17-3029.01

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

3.5OUT OF 10SAFEHIGH RISK
Low Risk

Your job is relatively safe from AI

Safer than 30% of occupations we track

Frey & Osborne (2013) estimated 24% probability of automation for this role
paper →
30%
of jobs safer
711
jobs riskier than this
+1.5%
projected growth

Disruption Vector

Disruption Type

Hybrid Threat

Both AI software and physical automation threaten different aspects of this role, creating a compound risk from multiple directions.

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists inspect materials and structures using ultrasound, X-ray, and other methods — highly physical work requiring certification and contextual judgment. AI-assisted image analysis tools (like Evident's NDT AI) can help flag anomalies, but final pass/fail decisions on safety-critical components require certified human inspectors. The role is resilient through 2027, with AI augmenting speed and accuracy rather than replacing the inspector.

Disrupted byBoston DynamicsChatGPT / GPT-4oAmazon Robotics

Salary & Job Outlook

Median Annual Pay
$77,390
US Bureau of Labor Statistics
10-Year Job Growth
+1.5%
Little or no change
Education Required
Associate's degree
Job Zone 2 / 5

AI Risk Timeline

3.5
3.8
4.1
4.7
Today
5 Years
10 Years
20 Years

Projection model: Based on current AI capability growth rates. High-risk occupations are projected to see compounding automation pressure, while human-centric roles show slower risk accumulation. These are statistical projections, not guarantees.

Skills Analysis — AI Vulnerability

AI can replicate (0)
AI-resistant (1)
Mixed
Active Listening65%
Speaking60%
Coordination62%
Monitoring58%
Time Management55%

Similar Safe Careers

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Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

3.5
/ 10
Low Risk
35% automation risk

"The robots looked at your job and said 'nah, too human.'"

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NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING SPECIALISTS
3.5

/ 10

LOW RISK

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You're safer than 30% of all knowledge workers we track.

This analysis is for informational purposes only and is based on statistical models and academic research. It does not constitute career advice and is not a guarantee of future employment outcomes. AI impact varies significantly by employer, region, and individual circumstances. Learn about our methodology →