Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
SOC: 17-3029 O*NET: 17-3029.01
Median Salary
$77,390
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 1.5%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
5.7
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.
What does a Non-Destructive Testing Specialists do?
How much can you earn?
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$46,434
25th
$61,912
50th (Median)
$77,390
75th
$92,868
90th
$116,085
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:67,300
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+1.5%
Annual Openings:5,700
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)67,300
Current
2034 (Projected)68,300
+1.5%
+1,000
Employment Change
+1.5%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Reading Comprehension
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
94%
#3
Active Listening
86%
#4
Operations Monitoring
80%
#5
Quality Control Analysis
74%
#6
Active Learning
66%
#7
Monitoring
60%
#8
Equipment Maintenance
54%
#9
Writing
46%
#10
Complex Problem Solving
40%
Skills Overview
Reading Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced4.7
94%
Active Listening
intermediate4.3
86%
Operations Monitoring
intermediate4.0
80%
Quality Control Analysis
intermediate3.7
74%
Active Learning
intermediate3.3
66%
Monitoring
intermediate3.0
60%
Equipment Maintenance
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Operations Monitoring
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Active Learning
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Equipment Maintenance
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Writing
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Nuclear Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Agricultural Inspectors67%
5 shared skills
Chemical Plant and System Operators67%
5 shared skills
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists67%
5 shared skills
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment67%
5 shared skills
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Equipment Maintenance
- →Monitoring
- →Active Learning
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Quality Control Analysis
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Technology Intensity
Low
Technology Stack
Technology stack information is being compiled for this career.
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What education is required?
Education Required
High school diploma or equivalent
Experience Required
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Job Training
Training of a few months to a year