A worker in a yellow helmet performing maintenance or inspection tasks while secured with safety ropes in a confined space.

NDT Technician

Every day as an NDT technician is different—and every task helps create a safer world.


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Approximate Annual Income for Level II NDT Technicians

$50k-$109k*

According to The ASNT Foundation Compensation Survey, the average hourly income for Level II technicians is $38/hr. Annual income varies based on hours worked per week and overtime.

Survey is based on US salaries and all rates are in US dollars.

When you’re an NDT technician, you’ve gained specialized skills that are transferable across many industries and are in high demand. With these advantages, you can earn a salary that’s higher than “technician” roles in other fields.

What Does an NDT Technician Do?

Looking to design your own career in a constantly evolving field? Nondestructive testing (NDT) offers adventurous experiences—and work that can take you anywhere in the world.

An NDT technician (or NDT inspector) performs critical nondestructive testing that directly contributes to the reliability and safety of infrastructure worldwide, making a lasting impact. The job titles NDT technician and NDT inspector typically describe someone who has moved beyond entry-level or support roles.

*As with any job, the salary range for NDT technicians is affected by a variety of factors including:

  • Your geographical location

  • The industry you work in

  • Your company size

  • Your years and types of experience

  • The number and variety of methods you are certified in

Imagine a role in which you work independently:

  • conducting NDT inspections in various testing methods

  • using cutting-edge technology and equipment

  • interpreting and reporting inspection results

  • supporting Level III technicians, managers, and consultants

This career offers creative problem-solvers a way to stretch their capabilities—without always being stuck in an office.

What Does It Mean to Be an NDT Technician?

The term NDT Technician applies to practitioners who can be found at various levels of an organization performing a wide variety of functions.

On this career path, you’ll typically hold a Level II certification and have a greater range of responsibilities than a less experienced trainee. You’ll be able to work independently to not only perform testing but also interpret results and prepare reports. As you gain experience, you may also be leading others in teams and working toward a Level III certification.

As an NDT technician, you have flexibility in the type of work you do. Consider a few examples:

Different Environments

  • On factory floors

  • Inside quality labs

  • Outside on oil rigs

  • Underneath bridges

  • On top of wind turbines

Different Organizational Structures

  • In management teams

  • Independently in the field

  • In a single location

  • On the road and across sites

Different Job Tasks

  • Material testing

  • Equipment maintenance

  • Quality control

  • Reporting results

  • Analyzing data

Different Responsibilities

  • Finding flaws and defects

  • Identifying problems

  • Advising on solutions

  • Recommending improvements

Not everybody can become a rocket scientist—but through NDT you can work on rockets. You might not be an astronaut—but you can work on aerospace components. My career has become part of my adventure.”

Brent Moulton, NDT Technician and ASNT Volunteer
Brent Moulton
NDT Technician and ASNT Volunteer

Essential Certifications: Meet NDT Technician Requirements

ASNT standards-based certifications demonstrate your mastery of nondestructive testing methods and practical field experience—creating both stability and growth opportunities.

These globally recognized certifications are highly transferable—so you can take them with you as you advance or change roles and jobs.

ASNT NDT Level II

Computer-based examination for general NDT testing and specific qualifications in one or more testing methods and their related techniques.

ASNT 9712 Level II

Computer-based and practical hands-on demonstration of qualifications in NDT testing across the most in-demand methods and techniques.

ISQ Oil & Gas

Practical qualifications through hands-on performance demonstrations for practitioners specializing in the petrochemical industry.

A smiling male technician wearing a blue safety helmet, safety vest, and blue earmuffs around his neck.

What’s Next? Career Pathways for NDT Technicians

As an NDT technician, you’re building a body of knowledge and skills that open doors to career advancement in many directions.

As your experience grows, you may find yourself with options for transitioning your skills into new companies, locations, applications, or even across industries.

See where your advanced skills can lead.

NDT Manager

Develop, implement, and maintain programs, methods, and procedures to ensure that NDT inspections meet quality and safety standards.

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NDT Instructor

Share your NDT testing knowledge and expertise by providing quality instruction to students in NDT education programs.

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NDT Consultant

Skillfully apply your NDT knowledge and experience to solve complex issues and provide valuable services to your own business clients

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Elevate Your NDT Experience

ASNT is your resource, partner, and community connection throughout your NDT career.

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