Welding quality control involves the monitoring and assessment of product quality by ensuring sound and reliable welds are produced, which comply with welding standards. There are a wide range of roles available in this field, such as Quality Control Welding Inspector, Certified Welding Inspector, Visual Welding Inspector, International Welding Inspector, and Quality Assurance Welding Inspector. Welding quality control professionals can work regular hours Monday to Friday or be required to work on evenings and weekends, depending on the role and employer.

The required qualifications and experience for welding quality control jobs vary according to the exact position. A high school diploma or GCSEs are generally required to start a career as a quality control inspector, but some positions may require a degree in engineering or a related field. Welding inspector jobs typically require an accredited inspector qualification such as PCN Level 1 for welding inspection.

Welding quality control professionals are typically employed in industries such as engineering manufacturing, mechanical, hydraulic, and sheet metal machining and those related to welding processes. As a result, some employers may ask that you have direct experience in engineering manufacturing practices, mechanical engineering or another related field.

The salaries for welding quality control professionals vary based on the position and experience level of the employee as well as the location and the employer themselves. However, as an example, the salary range for QA QC Welding Inspector and Welding QA QC is between $37,500-$64,000 and $38,000-$62,500 per year in the United States. In the UK (according to Glassdoor), the average salary for a QC Welding Inspector is £31301 per year and the average salary for a Welding Inspector is £38570 per year.

The training and certification requirements for welding quality control employees vary according to the position, although welding inspectors will typically require knowledge of welding codes and standards as well as an understanding of manufacturing practices, mechanical, hydraulic and sheet metal machining, and welding processes.

Common welding quality control techniques include dye penetrant testing, magnetic particle inspection, visual inspection and ultrasonic testing. These techniques are used in different industries to ensure the quality of welds and that they are in compliance with industry standards.

Welding quality control jobs can offer benefits such as job security and opportunities for career growth as your career progresses. Many employers actively seek full-time quality inspectors with expertise and experience in sheet metal machining and welding processes.

The challenges and risks associated with welding quality control jobs on a day-to-day basis include potential exposure to hazardous materials, eye strain, and repetitive motion injuries. To stay safe on the job, workers should follow all of the necessary safety guidelines, use personal protective equipment, and take regular breaks.