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Non-Destructive Test Technician I Salary in the United States

How much does a Non-Destructive Test Technician I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Non-Destructive Test Technician I in the United States is $56,785 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

However, a Non-Destructive Test Technician I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $66,498
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $50,172 to $61,869
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $44,151
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Non-Destructive Test Technician I Salaries

A Non-Destructive Test 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.

How Experience Level Affects Non-Destructive Test Technician I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Non-Destructive Test 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:

  • Non-Destructive Test Technician I (0-1 years): $56,785
  • Non-Destructive Test Technician II (1-3 years): $63,955
  • Non-Destructive Test Technician III (3-5 years): $74,594
  • Non-Destructive Test Technician IV (5-7 years): $89,404
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Non-Destructive Test Technician I0-1 years$56,785
Non-Destructive Test Technician II1-3 years$63,955
Non-Destructive Test Technician III3-5 years$74,594
Non-Destructive Test Technician IV5-7 years$89,404
View as Graph

How Do Non-Destructive Test Technician Is Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Test Technician Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $62,872.
  • California: $62,634.
  • Massachusetts: $61,799.

Top Paying Cities for Non-Destructive Test Technician I

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:

  • San Jose: $71,623
  • San Francisco: $70,839
  • Oakland: $69,346

Non-Destructive Test Technician I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Non-Destructive Test Technician I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $64,043. While startup companies pay approximate $54,239.

Non-Destructive Test Technician I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $54,239
Growth Stage 51~500 $57,343
Established 501~5000 $61,862
Enterprise 5000+ $64,043

Non-Destructive Test Technician I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Non-Destructive Test 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 Test Technician positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Non-Destructive Test Technician I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Non-Destructive Test Technician I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$79,499$38.040%
Pharmaceuticals$73,820$35.030%
Healthcare$70,981$34.025%
Aerospace & Defense$67,006$32.018%
Energy & Utilities$63,599$31.012%

Non-Destructive Test Technician I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Non-Destructive Test 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.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$50,172
Average $56,785/year
$61,869
$4,181
Average $4,732/month
$5,156
$965
Average $1,092/week
$1,190
$24
Average $27/hour
$30
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $61,869 $5,156 $1,190 $30
Average $56,785 $4,732 $1,092 $27
25th Percentile $50,172 $4,181 $965 $24

Non-Destructive Test Technician I Salary Growth & Career Path

Non-Destructive Test Technician I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Non-Destructive Test 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
Non-Destructive Test Technician II $63,955 13%
Testing Technician $58,507 3%

Most common benefits for Non-Destructive Test Technician I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Non-Destructive Test Technician I

Here are companies hiring for Non-Destructive Test Technician I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Non-Destructive Test Technician I

1. Where can a Non-Destructive Test Technician I earn the most?

A Non-Destructive Test Technician I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Non-Destructive Test Technician I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Non-Destructive Test Technician I is $71,623.

2. What is the highest pay for Non-Destructive Test Technician I?

The highest pay for Non-Destructive Test Technician I is $66,498.

3. What is the lowest pay for Non-Destructive Test Technician I?

The lowest pay for Non-Destructive Test Technician I is $44,151.

4. What are the responsibilities of Non-Destructive Test Technician I?

Uses automated and manual techniques including ultrasound and radiography to perform non-destructive tests to identify errors or defects in equipment. May be responsible for testing engines or other mechanical components, storage or transport vessels like pipelines or containers, or major structures like bridges or tunnels. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Non-Destructive Test Technician I?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Non-Destructive Test Technician I roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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