NDT Jobs & Salaries in Norfolk, VA
The NDT job market in Norfolk is shaped directly by its industrial base — Naval ship repair, Port operations, Coal export. Major employers and asset owners in the area include Norfolk Naval Shipyard (Portsmouth), Naval Station Norfolk, Port of Virginia (Norfolk International Terminals), all of which run continuous inspection programs and rotate inspection contractors against multi-year MSAs. Code authorities most often cited in local procurement specifications are NAVSEA standards, ABS, USCG, so any inspector hunting work in Norfolk should expect those references in interviews and pre-qualification packages. Wages track close to the national median for inspectors, with overtime making up the variable component. A recurring local theme: "Carrier and submarine availability at NNSY runs against NAVSEA NDE standards that change at the work-package level — every UT operator on the waterfront has to pull current quals fresh each shift." Beyond the top-of-mind names, the deeper bench in Norfolk includes Lyon Shipyard — these are the employers that pre-qualification managers screen most often when filling rotational openings. BLS-anchored Level II wages in Norfolk run around $78,000/yr; Level III with API endorsements layers on to roughly $120,000/yr — the gap between the two is the single biggest reason local inspectors pursue Level III. Jurisdictional layer matters here: NAVSEA Tech Pubs and Mil-Spec NDT apply on top of the federal/national codes, and missing the local-authority reference on a procedure submission is a common rejection reason for first-time-into-Norfolk contractors. One angle that differentiates Norfolk from peer markets: Norfolk Naval Shipyard — only US public yard performing CVN refueling on East Coast. Turnaround calendar: Spring/Fall TARs — the inspection workforce flexes hard against this rhythm and overtime stacks during those windows.
Local industries
Top local employers / asset owners
- • Norfolk Naval Shipyard (Portsmouth) (Naval shipyard)
- • Naval Station Norfolk (Naval base)
- • Port of Virginia (Norfolk International Terminals) (Container port)
- • Lambert's Point Coal Terminal (Export terminal)
Methods most-used locally
UT for cranes and bollards; MT; PT; coating thickness.
| Role | Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
NDT Trainee / Helper 0-1 yrs • No certification yet; pursuing ASNT Level I | $38K–$50K |
ASNT Level I Technician 1-2 yrs • ASNT NDT Level I in one or more methods | $48K–$65K |
ASNT Level II UT/RT/MT/PT Inspector 3-6 yrs • ASNT NDT Level II in primary method(s) | $60K–$92K |
PAUT/TOFD Technician 4-8 yrs • ASNT Level II UT plus PAUT and/or TOFD endorsement | $78K–$115K |
API 510 / 570 / 653 Inspector 5+ yrs • API 510, 570, or 653 individual certifications | $88K–$135K |
ASNT Level III / NDE Engineer 8-15 yrs • ASNT NDT Level III in multiple methods | $110K–$175K |
Certifications worth holding for the Norfolk market
- ASNT NDT Level II in your primary method (UT or RT is the most marketable starting point)
- ASNT Level III in your primary method (the credential that unlocks procedure approval and inspector certification)
Application checklist
- Photo of your current ASNT (or ISO 9712 / NAS 410) certification card and the underlying written practice that issued it.
- Proof of relevant API certifications (510 / 570 / 653) if you are applying to Norfolk refining, petrochemical, or pipeline work.
- Documented vision examination (current within 12 months) and physical / colour-perception test as required by your written practice.
- A method-by-method experience log totalling the hours required by your level (e.g. 1,600 h for Level II UT under SNT-TC-1A).
- OSHA 10 (or 30) construction safety card; many petrochemical sites also require TWIC, BROWZ, ISN, or Avetta enrollment.
- Procedure-writing samples if applying for Level III or NDE engineer roles — at minimum a UT or RT procedure you authored.
- A signed reference from a Level III or supervising inspector who can vouch for your hands-on experience hours.
Frequently asked
What's the entry-level NDT salary in Norfolk?
Entry-level NDT trainees in Norfolk start around $39K-$56K (BLS-anchored regional band). Once ASNT Level I certifications come in (typically 6-12 months), base pay steps to ~$56K-$78K, with turnaround overtime layering on top.
Which NDT certifications are most in-demand in Norfolk?
ASNT NDT Level II in your primary method (UT or RT is the most marketable starting point); ASNT Level III in your primary method (the credential that unlocks procedure approval and inspector certification) — these are the certifications that show up most often in local procurement and pre-qualification packages. Note also NAVSEA Tech Pubs and Mil-Spec NDT — local code references that procurement managers expect inspectors to be familiar with.
Are remote / travel NDT roles available out of Norfolk?
Yes. Most Norfolk-based inspection contractors run a mix of local turnaround work and travel-rotation positions to other regions; a willingness to mobilise is one of the fastest ways to break into the industry from a Level I background.
Who are the largest NDT employers in Norfolk?
The biggest single employer of NDT inspectors in Norfolk is Norfolk Naval Shipyard (Portsmouth); the broader top-five typically also includes Port of Virginia, BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair, Lyon Shipyard. Pre-qualification with the top three names unlocks the bulk of the local volume.
What makes the Norfolk NDT market different from neighbouring cities?
Norfolk Naval Shipyard — only US public yard performing CVN refueling on East Coast Combined with: nuclear-trained ndt inspectors — asme section xi isi specialty. These local specialties shape the kinds of credentials that get hired here vs. neighbouring metros.
When does NDT hiring spike in Norfolk?
Hiring follows the local turnaround calendar: Spring/Fall TARs. Recruitment for these surge periods typically opens 60-90 days ahead, so positioning your resume by January for a spring TAR or July for an autumn TAR is the most effective approach.
NDT Training in Norfolk
Local courses, fees, and accreditation pathways feeding the same employer base.
NDT Services in Norfolk
The companies hiring inspectors — see the local service catalogue.
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Start Your NDT Career in Norfolk
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