How to hire a mechanical inspector

How to hire a mechanical inspector, step by step

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

What does a mechanical inspector do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The mechanical inspector hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   A mechanical inspector's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, mechanical inspectors from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

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

   Type of Mechanical Inspector	Description	Hourly rate
   Mechanical Inspector	Quality control inspectors examine products and materials for defects or deviations from specifications.	$17-32
   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:

   • Calipers
   • Micrometers
   • Mechanical Inspection
   • GD
   • Engineering Drawings
   • Aerospace
   • Inspection Tools
   • Hand Tools
   • ANSI
   • Inspection Equipment
   • Surface Plate
   • Quality Standards
   • Inspection Results
   • NDT

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Inspect parts to blueprints using all measuring equipment; micrometer, surface plate, calipers, customer certifications and P.O.
   • Review vendor supply certifications and first article inspection reports for accurate completion of documentation.
   • Draft ISO's as needed.
   • Adhere to FDA and ISO compliance.
   • Assemble composite assemblies in jigs.
   • Program and operate Mitutoyo CMM.

   More mechanical inspector duties

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, mechanical inspectors' average salary in georgia is 44% less than in connecticut.
   • Seniority. Entry-level mechanical inspectors 46% less than senior-level mechanical inspectors.
   • Certifications. A mechanical 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 mechanical inspector's salary.

   Average mechanical inspector salary

   $49,727yearly

   $23.91 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level mechanical inspector salary

   $36,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

   Average mechanical inspector salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Nebraska	$56,525	$27
   2	Pennsylvania	$53,216	$26
   3	New York	$53,160	$26
   4	Arizona	$52,520	$25
   5	New Mexico	$51,970	$25
   6	Massachusetts	$51,892	$25
   7	New Hampshire	$51,857	$25
   8	Michigan	$50,997	$25
   9	California	$50,648	$24
   10	Colorado	$50,384	$24
   11	Texas	$46,558	$22
   12	Oregon	$45,725	$22
   13	Florida	$45,380	$22
   14	Arkansas	$43,994	$21
   15	North Carolina	$43,988	$21
   16	Georgia	$39,650	$19
   17	Mississippi	$39,500	$19

   Average mechanical inspector salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	PBF Energy	$74,587	$35.86
   2	Bristol-Myers Squibb	$70,736	$34.01	1
   3	City of Detroit	$68,651	$33.01	3
   4	T.Y. Lin International	$65,400	$31.44	32
   5	City of Los Angeles	$65,217	$31.35	3
   6	City Of Norwalk, Connecticut	$64,573	$31.04
   7	Applied Materials	$64,516	$31.02	29
   8	City of San Antonio	$62,913	$30.25	1
   9	HDR	$60,779	$29.22	72
   10	Fusion Technology	$60,084	$28.89
   11	ICU Medical	$59,442	$28.58	5
   12	City of Louisville	$59,025	$28.38
   13	Shelby County	$58,978	$28.35	2
   14	Idexcel	$58,092	$27.93	7
   15	Oceaneering	$57,497	$27.64	9
   16	Northrop Grumman	$57,110	$27.46	42
   17	Generac Holdings	$56,357	$27.09	4
   18	Canton Township, Michigan	$55,891	$26.87
   19	Johnson Mirmiran & Thompson Inc	$55,525	$26.69	116
   20	Zachry Group	$54,968	$26.43	26

4. Writing a mechanical inspector job description

   A mechanical 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. Below, you can find an example of a mechanical inspector job description:

   Mechanical inspector job description example

   We are currently looking for a dynamic individual as a for our Performance Products organization at our site located in Conroe, Tx.
   
   A Mechanical Integrity Inspector, is responsible for development, implementation, and execution of fixed equipment inspection program for the facility to include ensuring that equipment repair meets regulatory requirements. Plan, coordinate, and perform required internal and external compliance inspections.
   What will be expected from you?
   Implement and maintain a risk-based inspection (RBI) program. Update and maintain program and RBI database as needed.Manage the initiation of new equipment from capital projects into the mechanical integrity program.Review mechanical design drawings and issue required hold points and inspection requirements for fabrication of fixed equipment.Develop inspection scopes for fixed equipment and perform/coordinate inspections.Supply site with inspection and repair recommendations in support of routine maintenance.Manage relations with State Boiler Inspector and maintain site owner-user Inspection Agency status.Diagnose program needs and make recommendations for improvement Maintain the inspection schedule and insure that required inspections are performed on time.Manage on-stream inspection programs for piping, vessels, exchangers, tanks, heater, and relief devices.Develop repair scopes in effort to increase equipment life cycle value and maintain integrity.Manage QA/QC activities for new construction and repair projects for fixed equipment.Coordinate contractor work activities in the assigned area of the plant.Support and participate in Root Cause Analysis effort for fixed equipment in effort to improve system reliability and prevent recurrence
   Other general responsibilities:
   Follows instructions and performs other duties as may be assigned by supervisor.Assists other employees in accomplishment of Huntsman company goals.Participates in and completes company-required training programs.Participates in Environmental, Health, & Safety initiatives as set forth by the company.
   
   What are we looking for in the ideal candidate?
   High School diploma with 7+ years of experience Must have certification in all of the following: API 510 Pressure Vessels, API 570 Piping Inspection and Repair, API 653 Storage Tank Inspection and Repair
   
   What can we offer you?
   Huntsman offers unsurpassed opportunities to build a successful future. We are a global specialty chemical company with locations in 30 countries around the world, employing over 11,000 associates. Our diverse portfolio creates a range of career fields including manufacturing, research and development, technical services, sales and marketing, customer service - and the list goes on. The successful candidate will receive a competitive compensation and will be eligible to participate in a comprehensive benefits package which includes: medical, vision and dental, basic life insurance, AD&D insurance, and 401k. Here, you can make an impact and make a difference. Come join us!
   
   Additional Locations:

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right mechanical 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 mechanical inspector job on Zippia to find and recruit mechanical inspector candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with mechanical 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 mechanical inspector

   Once you've decided on a perfect mechanical 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.

   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 mechanical 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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How much does it cost to hire a mechanical inspector?