What Do Non-Destructive Testing Specialist Do?
Example of Non-Destructive Testing Specialist Job Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.
Life As a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist: What Do They Do?
- 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.
- Make radiographic images to detect flaws in objects while leaving objects intact.
- 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.
- Map the presence of imperfections within objects, using sonic measurements.
- Produce images of objects on film, using radiographic techniques.
- Conduct liquid penetrant tests to locate surface cracks by coating objects with fluorescent dyes, cleaning excess penetrant, and applying developer.
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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.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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.
Types of Non-Destructive Testing Specialist Jobs
- Quality Engineer
- Non-Destructive Testing Inspector
- Predictive Maintenance Technician
- Non-Destructive Evaluation Manager (NDE Manager)
- Corrosion Technician
Job Opportunities for Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 76,800 jobs in the United States for Non-Destructive Testing Specialist. 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. The BLS estimates 7,100 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
Non-Destructive Testing Specialist Salary
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists make between $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 |
What Tools do Non-Destructive Testing Specialists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Non-Destructive Testing Specialists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Access
- SAP
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- IBM Notes
- National Instruments LabVIEW
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
How do I Become a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist?
What kind of Non-Destructive Testing Specialist requirements are there?

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

Where do Non-Destructive Testing Specialists Work?

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists work in the following industries:

Related Careers
Those interested in being a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist may also be interested in:
Career changers with experience as a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
- Medical Equipment Preparers
- Chemical Plant and System Operators
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
References:
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More about our data sources and methodologies.
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