Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
SOC code 17-3029 · O*NET-SOC 17-3029.01 · Little to some preparation needed · Science and engineering
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$78,350
a year
Hourly
$37.67
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$80,960
$38.93 per hour
Middle 50%
$60,390 – $99,310
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$47,030 – $118,330
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
59,930
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other”, not this job alone.
- 10th percentile
- $47,030
- $22.61/hr
- 25th percentile
- $60,390
- $29.03/hr
- Median percentile
- $78,350
- $37.67/hr
- 75th percentile
- $99,310
- $47.75/hr
- 90th percentile
- $118,330
- $56.89/hr
What does a non-destructive testing specialist do?
Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
How to become a non-destructive testing specialist
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 68% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)68%
- Some College Courses9%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree9%
- Post-Secondary Certificate5%
Common questions
How much does a non-destructive testing specialist earn?
The national median is $78,350 a year. The full range runs from $47,030 at the 10th percentile to $118,330 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a non-destructive testing specialist without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension3.9/5
- Active Listening3.6/5
- Critical Thinking3.5/5
- Monitoring3.4/5
- Writing3.3/5
- Active Learning3.3/5
- Speaking3.1/5
- Mathematics3.1/5
Knowledge areas
- Engineering and Technology4.1/5
- Mathematics4.0/5
- English Language3.9/5
- Physics3.8/5
- Education and Training3.7/5
- Computers and Electronics3.7/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.4/5
- Production and Processing3.4/5
Transferable strengths: Quality Control Analysis, Operations Monitoring.