Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Career Overview

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

Also Known As

• NDE Technician (Non-Destructive Evaluation Technician)
• NDT Specialist (Non-Destructive Testing Specialist)
• NDT Technical Specialist (Non-Destructive Testing Technical Specialist)
• NDT Technician (Non-Destructive Testing Technician)

Alternate Job Titles

• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
• Corrosion Control Technician (Corrosion Control Tech)
• Corrosion Technician (Corrosion Tech)
• Industrial Radiographer
• NDE Specialist (Non-Destructive Evaluation Specialist)
• NDE Technician (Non-Destructive Evaluation Technician)
• NDI Technician (Non-Destructive Inspection Technician)
• NDT Coordinator (Non-Destructive Testing Coordinator)
• NDT Engineer (Non-Destructive Testing Engineer)
• NDT Inspector (Non-Destructing Testing Inspector)
• NDT Inspector (Non-Destructive Testing Inspector)
• NDT Scientist (Non-Destructive Testing Scientist)
• NDT Specialist (Non-Destructive Testing Specialist)
• NDT Technical Advisor (Non-Destructive Testing Technical Advisor)
• NDT Technical Specialist (Non-Destructive Testing Technical Specialist)

What You'll Do

In this role, your typical responsibilities include:

• Interpret the results of all methods of non-destructive testing (NDT), such as acoustic emission, electromagnetic, leak, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, neutron radiographic, radiographic, thermal or infrared, ultrasonic, vibration analysis, and visual testing.
• Interpret or evaluate test results in accordance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, or procedures.
• Identify defects in solid materials, using ultrasonic testing techniques.
• Make radiographic images to detect flaws in objects while leaving objects intact.
• Prepare reports on non-destructive testing results.
• Select, calibrate, or operate equipment used in the non-destructive testing of products or materials.
• Visually examine materials, structures, or components for signs of corrosion, metal fatigue, cracks, or other flaws, using tools and equipment such as endoscopes, closed-circuit television systems, and fiber optics.

Emerging Responsibilities

As this field evolves, you may also:

• Operate drones for remote inspection of large or hard-to-reach structures, such as wind turbines, bridges, or tall buildings.

Knowledge You'll Use

You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:

• Engineering and Technology
• Mathematics
• English Language
• Physics
• Education and Training
• Computers and Electronics

Essential Skills

Success in this career requires strong skills in:

1. Reading Comprehension
2. Quality Control Analysis
3. Active Listening

Key Abilities

This career requires key abilities in:

• Problem Sensitivity
• Deductive Reasoning
• Near Vision
• Written Comprehension
• Oral Comprehension
• Inductive Reasoning
• Information Ordering
• Oral Expression
• Far Vision
• Written Expression

Work Style

People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:

• Attention to Detail
• Dependability
• Cautiousness
• Integrity
• Achievement Orientation

What Matters in This Career

This career tends to satisfy these work values:

• Support
• Independence
• Achievement
• Working Conditions
• Recognition

Education & Preparation

Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)

On-the-Job Training: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years

Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Experience Required: 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.

Technology You'll Use

Popular Technologies & Software

• Autodesk AutoCAD
• Microsoft Access
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office software
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Project
• Microsoft Word
• SAP software

Tools & Equipment

• Acoustic emissions systems
• Acoustic testers
• Amp meters
• Binocular polarizing microscopes
• Binoculars
• Black lights
• Capacitance testers
• Charge-coupled device CCD cameras
• Closed circuit television systems
• Computer assisted tomography CAT inspection equipment
• Depth gauges
• Desktop computers
• Digital micrometers
• Digital oscilloscopes
• Digital refractometers

Work Environment

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
• E-Mail
• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
• Telephone Conversations

Salary & Job Market

Wages reported for the broader Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other occupational group (BLS 2024), which includes Non-Destructive Testing Specialists.

Salary Percentile	Annual Wage
Entry-Level (10th percentile)	$47,010
Median	$77,390
Top Earners (90th percentile)	$114,630

Workers Employed Nationally: 64,410

Related Careers

If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:

---

---

Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.