When considering a new skilled trade, the single most practical question is often the most direct: “Is the pay good?”. For those exploring a career in NDT, the answer is a resounding yes. A career in Non-Destructive Testing is not just a path to a stable job; it’s a direct route to a significant, and often six-figure, income for those with the right skills, certifications, and work ethic.

But a simple “yes” doesn’t tell the whole story. The question isn’t just is NDT a good paying job, but how good, and what factors determine your earning potential?

This guide will provide a deep dive into the NDT technician salary landscape. We will break down the national averages, explore the four key factors that have the biggest impact on your paycheck, and explain how technicians in this field can maximize their income to build a truly lucrative career.

The National Average: A Starting Point

First, let’s establish a baseline. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for NDT and quality control inspectors was $72,670. As of May 2023, salary aggregators like Salary.com place the average NDT Technician salary in a similar range of between $65,000 and $85,000 per year.

While these numbers are strong, showing a solid middle-class income, they are just the starting point. They represent the average across all industries and experience levels. The reality is that an experienced, specialized NDT technician can earn far more. Your personal income will be determined by a combination of four critical factors.

The 4 Key Factors That Determine Your Salary

Your pay is not a fixed number; it’s a reflection of the value you bring. In NDT, that value is measured by your experience, your skills, your industry, and your location.

Your Experience Level (The Career Ladder)

The NDT career path is a well-defined ladder, and your compensation grows with each step you take. The pay scale is directly tied to your certification level.

• NDT Trainee / Assistant (starting out): In your first year, you are being paid to learn. The starting salary for an NDT technician is typically in the range of $20 – $28 per hour. Your primary focus is on gaining the OJT (on job training) hours required for your first certifications.
• NDT Level I Technician: Once you have your first certification, you can expect a pay increase. A Level I technician, who can perform inspections under supervision, typically earns between $25-$35 per hour.
• NDT Level II Technician (The professional core): This is where your career and income take a significant leap. As a certified Level II, you are an independent inspector authorized to perform tests, interpret results, and write reports. How much does a Level II NDT tech make? A level II with a few years of experience and foundational certifications can expect to earn between $35 – $50+ per hour. This wide range is heavily influenced by the other factors on this list.
• NDT Level III (the expert): At the top of the technical ladder, a Level III is a program leader who write procedures, trains other technicians, and acts as the final technical authority. How much does a Level III make? A Level III can command a salary well into the six figures, often ranging from $90,000 – $150,000+ per year, depending on their responsibilities.

Your Certifications (The Skill Multiplier)

This is the most powerful lever you can pull to increase your income. The salary by certification varies dramatically. A technician with advanced, in-demand certifications is a more valuable and versatile asset, and they are paid accordingly.

• Foundational Certs (MT/PT): These are essential, but they are baseline.
• Advanced Certs (PAUT/TOFD, API, CWI): This is where you see significant pay bumps. A technician with a Phased Array UT (PAUT) certification can often earn a $10 – $20 per hour premium over a technician with only conventional UT skills. Similarly, holding an AWS CWI (Certified Welding Inspector) or an API 510/570/653 certification makes you an expert in a high-demand niche and can significantly increase your base pay and job opportunities.

Your Industry (The Work Environment)

Where you apply your skills has a massive impact on your paycheck. The salary by industry reflects the unique demands and economic drivers of each sector.

• Oil & Gas (Highest Potential): This sector, particularly in turnaround and pipeline work, offers the highest earning potential due to a combination of high base pay and massive amounts of overtime.
• Aerospace & Defense (High & Stable): This industry demands the highest level of precision and often requires specialized NAS 410 certifications. The pay is excellent, and the work environment is typically more stable and predictable than field-based energy jobs.
• Power Generation (High & Secure): The nuclear power industry, with its extreme safety and regulatory requirements, is one of the highest-paying and more stable sectors for NDT professionals.
• Manufacturing (Stable with Good Benefits): While the base pay might be slightly lower than in energy or aerospace sectors, manufacturing jobs often provide the best work-life balance, with regular hours and minimal travel.

Your Location (The Geographic Premium)

The salary by location is heavily influenced by two factors: cost of living and industry concentration. A job in a high-cost-of-living area like California will naturally pay more than a job in a lower-cost area. More importantly, wages are driven by demand. In a city like Houston, Texas, the immense concentration of oil and gas facilities creates a hyper-competitive market for NDT talent, driving wages significantly higher than the national average.

The X-Factor: Overtime, Turnarounds, and Per Diem

For a field technician, the hourly rate is only part of the equation. Total compensation is dramatically affected by overtime. Turnaround pay is legendary for a reason. During a plant turnaround, technicians typically work “7-12s”, which means 7 days a week, 12 hours a day.

Let’s do the math:

• Standard week: 40 hours
• Turnaround week: 84 hours (40 regular hours + 44 overtime hours at 1.5x pay)

In a single turnaround week, you are earning the equivalent of 106 regular hours. Doing this for 6-8 weeks straight is how a technician can earn a massive portion of their annual income in just one project.

So, Can You Make $100k in NDT?

Absolutely. Earning a six-figure income is not an anomaly; it’s a common and achievable goal for experienced and strategic NDT techs. The path to making $100k in NDT typically involves a combination of these factors:

• Achieving a solid NDT Level II status
• Earning one or more advanced certifications like PAUT, API, or CWI
• Willingness to work in a high-demand industry like oil and gas
• Working on overtime-heavy projects like turnarounds.

In Conclusion: Is NDT a Good Paying Job?

Yes. A career in NDT is an excellent paying job that offers a direct path to a high income without the requirements of a four-year college degree. It is a true meritocracy where your earning potential is directly tied to your willingness to learn new skills, embrace challenging work, and become an expert in your craft.

Read to find an opportunity that matches your skills and earning potential? Explore top NDT Jobs and research salary ranges on NDT Jobs.