Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.
- O*NET-SOC code
17-3029.01 - Preparation Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
Wages
BLS doesn't publish wages for Non-Destructive Testing Specialists separately. These are the figures for Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other (17-3029), its parent occupation.
| 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $47,030 | $60,390 | $78,350 | $99,310 | $118,330 |
By state (50)
| State | Employment | Median annual | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 690 | $74,650 | 0.85 |
| Alaska | 380 | $89,810 | 3.07 |
| Arizona | 990 | $59,580 | 0.79 |
| Arkansas | 230 | $68,060 | 0.45 |
| California | 7,330 | $80,480 | 1.04 |
| Colorado | 1,260 | $76,110 | 1.14 |
| Connecticut | 1,300 | $74,870 | 1.99 |
| Delaware | $75,780 | ||
| District of Columbia | 470 | Not available | 1.73 |
| Florida | 2,820 | $70,500 | 0.74 |
| Georgia | 1,890 | $68,370 | 1.00 |
| Hawaii | 410 | $90,040 | 1.68 |
| Idaho | 260 | $65,790 | 0.78 |
| Illinois | 940 | $79,800 | 0.40 |
| Indiana | 480 | $88,880 | 0.39 |
| Iowa | 380 | $63,120 | 0.63 |
| Kansas | 920 | $61,710 | 1.67 |
| Kentucky | 380 | $65,660 | 0.49 |
| Louisiana | 2,110 | $58,960 | 2.83 |
| Maine | 810 | $107,060 | 3.29 |
| Maryland | 2,630 | $99,970 | 2.47 |
| Massachusetts | 990 | $67,450 | 0.71 |
| Michigan | 1,130 | $73,960 | 0.67 |
| Minnesota | 670 | $81,290 | 0.59 |
| Mississippi | 350 | $79,350 | 0.77 |
| Missouri | 590 | $72,320 | 0.52 |
| Montana | 210 | $65,730 | 1.05 |
| Nebraska | 260 | $67,200 | 0.66 |
| Nevada | 590 | $93,670 | 0.98 |
| New Hampshire | 340 | $76,720 | 1.30 |
| New Jersey | 880 | $87,450 | 0.53 |
| New Mexico | 1,390 | $101,750 | 4.13 |
| New York | 2,000 | $65,530 | 0.54 |
| North Carolina | 1,530 | $72,070 | 0.80 |
| North Dakota | 100 | $80,990 | 0.62 |
| Ohio | 1,340 | $77,590 | 0.62 |
| Oklahoma | 870 | $81,330 | 1.33 |
| Oregon | 1,010 | $76,960 | 1.33 |
| Pennsylvania | 1,610 | $68,930 | 0.69 |
| Rhode Island | 380 | $94,570 | 1.96 |
| South Carolina | 620 | $80,540 | 0.70 |
| Tennessee | 990 | $58,700 | 0.78 |
| Texas | 7,110 | $73,860 | 1.31 |
| Utah | 920 | $79,370 | 1.38 |
| Vermont | 130 | $52,770 | 1.14 |
| Virginia | 3,720 | $98,410 | 2.35 |
| Washington | 2,310 | $99,720 | 1.69 |
| West Virginia | 450 | $81,330 | 1.66 |
| Wisconsin | 480 | $74,940 | 0.43 |
| Wyoming | 130 | $79,440 | 1.25 |
Similar occupations
Similarity is our measure: the cosine of importance x level over all 120 O*NET skills, knowledge areas and abilities. It is not an O*NET finding. More.
Circles are the 20 most similar occupations, coloured by Job Zone. Lines join pairs where one is among the other's 10 most similar; darker lines are pairs O*NET also lists as related. Drag a circle to move it out of the way; select one to open it.
One skill away
Among the 50 occupations most similar to Non-Destructive Testing Specialists, those at the same Job Zone or lower, where exactly one skill rated at least 3 in importance needs a level more than 0.75 points higher (on O*NET's 0-7 level scale). Our definition. Change the thresholds.
| Occupation | Skill to build | Level gap | Similarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Plant Operators | Operations Monitoring | 1.26 | 0.952 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers | Operations Monitoring | 0.88 | 0.948 |
| Weatherization Installers and Technicians | Installation | 2.88 | 0.945 |
| Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas | Repairing | 1.12 | 0.940 |
| Biomass Plant Technicians | Operations Monitoring | 0.76 | 0.938 |
Software to learn next
Software used by at least 3 of the 20 occupations most similar to Non-Destructive Testing Specialists, excluding software Non-Destructive Testing Specialists already lists and any you named. Ranked by how many of them use it, weighted by how much more common it is among them than across all occupations (lift). Our ranking.
