How To Become A Non-Destructive Testing Technician: What It Is and Career Path

What is a non-destructive testing technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Non-destructive testing technicians, or NDT technicians, are professionals responsible for evaluating objects, parts, or devices without causing harm. One of the popular career options is to become a nuclear technician. They usually help scientists, engineers, and other experts in nuclear engineering and the development of nuclear energy. Special instruments are used for these operations and monitor radiation levels emitted.

You have the choice to specialize as a technical operator to monitor the performance of nuclear power plant systems or a radiation-protection specialist to monitor the level of radiation exposure to protect staff at nuclear power plants and the environment. You may also work in waste and treatment plants.

In order to become a technician, you will need to complete a nuclear science or technology degree and a rigorous on-the-job experience. There are also relevant certification programs like Industrial Radiography and Radiation Safety Personnel certification. You can get these certifications from the American Society for Nondestructive Testing or from the National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologist.

ScoreNon-Destructive Testing TechnicianUS Average

Salary

3.7

Avg. Salary $47,657

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.5

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.68%

Asian 7.51%

Black or African American 9.33%

Hispanic or Latino 16.44%

Unknown 4.87%

White 61.16%

Gender

female 11.76%

male 88.24%

Age - 46

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46

Stress level

7.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

2.1

Work life balance is very poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a non-destructive testing technician

Explore non-destructive testing technician education requirements

Most common non-destructive testing technician degrees

Bachelor's

34.4 %

Associate

29.6 %

High School Diploma

20.8 %

Start to develop specific non-destructive testing technician skills

Skills	Percentages
NDT	17.39%
Destructive Testing	14.39%
Magnetic Particle	9.56%
Radiographic Procedures	9.10%
PT	8.07%

Complete relevant non-destructive testing technician training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New non-destructive testing technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a non-destructive testing technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real non-destructive testing technician resumes.

Research non-destructive testing technician duties and responsibilities

Develop NDI inspection techniques for parts to insure quality requirements are met.
Award for providing suggestions to improve quality by adding require NDI inspection techniques.
Inspect aerospace weapon systems components and support equipment for structural integrity using ultrasonics and fluorescent dye penetrant.
Ensure adherence and compliance to company and industry policies & procedures such as Nadcap and AS9100.

Prepare your non-destructive testing technician resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your non-destructive testing technician resume.

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