Production & Factory
.
Manufacturing

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Technician

Also posted as Also posted as: NDT Technician, NDT Inspector, NDE Technician

Median wage range
$60k–$100k
National median · per year
Outlook
Growing
Entry barrier
Certificate
NDT certifications, no degree required
Overview

What is a Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Technician

A non-destructive testingtechnician inspects materials, welds, and structures for hidden flaws using ultrasonic, radiographic, and other non-destructive methods, certifying that critical work is sound. It's a hands-on job in plants, sites, and labs, and most people start with a certificate or short, hands-on training program, not a four-year degree.

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Technician
Role Snapshot

The role profile

Everything you need to know about this role, the same details employers use to post openings and colleges use to build training.

Median wage range
$60k–$100k
Typical annual pay based on national and industry data.
O*NET codes
17-3029.0151-9061.00
Primary and secondary occupational codes mapping this role to national labor data.
Cluster type
Manufacturing
The broader industry group this role belongs to within the technician economy.
Context tags
Where and how this role is commonly applied.
Core skills
NDTInspectionDocumentation
Essential competencies to perform this role effectively.
Canonical Role ID
UNMUDL-TECH-134
A unique identifier linking this role across training, jobs, and employer systems.
Pay & Outlook

How much does it pay?

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Technician in this role earns a median of $60k–$100k a year. Here's how pay typically grows with experience.

$60k–$100k
National median annual wage range. Technicians with multiple Level II/III method certifications typically earn at the higher end.
Wage ranges are illustrative, based on national and industry data. Actual pay varies by employer, location, certification, and experience.
Entry
Experienced
Specialized
On The Job

What does a Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Technician do?

Explore the core responsibilities of this role, from daily operations and equipment handling to safety, quality, and performance requirements.

01

Run NDT inspections

Apply UT, RT, MT, PT, and visual methods to find hidden flaws.

02

Interpret results

Evaluate indications against code and call accept or reject correctly.

03

Document findings

Produce inspection reports engineers and regulators rely on.

04

Maintain certifications

Keep method certifications current and equipment calibrated.

Skills You Will Build

What skills do you need?

Three core skills sit at the heart of this role. You can learn all of them through short, hands-on training.

NDT

Inspecting materials and welds for hidden flaws without damaging them.

Inspection

Examining work and equipment against standards to catch defects early.

Documentation

Accurate, audit-ready records of work performed, checks, and deviations.

Your next step

How to become one.

Take a short, hands-on course to build the core skills, then apply to jobs hiring near you, all in one place, powered by the Unmudl Skills-to-Jobs® Network.

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Common Questions

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Technician, FAQ

A non-destructive testingtechnician inspects materials, welds, and structures for hidden flaws using ultrasonic, radiographic, and other non-destructive methods, certifying that critical work is sound. It's hands-on work in plants, sites, and labs.
The median wage range is about $60,000–$100,000 per year. Entry-level roles start near $60,000, and technicians with multiple Level II/III method certifications often earn toward the top of the range. Pay varies by employer, location, and experience.
Most people start with a certificate or short, hands-on training program rather than a four-year degree. You can find training on Unmudl to build the core skills, NDT, Inspection, and Documentation, then apply to open roles.
No four-year degree is required for most roles. A high school diploma or equivalent plus role-specific training or a certificate is typically enough to get started. Employers value reliability, attention to detail, and proven hands-on skills.
It's an in-demand role with a clear path to higher pay through experience and specialization. Growing with infrastructure inspection, aerospace, and energy demand (BLS 2024-34). The skills also transfer to related roles like CNC machinist / machinist technician and manufacturing / production technician.

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