Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment. The role reports a median annual salary of $77,390 in the US and is showing modest growth of 2% over the next decade. Entry typically requires a Associate's degree, and shows moderate AI exposure (0.50 on a 0-1 scale) — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. The most in-demand skills for the role include non-destructive testing, quality standards, create solutions to problems, record test data, report test findings.
Pay in the UK
UK: median £44,843 a year for Engineering technicians (ONS ASHE 2025, full-time)
Middle half of full-time jobs: £35,086 to £55,963 a year
UK jobs are grouped differently; this is the closest UK occupation group (ONS SOC 2020 3113). ONS rates this estimate precise. 2025 provisional figures; ONS revises them a year later. Source: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (Open Government Licence)
Pay in India (occupation group)
No official India pay figure for this career: it falls in more than one occupation group, and the Government of India's labour survey (PLFS) publishes pay only by occupation group.
1 open listing on our jobs board → Recent listings whose job title matches this career. Some jobs in this career are advertised under other titles.
Top skills
Knowledge you'll build
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Physics
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Production and Processing
What you'd actually do
- 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.
Tools & technology you'd use
Frequently asked questions
What does Non-Destructive Testing Specialists do?
Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.
How much does Non-Destructive Testing Specialists earn?
The median annual salary for Non-Destructive Testing Specialists in the US is $77,390.
What is the job outlook for Non-Destructive Testing Specialists?
The role is showing modest growth of 2% over the next decade. Current US employment is approximately 67,300 workers.
How do I become non-destructive testing specialists?
The typical entry education is a Associate's degree. Building a foundation in the top skills below will strengthen your application.
What skills does Non-Destructive Testing Specialists need?
The most in-demand skills for this role include non-destructive testing, quality standards, create solutions to problems, record test data, report test findings, wear appropriate protective gear. These are the skills O*NET identifies as most important for competent performance.
Will AI replace Non-Destructive Testing Specialists?
Our AI-durability model gives Non-Destructive Testing Specialists a score of 0.50 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at moderate AI exposure — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. Learning to work with AI tools rather than against them is the path forward.
How hard is it to enter this field?
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists has moderate barrier to entry — moderately gated — a bachelor's degree or equivalent training is typically required.