Welding Inspector
Skilled TradesYou've put down the torch and picked up the inspection tools. Now you're the one who decides if a weld passes or fails, and your signature means a bridge won't collapse or a pipeline won't leak. The CWI certification is the gold standard, and getting it means you've mastered both the science and the craft. You'll make welders nervous just by showing up, and you'll reject work from people who used to be your peers.
Salary Range
Low
$75k
Median
$95k
High
$150k
10-Year Growth
2%
US Workers
427K
Education
AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) + extensive welding experience
Environment
mixed
Tools & Technical Skills
- ▸AWS CWI certification
- ▸Visual & NDE inspection methods (UT, RT, MT, PT)
- ▸AWS, ASME & API code interpretation
- ▸Welding procedure review (WPS/PQR)
- ▸Detailed report writing & documentation
- ▸Calibration of inspection equipment
People & Mindset Skills
- ▸Attention to detail
- ▸Integrity & impartiality
- ▸Communication
- ▸Conflict management
- ▸Analytical thinking
- ▸Decision-making
Learn the skills
Courses and certifications to get you job-ready
AWS CWI certification
AWS, ASME & API code interpretation
What you'll actually do
- 01Inspect welds using visual, ultrasonic, radiographic, and magnetic particle testing
- 02Reject welds that don't meet code and explain exactly why — to people who don't want to hear it
- 03Review welding procedures and ensure compliance with AWS, ASME, and API codes
- 04Document every inspection with detailed reports and photographs
- 05Travel to job sites, fabrication shops, and construction projects
- 06Maintain your CWI certification through continuing education and re-examination
Related Shifts
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