Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Employers

Non-destructive testing specialists are employed in energy and utilities, transportation, aerospace and defense, and manufacturing (durable goods). The Department of Labor does not provide data for non-destructive testing specialists. The job that shares some of the responsibilities and tasks of specialists is that of engineering technicians (except drafters), all others not listed separately. According to the DOL, there were about 83,360  engineering technicians employed in the United States in May 2018. Of those, many worked for the federal executive branch and architectural, engineering, and related services. Others worked in scientific research and development services, and in navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing. 

Starting Out

Many NDT specialists get their start by participating in apprenticeship programs while in school. Those that perform well may receive job offers upon graduation. They find entry-level jobs with help from their school's career services office as well as by contacting companies directly. They also find job listings for NDT positions by searching Web sites such as ndt.org, as well as Glassdoor, Indeed, Monster, and others. Professional associations offer job referrals and career-development support. LinkedIn also posts NDT job openings on its Web site at https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/non-destructive-testing-jobs.