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Career overview · SOC 17-3029

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

Also called: Industrial Radiographer · NDE Technician (Non-Destructive Evaluation Technician) · NDT Coordinator (Non-Destructive Testing Coordinator) · NDT Inspector (Non-Destructing Testing Inspector) · NDT Specialist (Non-Destructive Testing Specialist) · NDT Technical Specialist (Non-Destructive Testing Technical Specialist)

Median pay (national)
$77,390
$47,010–$114,630 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
64,410
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+1.5%
~5,700 openings/yr
Typical entry
Associate's degree

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·Pay for non-destructive testing specialists shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $114,630 versus $47,010 at the bottom 10% — 2.4x. The median of $77,390 leaves roughly 48% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +1.5% from 2024 to 2034 — slower than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 5,700 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 51 states with released data, District of Columbia pays the most for this role (median $109,120, +41% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $40,090 — a 172% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Word as in-demand technologies for this role.

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Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
  • Writing
  • Active Learning
  • Speaking
  • Mathematics
  • Learning Strategies
  • Science

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • 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.
  • Interpret or evaluate test results in accordance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, or procedures.
  • Identify defects in solid materials, using ultrasonic testing techniques.
  • Make radiographic images to detect flaws in objects while leaving objects intact.
  • Prepare reports on non-destructive testing results.
  • Select, calibrate, or operate equipment used in the non-destructive testing of products or materials.
  • 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.
  • Examine structures or vehicles such as aircraft, trains, nuclear reactors, bridges, dams, and pipelines, using non-destructive testing techniques.
  • Document non-destructive testing methods, processes, or results.
  • Produce images of objects on film, using radiographic techniques.

Tools & technology

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Word
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • SAP software
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • Fractal Concept SoftScan
  • GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies Rhythm UT
  • Geographic information system GIS systems
  • IBM Notes
  • National Instruments DAQ Assistant
  • National Instruments LabVIEW
  • National Instruments NI Motion Assistant
  • National Instruments NI Vision Builder for Automated Inspection AI
  • Visualization Sciences Group VSG Avizo Fire
  • Visualization Sciences Group VSG Open Inventor

Knowledge areas

  • Engineering and Technology
  • Mathematics
  • English Language
  • Physics
  • Education and Training
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Production and Processing