What is the salary of a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist?

The typical salary range is $54,173 - $108,346 per year.

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What's the salary outlook for Non-Destructive Testing Specialist and is it growing?

Tech & EngineeringStable

Non-Destructive Testing Specialist

Operational-level

Also known as: Corrosion Control Technician (Corrosion Control Tech), Corrosion Technician (Corrosion Tech), Industrial Radiographer, NDE Specialist (Non-Destructive Evaluation Specialist)

Tech & EngineeringBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist, you test the safety of structures, vehicles, and vessels without causing damage. You'll use specialized tools like x-ray, ultrasound, or fiber optic equipment. This hands-on role involves working closely with teams, discussing findings face-to-face, and accurately documenting your observations. You'll often wear safety gear and need strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and clear communication skills.

Non-Destructive TestingMaterials TestingQuality AssuranceIndustrial InspectionEngineeringApplied PhysicsSafety ScienceSTEMTechnical

A Day in the Life

The smell of hydraulic fluid and metal hangs in the air as you step into the fabrication shop outside Houston. After clocking in, you don your steel-toed boots, hard hat, and safety glasses. Your shift starts with reviewing yesterday's inspection logs on the company tablet and checking today’s schedule: several new welds on a critical pipe section need ultrasonic testing. You grab your Olympus Epoch 650 flaw detector, ensuring its calibration is current before heading to the assembly line.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Autodesk AutoCAD Microsoft Access Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Project Microsoft Word SAP software

In-demand software

Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Word

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

+2.8%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

5,400

per year (US)

Jobs today

62,400

in 2025 → 64,100 (2035)

Typical entry education

Associate's degree

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

High

Working in a team

High

Contact with others

High

Freedom to make decisions

High

Time pressure

High

Time spent sitting

Moderate

Working outdoors

High

Indoor, climate-controlled

High

Dealing with customers

High

Level of competition

Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

The outlook for this career is stable, with about 5,400 job openings expected each year through 2035. The median annual wage is around $78,350. With experience, you can advance to NDT Level III Specialist, Quality and Reliability Engineer, or Quality Assurance Manager roles.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Entry-Level Quality Control Technician
Industrial Inspection Assistant
Test Equipment Operator

Non-Destructive Testing Specialist

Where it can lead

NDT Level III Specialist
Quality and Reliability Engineer
Quality Assurance Manager

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will significantly enhance Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) by automating defect detection and analysis through machine learning, processing large datasets from sensors and imaging more efficiently. This will lead to faster, more accurate inspections and predictive maintenance capabilities. Specialists will shift towards interpreting AI-generated insights, managing advanced systems, and addressing complex anomalies.

Salary

$78,350

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Technical Specialist

Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 1 year

Electrician