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What is a coating inspector and how to become one
Coating inspectors make sure that protective coating that is present on industrial equipment was applied correctly. Coatings are used in the manufacturing and construction industries in order to protect material from chemicals or weather conditions that could corrode it and cause structural damage. Thus, coating inspectors do an important job in making sure that materials are safe to use.
Coating inspectors need to be familiar with industry guidelines for coating standards in order to make sure that material is conforming to those standards. They inspect surfaces before and after coating applications, monitor environmental conditions, and log the results of their inspections. If they find out that a coating doesn't meet standards, they'll make recommendations for improving the process.
While some coating inspectors have bachelor's degrees, most do just fine with only a high school diploma. Coating inspectors need to get certified through the Coating Inspector Program from NACE institute. There are two levels of certifications, one requiring more practical experience than the other. Once they're certified, coating inspectors can earn an average annual salary of $51,656.
Avg. Salary $46,342
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate -3%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.79%
Asian 8.42%
Black or African American 13.48%
Hispanic or Latino 19.15%
Unknown 4.56%
White 53.59%
Genderfemale 10.20%
male 89.80%
Age - 46American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 46Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is intermediate
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
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Coating Inspector career paths
Key steps to become a coating inspector
Explore coating inspector education requirements
Start to develop specific coating inspector skills
Skills 
Percentages SSPC 20.03% Pipeline Project 9.52% Surface Prep 6.13% Inspection Equipment 5.54% Inspection Reports 5.09% Complete relevant coating inspector training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New coating inspectors learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a coating inspector based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real coating inspector resumes.Gain additional coating inspector certifications
More About CertificationsCoating inspector certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific coating inspector certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for coating inspectors include Certified NACE Coating Inspector and OSHA Safety Certificate .
Research coating inspector duties and responsibilities
- Inspect all coating application to ensure proper application and WFT is achieved per clients and manufacturers specifications and standards.
- Work closely with welding inspectors during construction, perform material inspection, and NDT before receiving for painting.
- Work in compliance with ISO 9001 and other standards.
- Provide water base coats of paint over steel and fiberglass doors.
Prepare your coating inspector resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your coating inspector resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a coating inspector resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Coating Inspector Resume templates
Build a professional Coating Inspector resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Coating Inspector resume.
Apply for coating inspector jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a coating inspector job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
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Average coating inspector salary
The average Coating Inspector salary in the United States is $46,342 per year or $22 per hour. Coating inspector salaries range between $29,000 and $73,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do coating inspectors rate their job?
Coating Inspector reviews
I did not like work with proper guide line
Working with no prints or no prints at all
In a lot of places, a QA Inspector tends to be a dead-end job at that particular company because it is difficult to find people willing to stay in that position long term (most leave within 2 years). However, it is a valuable stepping stone to gaining a promotion in a new company! Also, the job itself is thankless. Production dislikes QA, management never likes to receive bad news...it is a job where you never get thanked for preventing bigger errors, only punished if you end up missing anything. I takes a hardy person who likes working independently to perform well in this role.
Updated January 8, 2025
