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.
What Do Non-Destructive Testing Specialists Do On a Daily Basis?
- Produce images of objects on film, using radiographic techniques.
- Examine structures or vehicles such as aircraft, trains, nuclear reactors, bridges, dams, and pipelines, using non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques.
- Supervise or direct the work of non-destructive testing (NDT) trainees or staff.
- Develop or use new non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, such as acoustic emission testing, leak testing, and thermal or infrared testing.
- Interpret or evaluate test results in accordance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, or procedures.
- Make radiographic images to detect flaws in objects while leaving objects intact.
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What a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist Should Know
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Non-Destructive Testing Scientist (NDT Scientist)
- Non-Destructive Evaluation Manager (NDE Manager)
- Non-Destructive Testing Inspector
- Non-Destructive Testing Services Director (NDT Services Director)
- Inspector
Job Opportunities 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. 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.
What is the Average Salary of 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.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Non-Destructive Testing Specialists in different U.S. states.
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
Learn what Non-Destructive Testing Specialist education requirements there are.

What work experience do I need to become a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist?

Where Non-Destructive Testing Specialists Work

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Similar 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
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