Ultrasonic Testing (UT) Jobs & Career Guide

Welcome to the Career Hub for Ultrasonic Testing professionals. Below you’ll find a live feed of the latest UT jobs, from trainee to Level III. Further down, explore salary data, certification requirements, and the complete career path for a successful future in UT.

Live Ultrasonic Testing Job Openings

What is Ultrasonic Testing?

Ultrasonic Testing (UT) is one of the most widely used and versatile Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods. At its core, UT uses high-frequency sound waves to measure the properties of a material, detect flaws, and evaluate its integrity—all without causing any damage.

A UT technician sends pulses of sound into a component using a transducer. These sound waves travel through the material and reflect off the back wall or any internal imperfections. By analyzing the time it takes for these echoes to return, a skilled technician can determine the exact location, size, and nature of defects like cracks, voids, or corrosion. It’s a critical method used to ensure the safety and reliability of everything from aerospace parts to power plant pipelines.

Ultrasonic Testing

Key Industries Relying on UT

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Inspecting composite materials, turbine blades, and critical welds.

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Assessing pipeline integrity, storage tank welds, and offshore structures.

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Examining welds in nuclear and fossil fuel plants.

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Ensuring the quality of structural steel welds and components.

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Quality control for engine parts and frames.

The Ultrasonic Testing (UT) Career Path & Certifications

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UT Trainee / Assistant

This is the entry-point. As a trainee, you’ll work under the direct supervision of certified technicians. Your main role is to learn—assisting with equipment setup, handling materials, and observing the inspection process while accumulating the required on-the-job training (OJT) hours.

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UT Level I Technician

After completing formal training and the required OJT, you can test for Level I certification. A Level I technician is qualified to perform specific calibrations and tests under the supervision of a Level II or III. You can follow procedures and report results, but you are not yet qualified to interpret them independently.

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UT Level II Technician

This is the workhorse of the NDT world. A Level II technician has the knowledge and experience to set up and calibrate equipment, conduct inspections, and most importantly, interpret and evaluate the results according to codes and standards. They are also qualified to guide and train Level I technicians and trainees.

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UT Level III Technician

The highest level of certification. A UT Level III is an expert in the method. They can develop and approve procedures, interpret complex codes and standards, and are qualified to train and examine Level I and II personnel. Level IIIs often serve as supervisors, consultants, or company experts.

Ultrasonic Testing Salary Expectations

 

Certification Level Experience Level Average Salary Range (USD)
NDT Trainee 0-1 Year $40,000 – $55,000
UT Level I 1-2 Years $50,000 – $65,000
UT Level II 2-5+ Years $65,000 – $95,000+
UT Level III 5-10+ Years $90,000 – $140,000+

*Disclaimer: Salaries can vary significantly based on location, industry (e.g., nuclear and aerospace often pay more), travel requirements, and specific advanced qualifications like PAUT/TOFD.

Level Up Your Career: Insights from Our NDT Blog

How long does it take to become a Level II UT technician?

It typically takes 1 to 2 years. This includes completing the required 40 hours of formal classroom training, followed by accumulating at least 210 hours of on-the-job experience as a Level I (or 400 hours as a trainee) before you are eligible to take the Level II certification exams.

Yes, for individuals with a strong technical aptitude and attention to detail, UT offers a very stable and rewarding career. The demand for skilled NDT technicians is high across many essential industries, providing excellent job security, competitive pay, and clear pathways for advancement.

Both are methods for seeing inside a material, but they use different principles. UT uses sound waves, while RT uses X-rays or gamma rays. A key advantage of UT is that it is generally safer (no radiation hazard) and can often be performed from one side of a component.

No, a four-year college degree is not typically required to become an NDT technician. Most professionals enter the field with a high school diploma or a two-year associate’s degree in NDT or a related technical field, then proceed with the required industry training and certification.

Most positions require ASNT Level II or ISO 9712 UT certification; advanced roles often ask for phased‑array (PAUT) credentials.

Ready to Advance Your NDT Career?

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