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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a NDT Technician III in California is $82,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.
However, a NDT Technician III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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NDT Technician III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $90,500 | $7,542 | $1,740 | $44 |
| Average | $82,300 | $6,858 | $1,583 | $40 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,500 | $6,125 | $1,413 | $35 |
CCS INC - Anaheim, CA
Chromalloy Corporation - San Diego, CA
Woodward - Valencia, CA
Precision Castparts - San Leandro, CA
A NDT Technician III's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a NDT Technician III's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| NDT Technician I | 0-1 years | $62,634 |
| NDT Technician II | 1-3 years | $70,542 |
| NDT Technician III | 3-5 years | $82,277 |
| NDT Technician IV | 5-7 years | $98,613 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract NDT Technician IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
NDT Technician III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $92,819. While startup companies pay approximate $78,611.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $78,611 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $83,109 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $89,658 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $92,819 |
For NDT Technician III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 85% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, NDT Technician positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view NDT Technician III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $106,990 | $51.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $102,875 | $49.0 | 25% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $98,760 | $47.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $94,645 | $46.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $90,530 | $44.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a NDT Technician III's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $90,500 | $7,542 | $1,740 | $44 |
| Average | $82,300 | $6,858 | $1,583 | $40 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,500 | $6,125 | $1,413 | $35 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a NDT Technician III, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| NDT Technician IV | $98,700 | 20% |
| Production Test Engineering Supervisor | $89,800 | 9% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current NDT Technician III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Arrowhead Products
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Arrowhead Products | Los Alamitos, CA
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Weber Metals, Inc. | Paramount, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Hourly Range: $42.50 - $52.50. All Applicants must comply with ITAR requirements. US Citizens or Permanent Residents only... more
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Weber Metals
Paramount, CA
Weber Metals | Paramount, CA
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Element
Compton, CA
Element | Compton, CA
NDT IUT and VI Level III. The NDT IUT and VI Level III provides advanced technical expertise, leadership, and certification authority in ultrasonic testing... more
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Howmet Aerospace
Carson, CA
Howmet Aerospace | Carson, CA
ResponsibilitiesHowmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking a 2nd Shift, Quality Tech III, NDT II for our Carson, California location.Howmet Aerospace Inc. (... more
8 Days Ago
Anduril
Santa Ana, CA
Anduril | Santa Ana, CA
ASNT/NAVSEA NDT Inspector, UT Level III, Maritime. Santa Ana, California, United States. Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission ... more
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