Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

What They Do

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists examine structures, equipment, and materials for flaws and weaknesses without causing any damage to the items being inspected. They use sophisticated technologies like ultrasonic equipment, radiography, magnetic particle testing, and fiber optic scopes to detect cracks, corrosion, welds defects, and other hidden problems in everything from aircraft components and pipeline welds to bridge supports and pressure vessels. Their work typically involves preparing surfaces for testing, calibrating sensitive instruments, conducting systematic inspections following strict protocols, and carefully interpreting the results to determine whether items meet safety standards.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Engineering-Related Fields(doctoral)George Washington University, DC
$162,693
Engineering-Related Fields(masters)Northwestern University, IL
$144,879
Engineering-Related Fields(masters)Stanford University, CA
$133,371
Engineering-Related Fields(masters)Wayne State University, MI
$128,271
Engineering-Related Fields(masters)Washington State University, WA
$127,541
Engineering-Related Fields(masters)George Washington University, DC
$127,408
Engineering-Related Fields(masters)Tufts University, MA
$123,639
Engineering-Related Fields(masters)Temple University, PA
$123,016
Engineering-Related Fields(masters)University of Kansas, KS
$122,538
Engineering-Related Fields(masters)Texas A&M University-College Station, TX
$120,911
Engineering-Related Fields(masters)University of Central Florida, FL
$120,323
Engineering-Related Fields(masters)Eastern Michigan University, MI
$115,117
Engineering-Related Fields(masters)New York University, NY
$114,850
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians(masters)University of Michigan-Dearborn, MI
$113,475
Engineering-Related Fields(masters)Western Michigan University, MI
$112,624
Engineering-Related Fields(masters)Oakland University, MI
$112,624
Engineering-Related Fields(masters)Michigan State University, MI
$112,624
Engineering-Related Fields(masters)Lawrence Technological University, MI
$112,624
Engineering-Related Fields(masters)Kettering University, MI
$112,624
Engineering-Related Fields(masters)Michigan Technological University, MI
$112,624
Engineering-Related Fields(masters)Walsh College, MI
$112,624
Engineering-Related Fields(masters)Southern Methodist University, TX
$111,319
Engineering-Related Fields(masters)Rice University, TX
$111,319
Engineering-Related Fields(masters)Texas A&M University-Kingsville, TX
$111,319
Engineering-Related Fields(masters)Texas State University, TX
$111,319

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