How to hire a weld inspector

How to hire a weld inspector, step by step

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the weld inspector you need to hire. Certain weld inspector roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   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 weld 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 weld inspector that fits the bill.

   Here's a comparison of weld inspector salaries for various roles:

   Type of Weld Inspector	Description	Hourly rate
   Weld Inspector	Quality control inspectors examine products and materials for defects or deviations from specifications.	$15-37
   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
   Quality Assurance Inspector	Quality Assurance Auditors are employees who ensure the adherence of other employees to company processes and guidelines. They are expected to be experts on quality assurance processes and procedures... Show more	$12-23

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Pipeline Project
   • NDT
   • NDE
   • Inspect Welds
   • PT
   • Tie-Ins
   • CWI
   • Api-1104
   • Magnetic Particle
   • Destructive Testing
   • Quality Standards
   • Structural Steel
   • Inspection Reports
   • Liquid Penetrant

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Inspect all coating application to ensure proper application and WFT is achieved per clients and manufacturers specifications and standards.
   • Instruct current and new welders in drawing and WPS reading.
   • Monitor compliance with WPS, specifications, codes, and standards.
   • Review shop drawings while performing tasks according to specifications of SMAW type welding
   • Record all detail defects for use in the future with FDA regulations.
   • Inspect FBE coating on final bench and calibrations of all test equipment.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your weld inspector job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A weld inspector salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, weld inspectors' average salary in wisconsin is 44% less than in connecticut.
   • Seniority. Entry-level weld inspectors earn 57% less than senior-level weld inspectors.
   • Certifications. A weld inspector with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a weld inspector's salary.

   Average weld inspector salary

   $50,441yearly

   $24.25 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level weld inspector salary

   $33,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 13, 2025

4. Writing a weld inspector job description

   A weld 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 weld inspector job description:

   Weld inspector job description example

   Come grow your career with Intertek!
   
   Intertek is looking for a Piping/Welding/NDE Inspector to join our US Site Construction team in Port Allen, LA.
   
   The Piping/Welding/NDE Inspector is responsible for ensuring that the Project Quality Plan in conjunction with Project Execution Plan is developed and implemented. This role will promote quality awareness throughout the organization, emphasizing excellence, continuous improvement, and corrective action to influence the overall success of company business. By joining Intertek, your contributions will be valued as we continue to help the world Build Back Ever Better.
   
   Duties:
   
   + Capture results of inspection/observations and report in timely manner
   
   + Ensure suppliers/contractors have relevant, up to date codes, standards, specifications and drawings
   
   + Interface with the discipline engineer, construction engineer, field workers and inspectors in a professional manner
   
   + Witness and monitor suppliers/contractors work activities, inspection and test in accordance with the approved Quality Plan, ITP, Quality Procedures and etc.
   
   + Assist review of Quality Plan, Inspection & Test Plan (ITP) and Quality Procedures and all pertained QA/QC documentation prior to commencement of any fabrication / construction work
   
   + Verify the implementation of PTW (permit to work) LOTO (lock-out and tag-out) and other safety procedures
   
   + Able to schedule and monitor ongoing NDE activities
   
   Requirements:
   
   + Industry standard certifications preferred (CWI, API, etc.)
   
   + 10+ years of Piping inspection experience required
   
   + Able to work and communicate in a team environment
   
   A career with Intertek means joining a global network of professionals dedicated to bringing quality and safety to life. Our vision is to become the world's most trusted partner for Quality Assurance, and we offer our employees the chance to make an impact with attractive growth opportunities in this industry on a global scale.
   
   We offer a salary and benefit package competitively placed within the local market, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 401(k) with company match, tuition reimbursement and more.
   
   We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against applicants due to veteran status or on the basis of disability. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
   
   Intertek is a drug-free workplace. As a condition of employment, all hires are required to pass a pre-employment drug test.
   
   CA-IS

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find weld inspectors for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any weld inspectors they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level weld inspectors with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit weld inspectors, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   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 weld inspector

   Once you've selected the best weld inspector candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the 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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