Welding inspector
Also known as: welding checker, welding engineer inspector, sheet-metal welding engineer, sheet metal welding inspector, construction welder inspector, butt welding engineer
About this occupation
Welding inspectors examine the connections and bonds between metals. They utilise visual tools and electrical instruments to inspect and ensure the quality and safety of connections. Welding inspectors ensure that all related welding activities, plans and materials follow the appropriate guidelines, in accordance with safety regulations. In addition to working in the field completing their examinations of welding projects, inspectors spend time in an office setting compiling their reports.
A specialisation of mechanical engineering technician.
Essential skills and knowledge
- recognise signs of corrosion
- record survey measurements
- quality standards
- operate welding equipment
- quality assurance methodologies
- ensure quality of final product
- write work-related reports
- report defective manufacturing materials
- write records for repairs
- set quality assurance objectives
- analyse test data
- record test data
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation (O*NET 53-6051.07). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Inspect repairs to transportation vehicles or equipment to ensure that repair work was performed properly.
- Inspect vehicles or equipment to ensure compliance with rules, standards, or regulations.
- Investigate complaints regarding safety violations.
- Inspect vehicles or other equipment for evidence of abuse, damage, or mechanical malfunction.
- Issue notices and recommend corrective actions when infractions or problems are found.
- Conduct vehicle or transportation equipment tests, using diagnostic equipment.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 2 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Investigative
Top skills: Quality Control Analysis, Operations Monitoring, Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Critical Thinking
US median pay: US$92,100 a year (2025), 24,500 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (4.0)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.2)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Aviation Inspectors
- Transportation Inspectors
- Construction and Building Inspectors
- Locomotive Engineers
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
- Automotive Engineering Technicians
- Ship Engineers
- Rail Car Repairers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.