All About Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Non-Destructive Testing Specialist Example Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.
List of Non-Destructive Testing Specialist Job Duties
- Develop or use new non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, such as acoustic emission testing, leak testing, and thermal or infrared testing.
- 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.
- Document non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, processes, or results.
- Examine structures or vehicles such as aircraft, trains, nuclear reactors, bridges, dams, and pipelines, using non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques.
- Conduct liquid penetrant tests to locate surface cracks by coating objects with fluorescent dyes, cleaning excess penetrant, and applying developer.
- Produce images of objects on film, using radiographic techniques.
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Things a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist Should Know How to Do
These are the skills Non-Destructive Testing Specialists say are the most useful in their careers:
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
- Non-Destructive Evaluation Manager (NDE Manager)
- Non-Destructive Tester
- Non-Destructive Testing Scientist (NDT Scientist)
- Predictive Maintenance Technician
- Inspector
Job Demand 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 7,100 job openings in this field each 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.
How Much Does a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist Make?
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
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 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

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists work in the following industries:

Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist may also be interested in:
Those who work as a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
- Medical Equipment Preparers
- Chemical Plant and System Operators
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
References:
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