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Placement
and Pay
 Placement
Rates of Nondestructive Testing Technology Graduates
Employment is always a concern for students
when making a career choice. Typically college NDT programs provide
placement for graduating students and many boast of placement
rates at or near 100 percent. The demand for individuals that
have earned an AAS degree in nondestructive testing technology
is current so great that some vocational programs are reporting
that students are receiving as many as 18 job offers upon graduation.
This employment/graduate ratio has been consistently in favor
of graduate for the past ten years. It is expected that this trend
will continue far into the future.
An article published in the November 2001
edition of Materials Evaluation reported on a recent workforce
availability study conducted by the electric power industry. The
study found that the combined effect of several factors is resulting
in an acute shortage of NDT personnel. These factors include a
low unemployment rate, an NDT labor force with a high number of
individual nearing retirement and fewer new workers entering the
job market. In fact, in one industry (nuclear power) it is estimated
that only 24% of the current NDT workforce will still be on the
job by the year 2010. In addition, state and federal requirements
for safety in all aspects of industry are increasing day by day
and there is no end in sight. While these facts are causing concern
among employers throughout the US, they mean that jobs will be
plentiful for individuals with skills in nondestructive testing.
This trend has opened the door for higher wages and accelerated
advancement in NDT personnel careers.
Wages of NDT
Personnel
Wages and benefits very widely thorough
the industry. Starting salaries typically range from $25,000-$45,000
a year depending on job location. Often wages and benefits are
related to graduate knowledge and skill, and job duties. Students
graduating an AAS degree program may be well versed on inspection
methods, however, job experience is required before industry certifications
can be met. It may take a number of months before the technician
can be tested for certification. Industry will often increase
wages as technicians meet company certification requirements.
NDT technology graduates with 5-8 years of experience are currently
averaging $52,000 annually which is one of the highest average
salaries when compared to other two-year technology programs.
Web sites with
additional information on employment and wages.
http://www.ndt.net/exhibit/survey/salary/salaryr.htm
http://www.ndt.com/
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