As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a NDE Engineer in Foothill Ranch, CA is $76,961 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, a NDE Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A NDE Engineer'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, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a NDE Engineer'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| NDE Engin... Level NDE Engineer | $76,327 |
| Informati... Level NDE Engineer | $94,270 |
| Informati... Level NDE Engineer | $110,048 |
| Informati... Level NDE Engineer | $135,458 |
| Informati... Level NDE Engineer | $162,548 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 3.63% |
| Internal Control | 3.74% |
| COBIT | 1.85% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Commitment
|
$88,506 |
15%
|
|
Data Analytics
|
$86,197 |
12%
|
|
Communicates Effectively
|
$85,427 |
11%
|
|
Risk Assessment
|
$85,427 |
11%
|
|
Planning
|
$85,427 |
11%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$84,658 |
10%
|
For NDE Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Chemicals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, NDE Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view NDE Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $107,746 | $52.0 | 40% |
| Chemicals | $88,506 | $43.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $84,658 | $41.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $84,658 | $41.0 | 10% |
| Insurance | $84,658 | $41.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a NDE Engineer'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 September 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current NDE Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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