Non-Destructive Testers and Inspection Technicians

(NOC 2261)

in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

Non-destructive testers and inspection technicians use radiographic, ultrasonic, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, eddy current and similar testing equipment to conduct tests that provide information about the condition about materials and components without destroying them. They work for quality control, maintenance and safety departments of manufacturing, processing, transportation, energy and other companies and by private industrial inspection companies.

Job Outlook

Undetermined

Read more

  • Estimate change in employment not available for this occupation.
  • Estimate 0 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate rate of unemployment not available for this occupation.

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

  • Estimate 3410 employment change, 2021-2023
  • Estimate 5690 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

Hourly Pay

N/A

Minimum

N/A

Median

N/A

Maximum

Annual Pay

N/A

Minimum

$72,850

Median

N/A

Maximum

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

Hourly Pay

$18.00

Minimum

$34.90

Median

$54.10

Maximum

Annual Pay

$13,568

Minimum

$60,422

Median

$107,009

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Non-destructive testers and inspection technicians use radiographic, ultrasonic, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, eddy current and similar testing equipment to conduct tests that provide information about the condition about materials and components without destroying them. They work for quality control, maintenance and safety departments of manufacturing, processing, transportation, energy and other companies and by private industrial inspection companies.

Job duties

Non-destructive testers and inspection technicians:

  • Set up and calibrate non-destructive testing equipment.
  • Conduct tests to ensure quality or detect discontinuities (defects) using ultrasonic, radiographic, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, eddy current and other non-destructive testing methods.
  • Determine techniques to examine objects under inspection that follow safety regulations.
  • Interpret radiographs, cathode ray tube (CRT) or digital readouts, conductivity meters and visual indicators.
  • Apply testing criteria according to specifications or standards and evaluate results.
  • Organize and report test results.
  • May perform specialized inspections using acoustic emission, vibration analysis, infrared thermography, and laser shearography testing methods.
  • May instruct and supervise trainees.

Sample job titles

  • non-destructive examination technician
  • non-destructive examiner
  • non-destructive inspection technician
  • non-destructive inspector
  • non-destructive tester
  • non-destructive testing maintenance (NDT) technician

Skills

  • The ability to work effectively with the public under various circumstances is crucial. Good communication skills in person and in writing are important. Good observational and analytical skills are necessary. You must have an interest in precision work and be accurate and able to pay close attention to detail. An interest in analyzing information to interpret indicators and evaluate test results is important. You need good motor coordination and manual dexterity.

Job requirements

  • High school is required.
  • Two years of an approved post-secondary science or engineering program may be required.
  • Additional classroom and on-the-job training is required for certification in non-destructive testing.
  • Non-destructive testing certification by Natural Resources Canada is available in three levels and is usually required by employers.
  • Industrial radiographers using a radioactive isotope must pass an examination to be recognized as a certified exposure device operator by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
  • Welding inspector certification by the Canadian Welding Bureau is available in three levels and may be required by employers.
  • Boiler and pressure vessel, process pipeline and above-ground storage tank inspector certification is available from the American Petroleum Institute.

Other considerations

  • Working conditions and workplace hazards vary for these roles. There is some risk involved in working on construction sites or in manufacturing plants. Shiftwork is common and overtime is often required. Travel may also be required. Continuous learning is necessary to keep up to date with constantly changing technology.

By the numbers

Quick look

165

employed in 2016

87.9%

employed full-time

9.1%

self employed

6.1%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
93.9%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
48.7

median age

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

25,875

employed in 2016

91.5%

employed full-time

7.6%

self employed

20.0%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
80%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
42.8

median age

Where will I likely work?

55.9%

Halifax

$63,296 median annual income
20.6%

Cape Breton

N/A
11.8%

North Shore

N/A
5.9%

Annapolis Valley

N/A
5.9%

Southern

N/A

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

57.1%

Professional, scientific and technical services

14.3%

Manufacturing

9.5%

Information and cultural industries

9.5%

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction

9.5%

Construction

What is the age of Employment?

27.0%

55-64

27.0%

45-54

24.0%

25-34

12.0%

15-24

9.0%

35-44

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

24.2%

25-34

23.5%

45-54

23.4%

35-44

16.4%

55-64

7.7%

15-24

Top levels of education

51.5%

College Diploma

$73,103 median annual income
18.2%

Trade Certification

N/A
12.1%

High school

N/A
9.1%

Bachelor

N/A
9.1%

Diploma Below Bachelor

N/A

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

33.1%

College Diploma

$59,986 median annual income
29.8%

Bachelor

$63,965 median annual income
11.9%

High school

$45,835 median annual income
9.9%

Master

$65,105 median annual income
6.9%

Trade Certification

$57,773 median annual income

Education & training

Engineering - General

University Program

These programs prepare individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to solve a wide variety of practical problems in industry, social organization, public works, and commerce.

Institutions providing this program

Acadia University

Wolfville, NS

Dalhousie University

Halifax, NS

St. Francis Xavier University

Antigonish, NS

Saint Mary's University

Halifax, NS

Cape Breton University

Sydney, NS

Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture

Truro, NS

Employment requirements & contacts

No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile

Contacts

Natural Resources Canada - NDT Certifying Agency
Hamilton, ON

Additional resources

There are no additional resources for this occupation.