Also called: NDT Radiographer, Radiography Technician
Uses X-ray machines and radioactive sources to "see inside" pipelines, welds and aircraft parts for hidden cracks.
You set up a radiation source next to a pipeline weld, clear everyone out of the area, and expose a film or digital plate. Then you study the shadowy image for cracks or gas bubbles. Many jobs are at night on construction sites or refineries.
Overtime and travel can push pay much higher.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 1 year after high school. High school diploma plus radiographer certification (ASNT and NRC radiation safety training).
Ways in: Certification, On-the-job training, Trade school. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Nondestructive Testing (trade school).
Growing about average. Steady demand from pipelines, energy and aerospace.
Medium risk for 10 years. AI now reads many weld X-rays for flaws; setting up sources at refineries and pipelines stays hands-on.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply to inspection companies as a radiographer assistant; they provide the safety training First: Radiation safety training (about 40 hours) to work as an assistant
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.