How much does a NDT Inspector make?
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Inspectors play a key role in many industries, ensuring safety and quality. They check materials and products without causing damage. This work is crucial in sectors like manufacturing, oil, and construction. Inspectors must follow strict rules and keep detailed records. Their skills help prevent accidents and defects.
An NDT Inspector can earn a good salary. The average yearly income for this job is about $68,987. This figure can change based on experience, location, and industry. Here’s a look at how salaries are spread among NDT Inspectors:
- 10% earn less than $40,000
- 20% earn between $40,000 and $54,000
- 30% earn between $54,000 and $68,000
- 20% earn between $68,000 and $82,000
- 10% earn between $82,000 and $96,000
- 5% earn more than $96,000
- 5% earn more than $116,000
What are the highest paying cities for a NDT Inspector?

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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $101,550
In San Diego, professionals check materials in the aerospace sector. Major companies like General Dynamics NASSCO offer stable jobs. Opportunities often involve travel, making it a dynamic choice.
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Corpus Christi, TX
Average Salary: $78,675
Corpus Christi has a strong demand for experts in the energy industry. Companies such as Valero Energy look for skilled inspectors. It is a great place for those looking for stable and consistent work.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $77,187
Seattle offers a robust market for non-destructive testing. Major firms like Boeing and Microsoft require thorough inspections. The city's tech and aerospace sectors provide diverse opportunities for growth.
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Jacksonville, FL
Average Salary: $74,071
Jacksonville's booming port industry needs skilled inspectors. Key employers include Blount International and Raytheon. The area offers many openings for those interested in maritime work.
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Wichita, KS
Average Salary: $67,635
Wichita's aviation industry offers many jobs for inspectors. Companies like Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems are major employers. The city provides a solid environment for career advancement.
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Houston, TX
Average Salary: $66,288
Houston's energy sector relies heavily on non-destructive testing. Leading companies such as ExxonMobil and Chevron seek qualified professionals. The city's diverse industry base offers many job opportunities.
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Tulsa, OK
Average Salary: $63,910
Tulsa's focus on energy and manufacturing creates a need for skilled inspectors. Companies like ONEOK and Phillips 66 look for experienced candidates. It is a good place for both experienced and new inspectors.
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Columbus, GA
Average Salary: $59,786
Columbus has a strong military presence that needs inspection services. Companies like Aflac and the U.S. Army offer many job openings. The area's stability and growth make it an attractive choice for job seekers.
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Tucson, AZ
Average Salary: $57,600
Tucson's aerospace and defense industries offer many opportunities. Key employers include Raytheon and General Dynamics. The city's focus on technology and defense creates a dynamic job market.
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Miami, FL
Average Salary: $52,829
Miami’s port and construction industries require careful inspection. Companies like Carnival Corporation and the Port of Miami look for skilled professionals. The city’s diverse economy offers many career paths.
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What are the best companies a NDT Inspector can work for?

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ATP Flight School
Average Salary: $97,500
ATP Flight School values its NDT Inspectors, offering a competitive salary. They focus on providing top-notch flight training with locations in various cities. Their NDT Inspectors work on ensuring the safety and quality of aircraft components.
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Boeing
Average Salary: $88,839
Boeing offers a solid salary for NDT Inspectors. They are a global aerospace leader with locations worldwide. At Boeing, NDT Inspectors play a key role in maintaining the integrity of aircraft and other products.
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International Marine and Industrial Applicators, LLC
Average Salary: $81,379
International Marine and Industrial Applicators, LLC provides a good salary for NDT Inspectors. They specialize in marine and industrial coatings, with operations across the United States. Their NDT Inspectors ensure that marine and industrial equipment meets safety standards.
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Northrop Grumman
Average Salary: $74,363
Northrop Grumman offers a decent salary for NDT Inspectors. This defense and technology company has facilities in various locations. NDT Inspectors here are crucial in ensuring the reliability and performance of defense equipment.
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Valmont Industries
Average Salary: $64,206
Valmont Industries provides a competitive salary for NDT Inspectors. They manufacture and install infrastructure for power, communications, and transportation with operations worldwide. NDT Inspectors here help ensure the quality of construction materials and equipment.
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Sabre Industries
Average Salary: $59,333
Sabre Industries offers a fair salary for NDT Inspectors. They are a leader in the energy industry, providing engineering and construction services. NDT Inspectors at Sabre Industries work on ensuring the integrity of energy infrastructure.
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Element Materials Technology
Average Salary: $52,050
Element Materials Technology offers an average salary for NDT Inspectors. They provide testing, inspection, and certification services with locations around the world. NDT Inspectors here focus on materials testing and quality assurance in various industries.
How to earn more as a NDT Inspector?
Becoming a successful NDT Inspector means focusing on specific areas that can lead to higher earnings. By working to gain more skills, experience, and certifications, an NDT Inspector can increase their income significantly.
First, investing time in getting additional certifications can pay off. Certifications in different inspection methods or areas can make an inspector more valuable. For example, learning to use ultrasonic testing or radiographic testing can open more job opportunities. Each new certification shows employers that the inspector is capable of handling more complex tasks.
Gaining experience in various industries can also lead to higher pay. Working in oil and gas, aerospace, or construction gives inspectors a wide range of skills. Each industry has unique needs and challenges, which can make inspectors more versatile. This versatility can lead to higher-paying jobs that require more specialized skills.
An NDT Inspector can also earn more by taking on a supervisory role. Inspectors who move into management positions oversee teams and ensure that inspections are done correctly. This role requires strong communication and leadership skills. It also offers a higher salary than a standard inspector's job.
- Certifications: Gain certifications in various inspection methods.
- Experience: Work in different industries to gain varied skills.
- Leadership: Take on supervisory or management roles.
- Continuous Learning: Keep up with the latest technology and techniques.
- Networking: Connect with other professionals to find better job opportunities.



