Engineering
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.
Median salary (BLS)
$78,350
10th–90th percentile (BLS)
$47k – $118k
Job outlook
+2% (about average)
AI exposure
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports one wage for this occupational group, which covers 2 related roles — so read the median as an approximate group figure, and the range as the truer picture for this specific title. BLS source.
Plan a path to Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Education
Typical entry: No degree required
Plan my path to this →How to qualify
EstimateCost to qualify
$175–$650
Time to qualify
8 mo
Renewal
—
- 1
High school diploma or GED
CourseExpected by most employers; if you need the GED, test fees run $0–$150 depending on the state.
$0–$150 · 3 months · varies by state source
- 2
On-the-job training
ExperienceEmployer-provided and typically paid — days to a few months for most no-degree roles.
Cost varies · 3 months source
- 3
FE exam (optional — PE track)
CertificationThe Fundamentals of Engineering exam is the first step toward a PE license; many engineering roles never need it.
$175–$500 · 2 months source
Estimated typical U.S. route for "Non-Destructive Testing Specialists" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.
Typical progression
Junior Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Entry / Junior
$47,030
~2 yrs to advance
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Established
$78,350
~3 yrs to advance
Senior Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Senior
$98,340
Key skills
A typical day
- •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.
Fields of study
Any field
Top colleges for Engineering
Explore all- Massachusetts Institute of Technology4% admit · $124,000 grad pay
- Stanford University4% admit · $122,000 grad pay
- University of California, Berkeley11% admit · $97,000 grad pay
- Georgia Institute of Technology16% admit · $99,000 grad pay
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign45% admit · $80,000 grad pay
Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.