Non-Destructive Testing Specialists: Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Stan T.Career, Overview

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

Salary
$67640
Becoming One
Easy
Education
No degree required
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth
Low

Personality
Interest Match



Job description

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

  • Interpret or evaluate test results in accordance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, or procedures.
  • 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.
  • Examine structures or vehicles such as aircraft, trains, nuclear reactors, bridges, dams, and pipelines, using non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques.
  • Select, calibrate, or operate equipment used in the non-destructive testing (NDT) of products or materials.
Read more about what does a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist really do at work and what is it like being and working as one.



Salary

Average salary
$65720 per year

Average hourly wage
$32 per hour


Non-Destructive Testing Specialists with little to no experience tend to make between $36120 and $47500 while the more experienced ones can earn over $80670 per year.

Top 5 paying states Hourly Annual
DC $45 $92,600
MD $41 $84,790
ME $38 $79,670
NM $38 $78,160
VA $37 $77,280

One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist is to move to a higher paying state like DC. Right now, the highest paying states for Non-Destructive Testing Specialists are DC, MD, ME, NM and VA.

However, a higher pay at DC doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at DC might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.

Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.


Requirements

Recommended degree level
No degree required

We asked other Non-Destructive Testing Specialists what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a High School Diploma followed by an Associate’s Degree.

Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.

Architectural Engineering Technology/Technician
Laser and Optical Technology/Technician
Biomedical Technology/Technician
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering Technology/Technician
Energy Management and Systems Technology/Technician
Read more about how to become a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist and the degree, training and education you need.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist.

PROS
Suitable for people who likes practical and hands-on work
Suitable for people who wants to work in a supportive work environment
This career is perfect for people who love to work outdoors.
It is easy to get into this career. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
CONS
Not suitable for people who likes to help and teach others
Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week)

What is the job like

Job satisfaction
70%

Is this job meaningful
60%


70% of Non-Destructive Testing Specialists said they were satisfied with their job and 60% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.


Is this right for me

Best personality for this career
The Builders and The Thinkers

You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.



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