How much does a Certified Welding Inspector make?
Certified Welding Inspectors play a vital role in ensuring that welds meet safety standards. They earn a good salary as a result of their important work. On average, a Certified Welding Inspector earns about $74,736 per year. This means they make a solid income, and they often get benefits like health insurance and paid time off.
Welding Inspectors can earn even more with experience. Entry-level inspectors, those just starting out, make less. They might earn around $45,000 a year. As they gain more experience, their salary can go up. Some inspectors can earn over $100,000 a year. This depends on factors like location, the company they work for, and their specific job duties. With each level up in experience, their pay can increase. This makes it a rewarding career for those who are willing to learn and grow.
What are the highest paying cities for a Certified Welding Inspector?

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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $105,308
In Los Angeles, welding inspectors play a key role in various industries, including aerospace and film production. Companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin need skilled inspectors to ensure safety and quality.
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Pittsburgh, PA
Average Salary: $95,833
Pittsburgh offers many opportunities for welding inspectors in manufacturing and construction. Companies such as U.S. Steel and PPG Industries rely on professionals to maintain high standards.
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Albany, NY
Average Salary: $85,465
Albany's growing tech and healthcare sectors create a demand for skilled welding inspectors. Inspectors work with firms like GE and Albany Medical Center to ensure compliance.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $80,189
With a booming energy sector, Denver needs welding inspectors to maintain safety and quality in wind and solar projects. Companies like Xcel Energy and Dominion Energy provide good opportunities.
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Salt Lake City, UT
Average Salary: $78,523
Salt Lake City's diverse economy includes aerospace and healthcare, where welding inspectors are crucial. Professionals work with companies like Northrop Grumman and Intermountain Healthcare.
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Houston, TX
Average Salary: $78,465
Houston, a hub for the energy industry, offers many opportunities for welding inspectors. Inspectors work with giants like ExxonMobil and Chevron to ensure safety standards are met.
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Tulsa, OK
Average Salary: $74,107
In Tulsa, welding inspectors are essential in the energy and aviation sectors. Companies like Phillips 66 and American Airlines need skilled inspectors to maintain high standards.
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Cincinnati, OH
Average Salary: $72,769
Cincinnati's strong manufacturing sector, including companies like Procter & Gamble, provides many opportunities for welding inspectors to ensure quality and safety.
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Columbia, SC
Average Salary: $70,895
Columbia's growing economy includes manufacturing and aerospace. Welding inspectors work with firms like Boeing and Michelin to maintain high standards and safety.
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Charlotte, NC
Average Salary: $68,062
Charlotte's diverse economy offers many opportunities for welding inspectors. Companies like Bank of America and Duke Energy rely on professionals to ensure safety and quality.
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What are the best companies a Certified Welding Inspector can work for?

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E2 CONSULTING ENGINEERS, INC.
Average Salary: $105,850
E2 CONSULTING ENGINEERS, INC. offers some of the highest salaries for Certified Welding Inspectors. This company specializes in providing engineering solutions and operates in various locations across the country. It values skilled professionals who can ensure the highest quality standards in welding projects.
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BAE Systems USA
Average Salary: $95,493
BAE Systems USA is a leading defense and aerospace company that pays well for Certified Welding Inspectors. They focus on creating advanced technologies and have several locations in the U.S. Employees work on critical projects that require high precision and expertise in welding inspections.
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DNV
Average Salary: $95,000
DNV, with operations in many countries, is known for its high compensation for Certified Welding Inspectors. This company focuses on quality assurance and risk management. Their work spans various industries, including marine and offshore, where welding inspection skills are vital.
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Tidewater Tech
Average Salary: $93,170
Tidewater Tech is recognized for offering competitive salaries to Certified Welding Inspectors. They operate in several locations, providing specialized testing and inspection services. Their projects often demand thorough inspection to ensure safety and compliance.
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SGS
Average Salary: $88,810
SGS offers attractive salaries for Certified Welding Inspectors and operates globally. SGS provides inspection, verification, testing, and certification services. They need skilled inspectors to ensure the quality of welds in various industries.
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Bureau Veritas
Average Salary: $86,158
Bureau Veritas offers good salaries for Certified Welding Inspectors and operates in numerous countries. This company focuses on testing, inspection, and certification services to ensure quality and safety. Inspectors work in various sectors, including construction and manufacturing.
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Novax Recruitment
Average Salary: $85,058
Novax Recruitment provides good pay for Certified Welding Inspectors. They offer recruitment services in multiple locations and industries. Inspectors here work on ensuring the quality and safety of welding projects.
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Terracon Consultants Inc
Average Salary: $74,227
Terracon Consultants Inc. offers fair compensation for Certified Welding Inspectors. They operate in various locations and focus on engineering and consulting services. Inspectors ensure the quality of welding work in multiple sectors.
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Atlantic Testing Laboratories
Average Salary: $63,000
Atlantic Testing Laboratories provides good pay for Certified Welding Inspectors. They focus on providing testing and inspection services to ensure quality and safety. Inspectors work in multiple locations, ensuring that welds meet necessary standards.
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Qualdoc
Average Salary: $58,000
Qualdoc offers a reasonable salary for Certified Welding Inspectors. They operate in several locations and provide quality assurance services. Inspectors here ensure that welding processes meet required specifications and standards.
How to earn more as a Certified Welding Inspector?
A Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) plays a key role in ensuring the quality and safety of welds. This job requires specific skills and knowledge. To earn more as a CWI, focus on the following key areas.
Gaining more experience is crucial. Those with more years of experience can command higher salaries. Employers value seasoned inspectors who understand different welding processes and industry standards. Continuous learning and professional development are also important. Attending workshops, seminars, and earning additional certifications can open more doors. Specializing in high-demand welding techniques, such as underwater welding or aerospace welding, can increase earning potential. Networking with other professionals in the industry can lead to better job opportunities. Finally, working for companies in high-paying industries, such as oil and gas or aerospace, can lead to higher salaries.
To maximize earnings, CWIs can consider several factors:
- Experience: More experience leads to higher pay.
- Continuous Learning: Attend workshops and get more certifications.
- Specialization: Focus on high-demand welding techniques.
- Networking: Connect with other professionals for better opportunities.
- Industry: Work in high-paying sectors like oil and gas or aerospace.



