Find Trade Colleges

Study Area & Zipcode

Non-Destructive Testing Specialist

Find Schools Near

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.

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.

  • 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.

undefined

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.

undefined

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?

undefined

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

undefined

Where Non-Destructive Testing Specialists Are Employed

undefined

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

undefined

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:

References:

Image Credit: via CC0 Public Domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Featured Schools

Find Trade Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited trade schools across the U.S.