Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

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Career Profile

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

What they do

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

Also Called: Industrial Radiographer, NDE Technician (Non-Destructive Evaluation Technician), NDT Coordinator (Non-Destructive Testing Coordinator), NDT Inspector (Non-Destructing Testing Inspector), NDT Specialist (Non-Destructive Testing Specialist), NDT Technical Specialist (Non-Destructive Testing Technical Specialist), NDT Technician (Non-Destructive Testing Technician), Industrial Radiographer, NDE Technician (Non-Destructive Evaluation Technician), NDT Coordinator (Non-Destructive Testing Coordinator), NDT Inspector (Non-Destructing Testing Inspector), NDT Specialist (Non-Destructive Testing Specialist), NDT Technical Specialist (Non-Destructive Testing Technical Specialist), NDT Technician (Non-Destructive Testing Technician)

CA Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
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$52,060
Starting Salary (2025)
$80,480
Median Salary (2025)
1.5%
Projected Job Growth
7,330
CA Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Conduct liquid penetrant tests to locate surface cracks by coating objects with fluorescent dyes, cleaning excess penetrant, and applying developer.
Document non-destructive testing methods, processes, or results.
Interpret or evaluate test results in accordance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, or procedures.
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.
Prepare reports on non-destructive testing results.

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Integrity
Dependability
Attention to Detail
Achievement/Effort
Analytical Thinking
Stress Tolerance

What key skills are needed for this job?

Quality Control Analysis
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Writing

Expected Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Common Activities

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 2

Some Preparation Needed

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • High school diploma 68%
  • Some college 9%
  • Associate's degree 9%
  • Bachelor's degree 5%
  • Post-baccalaureate certificate 5%
  • Other 5%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.