How to hire a coating inspector

How to hire a coating inspector, step by step

Here's a step-by-step coating 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 coating inspector job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new coating inspector
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a coating inspector, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or 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 coating 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 coating inspector that fits the bill.

   This list presents coating inspector salaries for various positions.

   Type of Coating Inspector	Description	Hourly rate
   Coating Inspector	Quality control inspectors examine products and materials for defects or deviations from specifications.	$13-35
   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
   Inspector General	An inspector general is responsible for doing audit reports and inspections to ensure that no possible fraud, misconduct, corruption, or power abuse in the government or private sector occurs. Their role is to monitor and inspect the agencies' effectiveness, assess possible mismanagement of a company, and improve the economy... Show more	$14-35

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • SSPC
   • Pipeline Project
   • Surface Prep
   • Inspection Equipment
   • Inspection Reports
   • Storage Tanks
   • Steel Structures
   • Project Specifications
   • Protective Coatings
   • API
   • Dry Film Thickness
   • Destructive Testing
   • Cathodic Protection
   • Visual Inspections

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Inspect all coating application to ensure proper application and WFT is achieved per clients and manufacturers specifications and standards.
   • Work closely with welding inspectors during construction, perform material inspection, and NDT before receiving for painting.
   • Work in compliance with ISO 9001 and other standards.
   • Provide water base coats of paint over steel and fiberglass doors.
   • Ensure compliance with all relate standards and regulations from API to NACE.
   • Review and witness NDT procedures, and ensure proper calibration and documentation.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your coating inspector job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A coating inspector can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, coating inspectors' average salary in illinois is 55% less than in district of columbia.
   • Seniority. Entry-level coating inspectors 60% less than senior-level coating inspectors.
   • Certifications. A coating inspector with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a coating inspector's salary.

   Average coating inspector salary

   $46,342yearly

   $22.28 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level coating inspector salary

   $29,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 24, 2025

4. Writing a coating inspector job description

   A coating 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 coating inspector job description:

   Coating inspector job description example

   Job DescriptionAre you looking to join a great manufacturing company in VT with growth opportunities?
   Our client is looking for Coating / QC Inspectors to join their team in Colchester, VT.
   
   As a Coater / QC Inspector the primary responsibility is to test all coated ducts with 100% accuracy performing visual inspections, product repair, mil and spark testing per the Work Instructions.
   
   What to know about this Coating / QC Inspector Role:
   
   • Weekly pay
   • Pay $18 - $19 for 1st shift, 10% shift diff for 2nd shift.
   • 1st Shift: 5:00am – 3:30pm Monday – Friday
   • 2nd shift hours: 3:30pm – 2:00am Monday – Friday (most Fridays 2nd shift leaves at midnight)
   
   Overview of the Coater / QC Role:
   
   • Visually inspect the product for any defects. Use a spark tester to identify any pinholes in the coating.
   • Use a mil tester to read the thickness of the coating.
   • Use a heat gun to heat the product and add powder coating as needed to repair any defects.
   • Maintain accurate documentation of all inspection procedures performed.
   • Request re-works as needed.
   • Enter product information into the ERP system using barcode scanner and some data-entry.
   • Comply with health, Safety (including OSHA), and environmental procedures, and ensure the cleanliness of the area.
   • Continue to learn and expand one’s own capacity within this job by increasing knowledge and skill base.
   • Perform various other assignments per lead person or supervisor direction.
   
   Who makes a Good Coating / QC Inspector?
   • Independent
   • Dependable; determined, positive in demeanor
   • Attention to detail.
   • Team player
   • Good attitude
   • Ability to stand on feet for 10 hours daily
   • Must be able to work in a face paced work environment
   
   If you are hired in October, November, December your name will be entered into a drawing for a Smart tv, Oculus, Nintendo Switch or tablets. One name will be drawn each week in December!
   
   Apply today for your interview for the Coating / QC Inspector position.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right coating inspector for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with coating inspector candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of 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 coating inspector

   Once you've decided on a perfect coating inspector candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

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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How much does it cost to hire a coating inspector?