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NDT Career Paths & Opportunities

Explore rewarding careers in non-destructive testing. From entry-level technicians to senior specialists, discover roles, salary ranges, and growth opportunities.

15+
Career Roles
$40K-$140K
Salary Range
$85K
Average Salary
Growing
Market Demand

Career Progression Paths

The NDT industry offers multiple career progression paths. Start as an entry-level technician and advance to senior technical expert, management, or specialized roles.

Entry Level
Getting Started

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Professional
Advanced Expertise

Develop specialized skills and take on higher-responsibility roles.

Advanced Certifications
Leadership
Executive Roles

Lead teams, manage programs, and shape industry standards.

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All NDT Career Roles

Entry
0+ yrs
NDT Technician Level 1

Entry-level NDT professional performing basic non-destructive testing under supervision following established procedures.

Salary Range
$40K - $55K
Key Skills
Attention to detail
Technical aptitude
Physical stamina
+4
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Mid
3+ yrs
NDT Technician Level 2

Intermediate NDT professional qualified to perform independent NDT inspections, interpret results, and mentor Level 1 technicians.

Salary Range
$55K - $80K
Key Skills
Technical expertise in multiple NDT methods
Result interpretation and analysis
Problem-solving
+5
View Details
Senior
8+ yrs
NDT Technician Level 3

Senior NDT professional with extensive expertise, responsible for developing procedures, training, and technical decision-making.

Salary Range
$80K - $120K
Key Skills
Advanced NDT expertise
Procedure development
Technical leadership
+5
View Details
Mid
4+ yrs
NDT Inspector

Specialized NDT professional focused on inspection planning, execution, and reporting for complex projects and facilities.

Salary Range
$65K - $95K
Key Skills
Project management
Planning and scheduling
NDT expertise
+5
View Details
Mid
2+ yrs
Radiographic Technician (RT)

Specialized NDT technician with expertise in radiographic testing using X-ray and gamma ray equipment.

Salary Range
$60K - $90K
Key Skills
Radiographic interpretation
Equipment operation
Radiation safety
+5
View Details
Mid
2+ yrs
Ultrasonic Technician (UT)

Specialized NDT technician focused on ultrasonic testing for material thickness, flaw detection, and structural integrity.

Salary Range
$55K - $85K
Key Skills
Ultrasonic interpretation
Equipment operation
Sound wave physics knowledge
+5
View Details
Mid
4+ yrs
Welding Inspector

Specialized professional responsible for inspecting welds using NDT methods to ensure code compliance and structural integrity.

Salary Range
$60K - $90K
Key Skills
Multiple NDT methods
Weld metallurgy knowledge
Code and standard interpretation
+5
View Details
Mid
5+ yrs
Corrosion Engineer

Engineering professional focused on monitoring, assessing, and preventing corrosion through NDT and analytical methods.

Salary Range
$75K - $110K
Key Skills
Corrosion science and materials knowledge
NDT data interpretation
Statistical analysis
+5
View Details
Senior
6+ yrs
NDT Supervisor

Leadership professional responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing NDT inspection teams and programs.

Salary Range
$75K - $110K
Key Skills
Team leadership
Project management
NDT technical expertise
+5
View Details
Senior
10+ yrs
NDT Manager

Senior management professional overseeing NDT departments, strategies, and business operations.

Salary Range
$90K - $140K
Key Skills
Strategic planning
Business management
Leadership and team development
+5
View Details
Senior
7+ yrs
Quality Assurance Manager

Management professional responsible for quality programs incorporating NDT and ensuring compliance with standards.

Salary Range
$80K - $120K
Key Skills
Quality management
NDT knowledge
Audit and assessment
+5
View Details
Mid
4+ yrs
Pipeline Inspector

Specialized professional responsible for inspecting pipelines using NDT to ensure safe operation and regulatory compliance.

Salary Range
$65K - $100K
Key Skills
Pipeline inspection techniques
NDT expertise
Data analysis
+5
View Details
Mid
3+ yrs
Offshore NDT Technician

Specialized NDT technician with expertise in offshore and marine environments, including platforms and subsea infrastructure.

Salary Range
$80K - $130K
Key Skills
Offshore safety knowledge
Multiple NDT methods
Equipment operation
+5
View Details
Mid
4+ yrs
Aerospace NDT Specialist

Specialized NDT professional with expertise in aerospace materials, components, and stringent quality requirements.

Salary Range
$75K - $115K
Key Skills
Aerospace NDT specialization
Composite material inspection
Advanced NDT techniques
+5
View Details
Senior
8+ yrs
NDT Trainer/Instructor

Professional educator responsible for training and certifying NDT technicians, ensuring industry competency standards.

Salary Range
$60K - $95K
Key Skills
Advanced NDT expertise
Teaching and communication
Curriculum development
+5
View Details

Explore NDT Careers by City

See regional salary variations and local industry opportunities. NDT salary ranges vary by city based on local cost of living and industry concentration.

Plus 55 additional cities with NDT opportunities

Popular Specializations

Pipeline Integrity

Specialize in pipeline inspection and corrosion management. High demand in oil and gas.

Pipeline Inspector
Corrosion Engineer
Aerospace & Aviation

Work on aircraft and engine components with zero-defect requirements.

Aerospace NDT Specialist
Composite Inspector
Offshore & Marine

Inspect offshore platforms, vessels, and subsea infrastructure in challenging environments.

Offshore NDT Technician
Subsea Inspector
Manufacturing Quality

Ensure quality in manufacturing through NDT inspection and welding verification.

Welding Inspector
Quality Assurance Manager

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