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How to hire a pipeline construction inspector

Pipeline construction inspector hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring pipeline construction inspectors in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a pipeline construction inspector is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new pipeline construction inspector to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a pipeline construction inspector, step by step

To hire a pipeline construction inspector, you should clearly understand the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, and allocate a budget for the position. You will also need to post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a pipeline construction inspector:

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

    Before you start hiring a pipeline construction 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?

    A pipeline construction inspector's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, pipeline construction 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.

    This list presents pipeline construction inspector salaries for various positions.

    Type of Pipeline Construction InspectorDescriptionHourly rate
    Pipeline Construction InspectorConstruction and building inspectors ensure that construction meets local and national building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications.$14-36
    Plans ExaminerA plans examiner is typically in charge of evaluating construction or work plans, ensuring compliance with regulations and zoning ordinances. Their responsibilities revolve around gathering and reviewing applications and documentation, verifying the accuracy and authenticity of requirements, and assuring that they adhere to the safety policies and standards... Show more$19-40
    InspectorAn inspector is responsible for overseeing the overall condition of the site, ensuring that it complies with the safety standards and regulations. Inspectors' duties include monitoring the quality of the materials used, inspecting any defects and discrepancies that might compromise the operations, generating reports to assess the product costing if it meets the budget goals, and utilizing available resources in the market for the highest quality project... Show more$12-25
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • OSHA
    • Inspection Reports
    • API
    • Nace
    • As-Built
    • Cathodic Protection
    • Tie-Ins
    • GPS
    • NDE
    • NDT
    • Construction Crews
    • Cleanup
    • Oversight
    • OQ
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Coordinate, manage, and conduct geotechnical engineering and engineering geology subsurface investigations.
    • Review and approve all MTR's, welding procedures and NDE personnel qualifications.
    • Look at construction methods for footings, foundations, excavations and concrete work.
    • Coordinate with NDE crews and document all testing done according to codes or specs.
    • Launch and receive cleaning pigs and assist with the launch and receiving of smart pigs.
    • Inspect over welding process and utilities procedures under appropriate codes: API, ASME per company standards.
  3. Make a budget

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

    • Location. For example, pipeline construction inspectors' average salary in kentucky is 45% less than in washington.
    • Seniority. Entry-level pipeline construction inspectors 61% less than senior-level pipeline construction inspectors.
    • Certifications. A pipeline construction 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 pipeline construction inspector's salary.

    Average pipeline construction inspector salary

    $48,554yearly

    $23.34 hourly rate

    Entry-level pipeline construction inspector salary
    $30,000 yearly salary
    Updated January 21, 2026
  4. Writing a pipeline construction inspector job description

    A good pipeline construction inspector job description should include a few things:

    • Summary of the role
    • List of responsibilities
    • Required skills and experience

    Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a pipeline construction inspector job description:

    Pipeline construction inspector job description example

    Lift or move objects weighing up to 20 pounds 10 15 times a day; up to 40 pounds 7 10 times a day; up to 50 pounds 10 12 times a day

    Climb into and out of excavations and onto and off of equipment

    React immediately to emergency situations to prevent injury to self and others

    Detect and react to warning signals at work sites

    Able to operate tools and equipment required

    Perform maintenance on the company leak truck and all related leakage survey equipment

    Full description

    **Position Description: ** Performs an advanced level of inspection work on company pipelines, oversees contractors engaged in the construction and maintenance of a pipeline system Inspects installation, maintenance, and removal work performed by employees and/or contractors on transmission and distribution pipelines to ensure compliance and/or identify noncompliance with company and governmental standards. Assists with operation and/or maintenance of tools and equipment in performance of duties including: Pipe and crescent wrenches Pipe cutters and threaders Hammers and screwdrivers Picks, shovels, and rakes Air compressors and generators Plastic fusion equipment Combustible Gas Indicators - flame-ionization unit Jiggle bar Leak survey equipment Tapping and plugging Perform routine maintenance on vehicles and equipment. Maintains logs; compiles and prepares reports including but not limited to: Inspection logs Leak reports Job order completion information Training/testing records Mileage reports Accident/first aid reports Expense Reports Provides information, advice, and/or assistance to employees, contractors, landowners, public/governmental officials, and others relative to construction and/or maintenance standards, policies, and procedures applicable to work in progress. Investigate customer related orders and/or emergency situations including but not limited to: Low pressure calls Class 1 leaks Blowing lines Fires/explosions Undetectable lines Review invoices for accuracy (pricing, quantity installed, materials used, etc.). Regular and reliable attendance is required in performance of job. Employee may be required to perform additional duties as assigned. • *Position Requirements: ** Experience in use, function, and maintenance of tools and equipment applicable to position including accessing and utilizing computer applications. Experience with application of basic arithmetic: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Experience with and thorough knowledge of construction and maintenance of transmission and distribution pipeline systems. Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and/or industry standards and regulations regarding pipeline construction and safety. Experience and training relative to: Company Gas Operations Standards Manual (GOSM) procedures Emergency response procedures Welding/plastic fusion policies and procedures One Call System policies and procedures Interpersonal/communication skills Knowledge of function and/or maintenance of regulators, chart meters, well meters, cathodic protection, and leakage survey and remote methane leak device. Experience reading and interpreting maps, atlas pages, blueprints, budget information, and job orders. Knowledge and experience with basic computer operation and relevant software. Experience leading, directing, and/or training. Demonstrated ability to read and write fluently in English. Minimum Applicable driver's license Minimum Qualified Plastic Fusion Technician certification (as specified by position) Minimum Qualified Steel Welding certification (as specified by position) Lift or move objects weighing up to 20 pounds 10 15 times a day; up to 40 pounds 7 10 times a day; up to 50 pounds 10 12 times a day. Climb into and out of excavations and onto and off of equipment. Travel over uneven terrain including but not limited to: Mud Gravel Sand Rocks Ice Snow React immediately to emergency situations to prevent injury to self and others. Smell odorant in natural gas. Detect and react to warning signals at work sites. Able to operate tools and equipment required. Perform maintenance on the company leak truck and all related leakage survey equipment. (as specified by position) Communicates and/or exchanges information or instructions verbally, including use of company two way radios or cellular telephones. Peripheral vision and accurate depth perception. Visual abilities sufficient to perform job duties. \#FieldOperations We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, and disability, or other categories protected by applicable laws.

  5. Post your job

    There are a few common ways to find pipeline construction 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.
    To find pipeline construction inspector candidates, you can consider the following options:
    • Post your job opening on Zippia or other job search websites.
    • Use niche websites that focus on engineering and technology jobs, such as constructionjobs.
    • Post your job on free job posting websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Recruiting pipeline construction inspectors requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

    Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

    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 pipeline construction inspector

    Once you've decided on a perfect pipeline construction 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 pipeline construction inspector?

Hiring a pipeline construction inspector comes with both the one-time cost per hire and ongoing costs. The cost of recruiting pipeline construction inspectors involves promoting the job and spending time conducting interviews. Ongoing costs include employee salary, training, benefits, insurance, and equipment. It is essential to consider the cost of pipeline construction inspector recruiting as well the ongoing costs of maintaining the new employee.

You can expect to pay around $48,554 per year for a pipeline construction inspector, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for pipeline construction inspectors in the US typically range between $14 and $36 an hour.

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