What is a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist?
Position Description Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.
Life As a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist
- 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.
- Map the presence of imperfections within objects, using sonic measurements.
- 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.
- Supervise or direct the work of non-destructive testing (NDT) trainees or staff.
- Select, calibrate, or operate equipment used in the non-destructive testing (NDT) of products or materials.
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Qualities of a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist
When polled, Non-Destructive Testing Specialists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Other Non-Destructive Testing Specialist Job Titles
- Non-Destructive Evaluation Manager (NDE Manager)
- Non-Destructive Tester
- Non-Destructive Testing Specialist (NDT Specialist)
- Non-Destructive Testing Engineer (NDT Engineer)
- Corrosion Technician
What Kind of Non-Destructive Testing Specialist Job Opportunities Are There?
In the United States, there were 76,800 jobs for Non-Destructive Testing Specialist in 2016. 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.
Non-Destructive Testing Specialist Average 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 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 |
What Tools do Non-Destructive Testing Specialists Use?
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 many years of work experience do I need?

Where do Non-Destructive Testing Specialists Work?

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists work in the following industries:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
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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