| Software | Similar jobs using it | Lift |
|---|---|---|
| Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software | 9 of 20 | 6.7x |
| Data acquisition software | 4 of 20 | 18.5x |
| Dassault Systemes SolidWorks | 6 of 20 | 4.8x |
| PTC Creo Parametric | 5 of 20 | 5.4x |
| Autodesk Inventor | 3 of 20 | 15.4x |
| Siemens NX | 3 of 20 | 13.8x |
| Simulation software | 3 of 20 | 10.7x |
| Programmable logic controller PLC software | 3 of 20 | 6.6x |
| The MathWorks MATLAB | 6 of 20 | 2.5x |
| Computerized maintenance management system CMMS | 3 of 20 | 4.6x |
Skills
From O*NET data. Importance is rated 1 to 5 and level 0 to 7.
| Skill | Type | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality Control Analysis | Transferable skill | 3.88 | 4.00 |
| Reading Comprehension | Essential skill | 3.88 | 3.88 |
| Active Listening | Essential skill | 3.62 | 3.38 |
| Critical Thinking | Essential skill | 3.50 | 3.62 |
| Monitoring | Essential skill | 3.38 | 3.62 |
| Active Learning | Essential skill | 3.25 | 3.62 |
| Operations Monitoring | Transferable skill | 3.25 | 3.12 |
| Writing | Essential skill | 3.25 | 3.12 |
| Learning Strategies | Essential skill | 3.12 | 3.25 |
| Mathematics | Essential skill | 3.12 | 3.12 |
| Speaking | Essential skill | 3.12 | 3.12 |
| Systems Analysis | Transferable skill | 3.12 | 3.12 |
| Complex Problem Solving | Transferable skill | 3.12 | 3.00 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | Transferable skill | 3.12 | 3.00 |
| Operation and Control | Transferable skill | 3.12 | 3.00 |
| Systems Evaluation | Transferable skill | 3.12 | 3.00 |
| Instructing | Transferable skill | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Science | Essential skill | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Social Perceptiveness | Transferable skill | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Coordination | Transferable skill | 3.00 | 2.88 |
| Time Management | Transferable skill | 3.00 | 2.88 |
| Troubleshooting | Transferable skill | 3.00 | 2.88 |
| Management of Personnel Resources | Transferable skill | 2.75 | 3.00 |
| Equipment Maintenance | Transferable skill | 2.62 | 2.75 |
| Service Orientation | Transferable skill | 2.62 | 2.50 |
| Equipment Selection | Transferable skill | 2.62 | 2.38 |
| Persuasion | Transferable skill | 2.50 | 2.50 |
| Negotiation | Transferable skill | 2.50 | 2.25 |
| Repairing | Transferable skill | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Management of Material Resources | Transferable skill | 1.88 | 1.12 |
| Operations Analysis | Transferable skill | 1.75 | 0.88 |
| Technology Design | Transferable skill | 1.75 | 0.88 |
| Programming | Transferable skill | 1.50 | 0.62 |
| Management of Financial Resources | Transferable skill | 1.50 | 0.50 |
| Installation | Transferable skill | 1.00 | not rated |
Knowledge (33) and abilities (52)
| Name | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering and Technology | 4.09 | 4.91 |
| Mathematics | 3.95 | 4.73 |
| English Language | 3.90 | 3.95 |
| Physics | 3.82 | 4.41 |
| Education and Training | 3.70 | 4.86 |
| Computers and Electronics | 3.67 | 4.77 |
| Customer and Personal Service | 3.43 | 4.14 |
| Production and Processing | 3.43 | 3.95 |
| Mechanical | 3.32 | 4.36 |
| Administration and Management | 3.18 | 3.86 |
| Public Safety and Security | 3.18 | 3.82 |
| Building and Construction | 3.14 | 3.77 |
| Design | 3.14 | 3.77 |
| Administrative | 2.76 | 3.64 |
| Transportation | 2.73 | 3.05 |
| Chemistry | 2.64 | 3.64 |
| Personnel and Human Resources | 2.55 | 3.14 |
| Sales and Marketing | 2.55 | 3.09 |
| Telecommunications | 2.48 | 2.41 |
| Law and Government | 2.32 | 2.27 |
| Economics and Accounting | 2.14 | 2.00 |
| Communications and Media | 2.05 | 1.95 |
| Psychology | 1.86 | 2.18 |
| Geography | 1.82 | 1.32 |
| Foreign Language | 1.67 | 1.50 |
| Sociology and Anthropology | 1.55 | not rated |
| Biology | 1.50 | 1.36 |
| History and Archeology | 1.41 | not rated |
| Philosophy and Theology | 1.41 | not rated |
| Therapy and Counseling | 1.36 | 1.05 |
| Medicine and Dentistry | 1.23 | not rated |
| Food Production | 1.14 | not rated |
