NDT Career Options – What do I need to know?
The first step in starting a career in the NDT industry is to get a good idea of what the job REALLY looks like.
Many people come to the industry by word-of-mouth. They know or have met someone who works in the industry. They’ve heard about the great income that is available in the industry. They’ve heard about short NDT training times to get up and running. Therefore, that is what leads them to begin their research.
Let’s deal with the potential income issue right up front.
NDT Industry Potential Income
The NDT Industry is a great industry, with huge potential for career income levels that are higher than average.
While it is true that you can make A LOT OF MONEY in the NDT Industry, it is not as easy as some people make it sound. Just being honest here!
An NDT Career can lead to a six-figure income in a short amount of time (everyone has a different definition), but it’s going to take a lot of work.
Most entry level technicians come into the business earning around $12-15 per hour. At the beginning of your NDT career, you are considered a TRAINEE until you gain documented hours of experience (we’ll cover this in more detail in an upcoming module on How To Become NDT CERTIFIED). Until you become CERTIFIED as a Level I or Level II NDT technician, your pay options will be limited.
The real advance in pay will come when you become a Level II technician in one or more NDT METHODS. At that point in your NDT career, you will be able to work on your own and sign off on final reports for the clients.
The increase in pay will also bring an increase in responsibility and possibly an increase in travel time, being away from home. It depends on the segment of the NDT industry you are working in.
NDT Income Ranges
Generally, Trainees and Level I technicians are earning in the $30,000-40,000 range. Level II NDT technicians, the $50,000-80,000 range. And Level III technicians in the $80,000-100,000+ range. There are always exceptions to the rule, but this is about average. Keep in mind that the Level II and Level III income ranges include overtime pay and reimbursement of travel expenses or per diem.
In summary, yes there is a lot of money to be made with an NDT career, but you have to work for it. You won’t be making the “big money” at the beginning. Increased pay comes with increased experience and knowledge.
Stick with it and the sky’s the limit!
NDT Career Pathways
As we mentioned in a previous module, there are two basic pathways to take for your NDT career:
- Work for a company with an in-house NDT department
- Work for an NDT inspection company who does inspection work for various clients
Option One – If you work for a company which has an in-house NDT, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Pros and Cons
- There is generally less travel involved since you are primarily working in the same location or facility every day.
- Consistent work gives you an opportunity to focus on a specific type of inspection method or technique.
- Because of this, Your experience will be limited to the types of components that you are inspecting. This can be a good thing since you can become a valued expert in your specific field. The downside is that you will be more limited in career options if you decide you want to explore other industries.
- The potential for increased income may be limited by the structure of the company for promotions, etc.
Option Two – Here are a few things to consider if you go to work for an inspection company:
Pros and Cons
- The work stays interesting since you are involved in a variety of jobs types.
- More time on the road away from home.
- More unpredictable schedules due to the nature of most industries, especially oil & gas
- Potential for higher pay due to overtime and other job related factors.
- You will need experience with a variety of codes and standards, which also requires more education and time on the job.
Which NDT Career Path Should I Choose?
That’s YOUR Decision!
Think about the things you like to do and your goals.
- Do you like being outside?
- Would you prefer avoiding the heat and cold?
- Do you prefer a job that allows you to move around?
- Do you enjoy variety in your work or the security of a consistent routine?
- Would you mind being on the road, away from your family, for extended time periods?
- What is your goal related to finances?
- Do you already have contacts inside the NDT Industry? What types of companies do they work for? Is there a possibility of starting your career with their company?
Keep these things in mind, but be assured that whatever you choose, an NDT Career can help you meet your goals.
Getting Started in Your NDT Career
Once you’ve decided that an NDT Career is worth pursuing, what’s the first step? There are several possibilities, but most people take one of two routes.
Click the buttons below to explore TWO NDT CAREER PATHWAYS.
