As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Non-Destructive Testing Technician I in California is $62,630 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a Non-Destructive Testing Technician I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Non-Destructive Testing Technician I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $68,250 | $5,688 | $1,313 | $33 |
| Average | $62,630 | $5,219 | $1,204 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,340 | $4,612 | $1,064 | $27 |
Northrop Grumman (Corporate) - Los Angeles, CA
Northrop Grumman - Palmdale, CA
Northrop Grumman - Palmdale, CA
Phenom People - Palmdale, CA
A Non-Destructive Testing Technician I'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 Non-Destructive Testing Technician I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Destructive Testing Technician I | 0-1 years | $62,626 |
| NDT Technician II | 1-3 years | $70,532 |
| NDT Technician III | 3-5 years | $82,263 |
| NDT Technician IV | 5-7 years | $98,597 |
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 Non-Destructive Testing Technician Is. 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:
Non-Destructive Testing Technician I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $70,551. While startup companies pay approximate $59,738.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $59,738 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $63,157 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $68,150 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $70,551 |
For Non-Destructive Testing Technician I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 110% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Non-Destructive Testing Technician positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Non-Destructive Testing Technician I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $87,682 | $42.0 | 40% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $81,419 | $39.0 | 30% |
| Healthcare | $78,288 | $38.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $73,903 | $36.0 | 18% |
| Energy & Utilities | $70,146 | $34.0 | 12% |
Understanding how a Non-Destructive Testing Technician I'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 | $68,250 | $5,688 | $1,313 | $33 |
| Average | $62,630 | $5,219 | $1,204 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,340 | $4,612 | $1,064 | $27 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Non-Destructive Testing Technician I, 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 II | $70,600 | 13% |
| Equipment Testing Technician | $64,600 | 3% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Non-Destructive Testing Technician I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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