Also called: NDT Inspector, Industrial Radiographer
Finds hidden cracks in planes, pipelines, and bridges using ultrasound, X-rays, and magnetic particles, without damaging them.
You might X-ray welds on a pipeline in the desert or scan an airplane wing with ultrasound in a hangar. Your sign-off means a structure is safe.
Experienced Level III inspectors and field techs with travel can earn much more.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Certificate, about 1 year after high school. High school diploma plus NDT training and ASNT certification levels (I, II, III); military training is common.
Ways in: Certification, Trade school, On-the-job training, Military. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Nondestructive Testing (trade school), Welding Inspection.
Growing about average. BLS does not project this specialty separately; rating estimated from related occupations.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI reads some scans and drones inspect, but certified techs still check welds and wings in the field.
Classes: Physics, Algebra, Welding CTE.
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-9061.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.