Careers in Nondestructive Testing: Opportunities and Pathways

Looking for a career that’s:
Cutting edge? High demand? Excellent pay?

Choose NDT.

Exploring Careers In Nondestructive Testing?

NDT expertise opens doors across industries and roles.

NDT specialists hold positions as technicians, engineers, researchers, managers, educators, trainers, consultants, and business owners.

NDT Trainee

NDT trainees support technicians by performing equipment setup, calibrations, and evaluations while gaining experience and learning about all aspects of inspection services.

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NDT Technician/Inspector

NDT technicians perform nondestructive inspection of material, parts, components, and pressurized systems; interpret data from tests; maintain equipment; and supervise others in testing activities.

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NDT Manager

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

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NDT Instructor

NDT instructors share their extensive knowledge and expertise of NDT testing methods and procedures by providing quality instruction to students in NDT education programs.

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NDT Consultant

NDT consultants are subject matter experts who use their rich experience and skillful application of NDT methods to solve complex issues and provide valuable services to clients.

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NDT Researcher

NDT researchers advance the field of NDT by conducting experiments, analyzing data, and developing innovative techniques and technologies that enhance inspections.

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What Does an NDT Professional Do?

The question isn’t where you’ll work…it’s where do you want your career to take you?

NDT specialists work in leading industries around the world. You can build skills to take you anywhere you want to be.

Where do you see yourself?

Aerospace

Inspecting aircraft at an international airport—or rocket boosters at NASA?

Energy

Leak testing a pipeline in Alberta—or a deep-sea rig in the Gulf of Mexico?

Transportation

Protecting supply lines by testing rail lines—or shipping vessels?

Infrastructure

Determining structural integrity at the top of a bridge—or deep inside a dam?

Manufacturing

Inspecting finished products—or calibrating the equipment that makes them?

I could recommend an NDT career to just about anyone. There are not many careers where you can earn up to six figures without a degree, and this is one that’s definitely rewarding. Without these jobs, not just quality but safety is compromised. For the safety of future generations, we need this industry to thrive.”

Carly Cramblit
NDE Responsible Level III

How Do I Begin a Career in Nondestructive Testing?

Multiple career entry points mean you can start where you are—and grow along the way to gain advanced certifications, new roles, and increased responsibilities.

Alternative career paths in nondestructive testing include sales, research, and welding (CWI). Individuals can also pursue the military as a pathway to an NDI career.

The military provides one of the best ways to get into NDT. I was introduced to five nondestructive testing methods right out of basic training: liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, ultrasonic, eddy current, and visual testing. What I find rewarding about my job is going to work every day and knowing I’m going to have to critically think and solve problems and assess things that are truly important to public safety.”

Quinton LeJeune
Field Application Engineer

How Do NDT Certifications Support Career Growth?

Build trust—and value—with employers and clients.

The nondestructive testing field requires you to continually add to both your theoretical knowledge and practical skills through continuing education, training, and certifications.

$36k-$60k*

Uncertified Trainee

Entry-level NDT positions get you started performing inspections under supervision and build experience for advanced certifications.

Average hourly income for trainees is $23/hr. Annual income varies based on hours worked per week and overtime.

$50k-$109k*

NDT Level II

A Level II certification demonstrates the knowledge and skills needed to perform inspections independently, interpret results, and prepare reports.

Average hourly income for Level II technicians is $38/hr. Annual income varies based on hours worked per week and overtime.

$60k-$123k*

NDT Level III

A Level III manager certified in multiple NDT methods is qualified to provide technical oversight, training, and quality control and develop procedures.

Average hourly income for Level III managers is $46/hr. Annual income varies based on hours worked per week and overtime.

*These salary ranges are approximate and can vary significantly based on factors such as geographical location, industry demand, company size, and individual qualifications.

I was very lucky to get a job in NDT right out of high school. I started in aerospace, then moved to oil and gas pipelines. Now, I work on software and apps that help the inspection process go faster. Being a Level II means I’ve done a lot of field work, which helps because I know the flow and process of inspection and I can figure out how I want my app to perform in the field.”

Jesse Groom
Innovative Tech Lead, NDT

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