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Non-Destructive Testing Specialist

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Life As a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist

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

Daily Life Of a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist

  • Supervise or direct the work of non-destructive testing (NDT) trainees or staff.
  • Produce images of objects on film, using radiographic techniques.
  • 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.
  • Make radiographic images to detect flaws in objects while leaving objects intact.
  • Develop or use new non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, such as acoustic emission testing, leak testing, and thermal or infrared testing.
  • Conduct liquid penetrant tests to locate surface cracks by coating objects with fluorescent dyes, cleaning excess penetrant, and applying developer.

Non-Destructive Testing Specialist Needed Skills

When polled, Non-Destructive Testing Specialists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Types of Non-Destructive Testing Specialist

  • Non-Destructive Testing Technical Advisor
  • Non-Destructive Testing Inspector
  • Test Technician
  • Non-Destructive Testing Scientist (NDT Scientist)
  • Quality Engineer

Is There Going to be Demand for Non-Destructive Testing Specialists?

There were about 76,800 jobs for Non-Destructive Testing Specialist in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 5.2% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 4,000 new jobs for Non-Destructive Testing Specialist by 2026. There will be an estimated 7,100 positions for Non-Destructive Testing Specialist per year.

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The states with the most job growth for Non-Destructive Testing Specialist are Utah, Nevada, and Connecticut. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, West Virginia, or South Dakota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

How Much Does a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist Make?

The average yearly salary of a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist ranges between $36,120 and $98,720.

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Non-Destructive Testing Specialists who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or Maine, make the highest salaries.

How much do Non-Destructive Testing Specialists make in different U.S. states?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $59,380
Alaska $71,850
Arizona $59,210
Arkansas $60,310
California $71,420
Colorado $63,590
Connecticut $64,510
Delaware $51,380
District of Columbia $92,600
Florida $58,860
Georgia $59,830
Hawaii $76,070
Idaho $55,540
Illinois $63,760
Indiana $58,450
Iowa $57,620
Kansas $65,870
Kentucky $58,880
Louisiana $59,930
Maine $79,670
Maryland $84,790
Massachusetts $64,220
Michigan $64,270
Minnesota $57,440
Mississippi $60,500
Missouri $59,830
Montana $59,810
Nebraska $57,630
Nevada $71,330
New Hampshire $57,730
New Jersey $75,380
New Mexico $78,160
New York $63,780
North Carolina $63,600
North Dakota $75,030
Ohio $61,060
Oklahoma $63,790
Oregon $56,890
Pennsylvania $57,210
Rhode Island $73,240
South Carolina $70,820
South Dakota $51,110
Tennessee $57,800
Texas $66,630
Utah $56,480
Vermont $58,960
Virginia $77,280
Washington $74,810
West Virginia $70,550
Wisconsin $58,780
Wyoming $67,110

What Tools do Non-Destructive Testing Specialists Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Non-Destructive Testing Specialists:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Access
  • SAP
  • Microsoft Project
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • IBM Notes
  • National Instruments LabVIEW
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA

How do I Become a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist?

What education is needed to be a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist?

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist?

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Where Non-Destructive Testing Specialists Are Employed

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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Similar Careers

Those thinking about becoming a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist might also be interested in the following careers:

Those who work as a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

References:

Image Credit: via CC0 Public Domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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