Do you want to become a welding inspector in California? If so, then this article will be just what you need. We’ll discuss how to become an inspector, how much it pays, and how to find the best schools for your needs. If you’re ready for a career change that is both fulfilling and rewarding, read on!
What is a welding inspector?
A welding inspector is a person who inspects and certifies welded joints to ensure that they are done correctly. Typically, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or manufacturing if you want to become certified as an inspector. Welding inspectors must be knowledgeable about how welding works and how materials behave under the intense heat of the welding process.
If you want to become a certified inspector, then there are three steps that you must take: certification training and examinations, job experience in the field of manufacturing or engineering, and finally, passing an examination administered by the American Welding Society (AWS). One benefit of becoming a certified welder is that you’ll be considered a professional member of the welding and other related trade societies once you pass your certification exam.
How to become a welding inspector in California
To become a certified welding inspector in California, you’ll need to take the following steps:
- Obtain certification training and examinations.
- Gain job experience as a manufacturing or engineering professional.
- Pass an examination administered by the American Welding Society (AWS).
If you want to work for Cal/OSHA, the California Department of Public Health, or any other public agency in California, then you’ll need first to complete a certification process. The requirements to become a certified welding inspector in California are more stringent than elsewhere. A process that Cal/OSHA oversees will take two years or longer, and it includes:
- Completing certification training through an accredited school;
- Taking the AWS examination at least three times without passing (this fulfills one of your experience requirements);
- Gaining at least two years of job experience in manufacturing or engineering.
If you want to work for a private company, then the requirements are not as strict and will likely take less time than with Cal/OSHA; how long it takes depends on how quickly you’re able to pass your AWS examination.
You’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or manufacturing if you want to become a certified welding inspector. You’ll also need to have two years of job experience in the field before taking your AWS examination for certification.
How much does a welding inspector make?
A welding inspector earns a median salary of $62,000 per year. Some benefits that come with being an inspector include:
- Paid vacation
- Health insurance and medical coverage for you and your family
- Retirement plan contributions if employers offer them to their employees
How to find the best schools for becoming an inspector in California
If you are looking to become a welding inspector in California, many schools can help. When choosing where to go, think about what kind of work environment you want and the area around it; if your goal is to find employment with Cal/OSHA or any other public agency, make sure the school’s program meets the requirements.
The best schools for welding inspectors in California include:
- University of Southern California – Viterbi School, which ranks among the top 25 universities nationwide;
- Northeast Lakeview College, which has a curriculum that is nationally certified by AWS and offers hands-on training through its cooperative education programs;
- California State University, Fresno Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Science, which awards degrees in industrial engineering and welding
- Cypress College, which is an affordable two-year college that offers welding inspector programs through its Center for Manufacturing and Engineering Technology
- Glendale Community College Welding Program, which is an affordable program that is designed to prepare students for certification in welding
- Laney College, which offers certificate programs as well as associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees
Attending these schools varies but usually averages around $14,000 per year, excluding books and other expenses. The total amount will vary based on how long you take the program and how much financial assistance is offered.
How long does it take to become an inspector?
It takes 2-3 years to become a welding inspector. Welding inspectors ensure that construction sites and manufacturing plants have safe equipment. In California, the requirements are more stringent than elsewhere; how long it takes to become an inspector will depend on how quickly you’re able to pass your AWS examination for certification. The cost of becoming a welding inspector in California varies depending on where you go and how much financial assistance is offered.
How can I get certified as an inspector if I don’t have any experience with welds or construction?
The AWS is a nationally recognized organization that certifies welding inspectors with at least two years of experience in the field. There are many schools across California and private companies that offer training to meet these requirements; how long it takes depends on how quickly you’re able to pass your examination for certification.
Summary
In this article, you learned how to become a welding inspector in California. You’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or manufacturing if you want to become certified as an AWS Welding Inspector and two years of job experience before taking your examination for certification. The cost of becoming a welding inspector varies depending on how long it takes the program and how much financial assistance is offered. I hope that this article helped answer any questions about how to become an inspection in California!