How much does a NDT Inspector make?
Nondestructive testing (NDT) inspectors play a vital role in ensuring safety and quality. They use special tools to check materials and components without causing damage. This work is crucial in many industries. One key point for job seekers is knowing how much NDT inspectors earn. The average yearly salary for an NDT inspector is $67,932. This number changes based on factors such as experience and location.
Salary for NDT inspectors can vary widely. The lowest 10 percent earn about $38,800 per year. The highest 10 percent earn over $116,000 annually. Most inspectors fall somewhere in the middle. For example, those with about five years of experience might earn around $67,000. As inspectors gain more experience, their earnings can grow significantly. This field offers good pay with room to advance.
What are the highest paying cities for a NDT Inspector?

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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $101,760
In San Diego, candidates can find work with aerospace and maritime companies. This city offers many job opportunities with leading firms. The sunny climate makes it pleasant to work outdoors.
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San Antonio, TX
Average Salary: $87,496
San Antonio provides a thriving environment for those in the energy and manufacturing sectors. Prominent companies offer competitive benefits. The city's diverse economy offers various roles.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $76,765
Seattle is home to tech giants and maritime industries. Working here means access to cutting-edge technology and a strong job market. The city's culture supports professional growth.
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Corpus Christi, TX
Average Salary: $76,400
Corpus Christi offers jobs in the oil and gas industry. The port city's economy benefits from maritime activities. Companies here often focus on innovation and efficiency.
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Jacksonville, FL
Average Salary: $73,440
In Jacksonville, the transportation and logistics sectors are strong. Many firms value skilled professionals. The city's growth provides many opportunities for career advancement.
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Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $72,706
Philadelphia has a rich history in manufacturing and healthcare. Many positions offer stability and growth. The city's vibrant culture makes it an attractive place to work.
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Wichita, KS
Average Salary: $67,635
Wichita boasts a booming aviation industry. Companies here focus on quality and innovation. The city's size offers a close-knit community feel.
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Houston, TX
Average Salary: $64,168
Houston's energy sector is a major employer. Many large firms offer competitive salaries. The city's diversity and economy provide many opportunities.
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Tulsa, OK
Average Salary: $63,868
Tulsa's economy thrives on energy and technology. Companies here value skilled technicians. The city's cost of living is reasonable, making it an attractive place to work.
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Tucson, AZ
Average Salary: $62,458
Tucson offers roles in aerospace and education. The city's mild climate is ideal for year-round work. Many employers focus on employee development and satisfaction.
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What are the best companies a NDT Inspector can work for?

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Rock West Composites
Average Salary: $112,500
Rock West Composites offers exciting opportunities for NDT Inspectors. The company operates in various locations in the United States, focusing on aerospace and defense industries. NDT Inspectors here use advanced technology for non-destructive testing, ensuring safety and quality in manufacturing processes.
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ATP Flight School
Average Salary: $96,932
ATP Flight School provides a range of aviation services and training. NDT Inspectors work in several locations, mainly around major airports. They conduct thorough inspections to ensure aircraft safety and compliance with aviation standards.
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Boeing
Average Salary: $88,604
Boeing is a global aerospace leader with NDT Inspector jobs in key locations worldwide. Inspectors here perform critical inspections on aircraft components, ensuring high standards of safety and performance. They work with cutting-edge technology and collaborate with top engineers.
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International Marine and Industrial Applicators, LLC
Average Salary: $81,852
International Marine and Industrial Applicators, LLC specializes in marine and industrial services. NDT Inspectors are located in major ports and industrial hubs. They conduct inspections on ships, pipelines, and other industrial equipment, ensuring reliability and compliance with regulations.
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Blue Origin
Average Salary: $73,227
Blue Origin is a pioneering space company with NDT Inspector positions in Florida and Washington. Inspectors here work on spacecraft and rocket components, using advanced techniques to ensure the highest safety and performance standards.
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Northrop Grumman
Average Salary: $71,147
Northrop Grumman offers a variety of NDT Inspector jobs in locations such as California, Virginia, and Maryland. Inspectors here focus on defense and security applications, performing critical inspections on aircraft, ships, and other military equipment.
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Pratt & Whitney
Average Salary: $70,067
Pratt & Whitney, a part of Raytheon Technologies, provides NDT Inspector jobs in Connecticut and Florida. Inspectors here work on aircraft engines, conducting detailed inspections to ensure quality and reliability in aerospace applications.
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Valmont Industries
Average Salary: $64,377
Valmont Industries offers NDT Inspector positions in locations across the United States. Inspectors here focus on infrastructure projects, ensuring the safety and durability of towers, poles, and other structures used in power transmission and communication.
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Tulsa Inspection Resources, LLC
Average Salary: $58,092
Tulsa Inspection Resources, LLC provides NDT Inspector jobs in Oklahoma and surrounding states. Inspectors here conduct inspections on pipelines, tanks, and other critical infrastructure, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
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Mistras Group, Inc.
Average Salary: $52,650
Mistras Group, Inc. offers NDT Inspector jobs in multiple locations across the U.S. Inspectors here work on a variety of projects, from aerospace and defense to industrial and energy sectors, conducting thorough inspections to ensure quality and compliance.
How to earn more as a NDT Inspector?
Becoming a Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Inspector offers many opportunities for career growth and salary increase. Achieving higher pay in this field involves gaining experience, further education, and valuable certifications. A NDT Inspector can leverage several key factors to enhance earning potential.
First, gaining relevant experience in different industries will broaden an inspector's skill set. Industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, and manufacturing often require specialized NDT knowledge. Inspectors who can demonstrate experience across multiple sectors become more valuable. They attract higher-paying jobs and can negotiate better salaries. Second, pursuing additional certifications can significantly increase earnings. Certifications in specific NDT methods like ultrasonic testing or radiography show a commitment to the profession. They also open doors to higher-paying opportunities.
Third, networking plays a crucial role. Building connections with other professionals in the industry can lead to job referrals and insights into higher-paying positions. Fourth, staying updated with the latest technology and techniques in NDT will make an inspector more efficient and effective. Being skilled in new methods can set an inspector apart and command higher pay. Lastly, advancing to a supervisory or managerial role can lead to a substantial increase in salary. These roles require additional responsibilities and experience but offer significant financial rewards.
In conclusion, the path to earning more as a NDT Inspector involves a combination of practical experience, continuous education, and professional networking. By pursuing these avenues, inspectors can significantly enhance their career prospects and financial stability.
Here are five factors to consider:
- Gain experience in multiple industries.
- Pursue additional NDT certifications.
- Network with other professionals.
- Stay updated with the latest technology and techniques.
- Advance to supervisory or managerial roles.



