Also called: NDI Inspector, Ultrasonic Inspector, X-ray Inspector
Uses ultrasound, X-ray, eddy currents, and dyes to find hidden cracks in aircraft parts without damaging them.
You slide an ultrasound probe over a wing spar, watching a screen for the tiny echo that means a crack. Another time you spray glowing dye on a turbine blade and inspect it under black light. You're like a doctor for metal.
Estimated; Level III NDT experts earn more.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Certificate, about 2 years after high school. Certificate or associate in NDT, then Level I/II/III certifications earned through supervised hours.
Ways in: Trade school, 2-year college, Certification, Military. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Nondestructive Testing Technology, Welding / Materials Technology.
Growing faster than average. Strong demand in aviation, energy, and manufacturing.
Medium risk for 10 years. AI now reads ultrasound and X-ray scans and robots scan big parts; certified techs stay, but each covers more.
Classes: Physics, Chemistry, Algebra II.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-3029.
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.