| Fine Arts | 1.09 | not rated |
| Name | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Problem Sensitivity | 4.12 | 4.25 |
| Deductive Reasoning | 4.00 | 4.00 |
| Near Vision | 4.00 | 4.00 |
| Written Comprehension | 4.00 | 3.75 |
| Inductive Reasoning | 3.75 | 4.12 |
| Oral Comprehension | 3.75 | 4.00 |
| Information Ordering | 3.75 | 3.50 |
| Oral Expression | 3.62 | 3.88 |
| Far Vision | 3.62 | 3.62 |
| Written Expression | 3.50 | 3.75 |
| Flexibility of Closure | 3.25 | 3.62 |
| Speech Clarity | 3.25 | 3.00 |
| Speech Recognition | 3.25 | 3.00 |
| Category Flexibility | 3.12 | 3.25 |
| Control Precision | 3.12 | 3.12 |
| Perceptual Speed | 3.12 | 3.12 |
| Visualization | 3.12 | 3.12 |
| Selective Attention | 3.12 | 3.00 |
| Speed of Closure | 3.00 | 3.12 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Manual Dexterity | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Mathematical Reasoning | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Visual Color Discrimination | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Multilimb Coordination | 2.88 | 3.00 |
| Number Facility | 2.88 | 3.00 |
| Finger Dexterity | 2.88 | 2.88 |
| Auditory Attention | 2.88 | 2.75 |
| Depth Perception | 2.88 | 2.75 |
| Time Sharing | 2.75 | 3.00 |
| Fluency of Ideas | 2.75 | 2.88 |
| Reaction Time | 2.75 | 2.75 |
| Memorization | 2.62 | 2.88 |
| Trunk Strength | 2.62 | 2.62 |
| Originality | 2.50 | 2.88 |
| Hearing Sensitivity | 2.38 | 2.12 |
| Rate Control | 2.38 | 2.00 |
| Extent Flexibility | 2.25 | 2.62 |
| Gross Body Equilibrium | 2.12 | 2.12 |
| Static Strength | 2.12 | 2.12 |
| Spatial Orientation | 2.12 | 1.88 |
| Dynamic Strength | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Glare Sensitivity | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Gross Body Coordination | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Response Orientation | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Stamina | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Wrist-Finger Speed | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Sound Localization | 1.88 | 1.75 |
| Peripheral Vision | 1.75 | 1.25 |
| Explosive Strength | 1.75 | 0.88 |
| Night Vision | 1.62 | 0.88 |
| Speed of Limb Movement | 1.62 | 0.88 |
| Dynamic Flexibility | 1.00 | not rated |
Software used
Examples from O*NET data. "Hot" and "in demand" are O*NET flags for technologies often listed in job postings.
- Microsoft Excel in demand
- Microsoft Office software in demand
- Microsoft Word in demand
- Autodesk AutoCAD hot
- Microsoft Access hot
- Microsoft Outlook hot
- Microsoft PowerPoint hot
- Microsoft Project hot
- SAP software hot
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
- Fractal Concept SoftScan
- GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies Rhythm UT
- Geographic information system GIS systems
- IBM Notes
- National Instruments DAQ Assistant
- National Instruments LabVIEW
- National Instruments NI Motion Assistant
- National Instruments NI Vision Builder for Automated Inspection AI
- Visualization Sciences Group VSG Avizo Fire
- Visualization Sciences Group VSG Open Inventor
Where it concentrates
BLS doesn't publish wages for Non-Destructive Testing Specialists separately. These are the figures for Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other (17-3029), its parent occupation.
Metro areas ranked by BLS location quotient: the occupation's share of the area's jobs divided by its share of all US jobs. Above 1 means more concentrated than the nation. Metros employing fewer than 100 are left out.
| Metro area | Employment | Location quotient | Median annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | 1,160 | 32.05 | $108,010 |
| Lexington Park, MD | 450 | 16.63 | $105,560 |
| Decatur, AL | 190 | 8.02 | $60,220 |
| Portland-South Portland, ME | 750 | 6.74 | $108,850 |
| Wichita, KS | 780 | 6.54 | $60,570 |
| Warner Robins, GA | 190 | 6.45 | $91,310 |
| Midland, TX | 300 | 6.37 | $59,490 |
| Yuma, AZ | 160 | 5.89 | $81,330 |
| Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL | 200 | 5.62 | $88,710 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | 610 | 4.64 | $101,770 |