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Architecture & Engineering · Usually needs a high school diploma

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

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

Also called: Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), Corrosion Control Technician (Corrosion Control Tech), Corrosion Technician (Corrosion Tech), Industrial Radiographer, NDE Specialist (Non-Destructive Evaluation Specialist), NDE Technician (Non-Destructive Evaluation Technician)

Is this career right for me?

Median pay

$78,350

Pay for the broader BLS group “Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other”

Pay range (10th–90th)

$47,030 – $118,330

People employed

59,930

Whole BLS group

Holland code

RIC

Realistic · Investigative · Conventional

Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers

Is this career right for you?

These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.

  1. 1.Are you OK with hours that change?
  2. 2.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
  3. 3.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
  4. 4.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
  5. 5.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
  6. 6.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?

The hard parts

  • Tight deadlines are common
  • Work outdoors in all weather
  • Mistakes can have serious consequences

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists pay by state

Highest-paying states

Maine$107,060
New Mexico$101,750
Maryland$99,970
Washington$99,720
Virginia$98,410

Lowest-paying states

Vermont$52,770
Tennessee$58,700
Louisiana$58,960

Annual median pay by state (49 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other”.

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists salary in every state →

What non-destructive testing specialists do

  1. 01Interpret 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.
  2. 02Interpret or evaluate test results in accordance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, or procedures.
  3. 03Identify defects in solid materials, using ultrasonic testing techniques.
  4. 04Make radiographic images to detect flaws in objects while leaving objects intact.
  5. 05Prepare reports on non-destructive testing results.
  6. 06Select, calibrate, or operate equipment used in the non-destructive testing of products or materials.

Skills that matter most

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
  • Active Learning
  • Writing

Knowledge

  • Engineering and Technology
  • Mathematics
  • English Language
  • Physics
  • Education and Training

Work styles that stand out

  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Integrity
  • Cautiousness

Education and first steps

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)68%
Post-Secondary Certificate5%
Some College Courses9%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree9%
Bachelor's Degree5%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate5%

Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.

How people get started

  • Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
  • Related work experience: none.
  • On-the-job training: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
  • A professional certification is often expected.

Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.

Interest fit (Holland code)

Realistic6.41
Investigative4.97
Artistic1.34
Social1.40
Enterprising1.00
Conventional4.56

O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.

Career changes

Change from non-destructive testing specialists

See all jobs for former non-destructive testing specialists →

Change into non-destructive testing specialists

Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).

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Majors that lead here

  • Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians
  • Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians
  • Laser and Optical Technology/Technician
  • Audio Engineering Technology/Technician
  • Biomedical Technology/Technician
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering Technology/Technician
  • Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians, Other
  • Plastics and Polymer Engineering Technology/Technician
  • Metallurgical Technology/Technician
  • Welding Engineering Technology/Technician
  • Chemical Engineering Technology/Technician
  • Composite Materials Technology/Technician

From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.

Free help near you

You can get free career counseling, job search help and, if you qualify, help paying for training through American Job Centers, which are funded by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Find an American Job CenterFind training programs

Links go to CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Keep exploring

Sources. O*NET 31.0 Database (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0): description, tasks, skills, knowledge, work styles, education, interests and work context. Pay and employment: BLS OEWS May 2025 (national and state). Majors: NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk. Data Sources & Licenses