Mechanical inspector vs certified welding inspector

The differences between mechanical inspectors and certified welding inspectors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a mechanical inspector has an average salary of $49,727, which is higher than the $47,494 average annual salary of a certified welding inspector.

The top three skills for a mechanical inspector include calipers, micrometers and mechanical inspection. The most important skills for a certified welding inspector are CWI, PT, and structural steel.

Mechanical inspector vs certified welding inspector overview

	Mechanical Inspector	Certified Welding Inspector
Yearly salary	$49,727	$47,494
Hourly rate	$23.91	$22.83
Growth rate	-3%	-3%
Number of jobs	33,863	50,814
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 30%	Associate Degree, 31%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	-	-

What does a mechanical inspector do?

Mechanical inspectors are skilled professionals who are responsible for inspecting the electrical, mechanical, and other systems for commercial and residential buildings. These inspectors are required to inspect equipment such as boilers, HVAC systems, and elevators to ensure they are properly functioning. They must ensure that the works done are following local regulations while investigating reports of code violations. Mechanical inspectors must also interpret engineering drawings and specification requirements while performing quality evaluations on materials to determine the acceptance of products.

What does a certified welding inspector do?

A certified welding inspector is primarily in charge of inspecting welding works, ensuring its' strength and quality. Their responsibilities also entail checking safety equipment and materials, understanding project requirements, testing welds to ensure it functions according to its purpose, and evaluating the daily operations of welders to ensure that they adhere to the safety standards and regulations while operating various tools and equipment. Moreover, a certified welding inspector also helps welders by developing welding techniques to optimize operations, teaching the correct welding practices, and maintaining the cleanliness of work areas.

Mechanical inspector vs certified welding inspector salary

Mechanical inspectors and certified welding inspectors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Mechanical Inspector	Certified Welding Inspector
Average salary	$49,727	$47,494
Salary range	Between $36,000 And $67,000	Between $31,000 And $72,000
Highest paying City	Omaha, NE	-
Highest paying state	Connecticut	-
Best paying company	PBF Energy	-
Best paying industry	Government	-

Differences between mechanical inspector and certified welding inspector education

There are a few differences between a mechanical inspector and a certified welding inspector in terms of educational background:

	Mechanical Inspector	Certified Welding Inspector
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 30%	Associate Degree, 31%
Most common major	Mechanical Engineering	Precision Metal Working
Most common college	-	-

Mechanical inspector vs certified welding inspector demographics

Here are the differences between mechanical inspectors' and certified welding inspectors' demographics:

	Mechanical Inspector	Certified Welding Inspector
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 91.8% Female, 8.2%	Male, 89.0% Female, 11.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Asian, 8.1% White, 56.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	Black or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 8.1% White, 57.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between mechanical inspector and certified welding inspector duties and responsibilities

Mechanical inspector example 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.

Certified welding inspector example 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.

Mechanical inspector vs certified welding inspector skills

Common mechanical inspector skills

Calipers, 10%
Micrometers, 9%
Mechanical Inspection, 8%
GD, 6%
Engineering Drawings, 6%
Aerospace, 4%

Common certified welding inspector skills

CWI, 10%
PT, 10%
Structural Steel, 9%
NDT, 8%
Inspection Reports, 6%
Level II, 5%

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Mechanical Inspector vs Certified Welding Inspector

Updated January 8, 2025

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