What Does it Take to Be a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist?
Career Description Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.
Non-Destructive Testing Specialist Responsibilities
- Examine structures or vehicles such as aircraft, trains, nuclear reactors, bridges, dams, and pipelines, using non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques.
- Interpret or evaluate test results in accordance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, or procedures.
- 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.
- Select, calibrate, or operate equipment used in the non-destructive testing (NDT) of products or materials.
- Evaluate material properties, using radio astronomy, voltage and amperage measurement, or rheometric flow measurement.
- Identify defects in solid materials using ultrasonic testing techniques.
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Skills Needed to be a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist
Below is a list of the skills most Non-Destructive Testing Specialists say are important on the job.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Non-Destructive Testing Inspector
- Non-Destructive Testing Technician (NDT Technician)
- Quality Engineer
- Inspector
- Non-Destructive Testing Services Director (NDT Services Director)
Job Demand for Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
There were about 76,800 jobs for Non-Destructive Testing Specialist in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 5.2% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 4,000 new jobs for Non-Destructive Testing Specialist by 2026. There will be an estimated 7,100 positions for Non-Destructive Testing Specialist per year.

The states with the most job growth for Non-Destructive Testing Specialist are Utah, Nevada, and Connecticut. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, West Virginia, or South Dakota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist
The salary for Non-Destructive Testing Specialists ranges between about $36,120 and $98,720 a year.

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or Maine, make the highest salaries.
How much do Non-Destructive Testing Specialists make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $59,380 |
Alaska | $71,850 |
Arizona | $59,210 |
Arkansas | $60,310 |
California | $71,420 |
Colorado | $63,590 |
Connecticut | $64,510 |
Delaware | $51,380 |
District of Columbia | $92,600 |
Florida | $58,860 |
Georgia | $59,830 |
Hawaii | $76,070 |
Idaho | $55,540 |
Illinois | $63,760 |
Indiana | $58,450 |
Iowa | $57,620 |
Kansas | $65,870 |
Kentucky | $58,880 |
Louisiana | $59,930 |
Maine | $79,670 |
Maryland | $84,790 |
Massachusetts | $64,220 |
Michigan | $64,270 |
Minnesota | $57,440 |
Mississippi | $60,500 |
Missouri | $59,830 |
Montana | $59,810 |
Nebraska | $57,630 |
Nevada | $71,330 |
New Hampshire | $57,730 |
New Jersey | $75,380 |
New Mexico | $78,160 |
New York | $63,780 |
North Carolina | $63,600 |
North Dakota | $75,030 |
Ohio | $61,060 |
Oklahoma | $63,790 |
Oregon | $56,890 |
Pennsylvania | $57,210 |
Rhode Island | $73,240 |
South Carolina | $70,820 |
South Dakota | $51,110 |
Tennessee | $57,800 |
Texas | $66,630 |
Utah | $56,480 |
Vermont | $58,960 |
Virginia | $77,280 |
Washington | $74,810 |
West Virginia | $70,550 |
Wisconsin | $58,780 |
Wyoming | $67,110 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Non-Destructive Testing Specialists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Access
- SAP
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- IBM Notes
- National Instruments LabVIEW
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
How to Become a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist
What education or degrees do I need to become a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist?

Where Non-Destructive Testing Specialists Are Employed

The table below shows the approximate number of Non-Destructive Testing Specialists employed by various industries.

Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Non-Destructive Testing Specialist in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
- Medical Equipment Preparers
- Chemical Plant and System Operators
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
References:
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