office, is expected. Short term, out-of-town work, generally lasting less than 2 weeks, is probable. Long term, out-of-town assignments may be required occasionally with advance notice of planned dates.
   Special Requirements
   1. Possession of a valid state of residence driver's license.
   2. Ability to be insured under all applicable Corporation insurance policies and requirements.
   Other Duties
   Please note: this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all reasonable activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find certified welding inspectors for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your certified welding inspector job on Zippia to find and recruit certified welding inspector candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit certified welding inspectors, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new certified welding inspector

   Once you've selected the best certified welding inspector candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new certified welding inspector first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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