Mechanical inspector vs coating inspector

The differences between mechanical inspectors and coating 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 $46,342 average annual salary of a coating inspector.

The top three skills for a mechanical inspector include calipers, micrometers and mechanical inspection. The most important skills for a coating inspector are SSPC, pipeline project, and surface prep.

Mechanical inspector vs coating inspector overview

	Mechanical Inspector	Coating Inspector
Yearly salary	$49,727	$46,342
Hourly rate	$23.91	$22.28
Growth rate	-3%	-3%
Number of jobs	33,863	16,698
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 30%	Bachelor's 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 coating inspector do?

Coating Inspectors evaluate industrial equipment to ensure that protective coatings were correctly applied. They go through a close watched training for identifying coating application problems and coating types that can protect the materials from corroding. Coating Inspectors utilize the paint in manufacturing plants and roadway projects for quality assurance. They must have physical stamina and be skilled in agility and math. They help to ensure that the coating protecting their client's assets will have a long life and serves with distinction, saving their money over the long run.

Mechanical inspector vs coating inspector salary

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

	Mechanical Inspector	Coating Inspector
Average salary	$49,727	$46,342
Salary range	Between $36,000 And $67,000	Between $29,000 And $73,000
Highest paying City	Omaha, NE	-
Highest paying state	Connecticut	-
Best paying company	PBF Energy	-
Best paying industry	Government	-

Differences between mechanical inspector and coating inspector education

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

	Mechanical Inspector	Coating Inspector
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 30%	Bachelor's Degree, 31%
Most common major	Mechanical Engineering	Business
Most common college	-	-

Mechanical inspector vs coating inspector demographics

Here are the differences between mechanical inspectors' and coating inspectors' demographics:

	Mechanical Inspector	Coating Inspector
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 91.8% Female, 8.2%	Male, 89.8% Female, 10.2%
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, 13.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 8.4% White, 53.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between mechanical inspector and coating 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.

Coating inspector example 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.

Mechanical inspector vs coating inspector skills

Common mechanical inspector skills

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

Common coating inspector skills

SSPC, 20%
Pipeline Project, 10%
Surface Prep, 6%
Inspection Equipment, 6%
Inspection Reports, 5%
Storage Tanks, 5%

Mechanical Inspector vs. similar jobs

Mechanical Inspector related careers

Mechanical Inspector related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Production and Manufacturing Industry
Mechanical Inspector
Mechanical Inspector vs Coating Inspector

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse production and manufacturing jobs