Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (occupation group), with detailed role definition from O*NET, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Non-Destructive Testing Specialist salary by state
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.
Top skills:Reading ComprehensionQuality Control AnalysisActive ListeningCritical ThinkingMonitoringWriting
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Non-Destructive Testing Specialist pay by experience level
Entry level$48,500
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$62,500
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$81,000
Mid-career median pay
Senior$103,000
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$122,500
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+1.5%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
5,700
projected openings per year
Growing slower than average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Non-Destructive Testing Specialist salary by industry
Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Schools and Hospitals and USPS
18,540 workers
$99,000
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
16,340 workers
$78,000
Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation)
15,920 workers
$105,000
Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services
8,580 workers
$73,000
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
4,870 workers
$79,500
Scientific Research and Development Services
3,740 workers
$89,500
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing
3,270 workers
$71,000
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing
2,870 workers
$79,500
Machinery Manufacturing
2,570 workers
$70,500
Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing
2,010 workers
$71,000
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
How this role compares
Non-Destructive Testing Specialist pays 22% below the average across 59 roles in the Architecture and Engineering job family (family average $108,000).
Similar-paying roles in Architecture and Engineering
Related occupations from O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist make?
The average base salary for a Non-Destructive Testing Specialist in the United States is $84,000 per year, or about $40.38 per hour.
What is the typical salary range?
Pay typically falls between $62,500 and $103,000 per year (25th to 75th percentile) depending on experience, location, industry, and organization size.
How does this compare with other Architecture and Engineering roles?
The Architecture and Engineering job family averages $108,000 across 59 roles tracked by WePayFairly.
Need a defensible market price for this role? WePayFairly data is compiled from published survey sources and maintained by compensation professionals.
