Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Machines can already do 34% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 70%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 34% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 0% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2031, and 70% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 59,930 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $78,350 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 76% for contact with people.
- Also called: Industrial Radiographer, NDE Technician (Non-Destructive Evaluation Technician), NDT Coordinator (Non-Destructive Testing Coordinator), NDT Inspector (Non-Destructing Testing Inspector).
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify defects in solid materials, using ultrasonic testing techniques | 13% | 20% to 60% | |
| Interpret the results of all methods of non-destructive testing (NDT), such as acoustic emission, electromagnetic, leak, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, neutron radiographic, radiographic, thermal or infrared, ultrasonic, vibration analysis, and visual testing | 11% | 60% to 90% | |
| Make radiographic images to detect flaws in objects while leaving objects intact | 11% | 20% to 60% | |
| Prepare reports on non-destructive testing results | 9% | 70% to 95% | |
| Select, calibrate, or operate equipment used in the non-destructive testing of products or materials | 9% | 20% to 60% | |
| Visually examine materials, structures, or components for signs of corrosion, metal fatigue, cracks, or other flaws, using tools and equipment such as endoscopes, closed-circuit television systems, and fiber optics | 8% | 20% to 60% | |
| Examine structures or vehicles such as aircraft, trains, nuclear reactors, bridges, dams, and pipelines, using non-destructive testing techniques | 8% | 30% to 75% | |
| Interpret or evaluate test results in accordance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, or procedures | 7% | 60% to 90% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills non-destructive testing specialists use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Nuclear Technicians62% of tasks by 2035 · US median $110,240
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment50% of tasks by 2035 · US median $84,890
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists34% of tasks by 2035 · US median $61,770
- Wind Turbine Service Technicians42% of tasks by 2035 · US median $64,120
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Non-Destructive Testing Specialists?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2031. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of non-destructive testing specialists?
Machines can do 34% of the tasks of non-destructive testing specialists today and 70% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 17-3029.01 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Non-Destructive Testing Specialists: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/non-destructive-testing-specialists/