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NDT Technician / Technologist, Inspector (NDT / Welding)
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in precision working to set up and calibrate nondestructive testing equipment, and to conduct tests to ensure quality and detect defects; may perform specialized inspections using acoustic emission, vibration analysis, infrared thermography and laser shearography testing methods
Interest in analyzing information to interpret radiographs, readouts, meters and visual indicators and to evaluate test results
Interest in speaking to organize and report test results; and in applying testing criteria according to specifications and standards; may instruct and supervise trainees
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Non-destructive testing (NDT) is used to inspect or measure the integrity of a material, component, or structure without damaging it. The purpose of testing may be to ensure safety and quality, increase production or extend the life of equipment and system components. Many tests are required by codes or regulations. For example, NDT may be used to test aircraft skins, pipelines, pipes in industrial plants, reinforcing steel in concrete structures, pressure vessels, wire ropes in suspension bridges, steel wheels on trains, or finished machine parts.
Non-destructive testing (NDT) technicians use many different techniques to examine components and parts. Some common types include:
Other techniques can include advanced computer systems, drone, and robotic systems to capture and analyze data in difficult areas, and many more. Opportunities exist for the NDT Inspector to expand their capabilities through continuous learning.
Duties vary depending on the type of test. In general, NDT technicians:
They also may:
Welding inspectors:
Working conditions vary a lot from one industry and organization to another. Non-destructive testing (NDT) technicians may work primarily indoors in manufacturing or processing plants, or outdoors on construction sites in all weather conditions. They may work shifts. Overtime is often required to complete testing as quickly as possible during plant shutdowns.
Those employed by inspection service companies travel to locations throughout Alberta and across provinces. They may be away from home for extended periods. Their jobs may require international travel .
Occupational hazards also vary. There is some risk of injury involved in working on construction sites and in manufacturing plants. Work at heights, in confined spaces, and in hazardous atmospheres may be required, with proper training. Accidental exposure to radiation is a hazard for NDT technicians who conduct radiographic tests.
Non-destructive testing (NDT) technicians need:
They should enjoy performing precision tasks, analyzing and interpreting data, and taking a methodical approach to their work.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 24 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 04, 2021 and May 18, 2022.
Review these skills to learn:
| Personal Suitability: Effective interpersonal skills | 23 |
|---|---|
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 23 |
| Testing Equipment and Methods: Nondestructive testing | 22 |
| Personal Suitability: Organized | 21 |
| Conduct tests to ensure quality or detect defects | 20 |
| Maintain test result reports | 19 |
| Establish techniques for proper examination of objects under inspection, ensuring strict adherence to safety regulations | 19 |
| Personal Suitability: Reliability | 19 |
| Personal Suitability: Flexibility | 19 |
| Personal Suitability: Accurate | 18 |
Most employers prefer to hire non-destructive testing (NDT) technicians who have related post-secondary education or training, as well as the certification required for the types of tests they conduct. Recertification is required every 5 years. Some advanced methods may require training out of country.
NDT technicians must keep up to date with changes in technology.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Obtaining certification to conduct eddy current, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, radiography, or ultrasonic tests is an asset for employment.
There are 3 levels of Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) certification for non-destructive testing that are administered by the Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) National NDT Certification Body (NDTCB):
To become CGSB NDT certified, applicants must complete training, obtain work experience hours, and pass written and practical examinations.
NDT technicians who conduct tests involving radioactive isotopes must be certified by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). To become a Certified Exposure Device Operator (CEDO), applicants must complete or have qualifications equivalent to successful completion of the following:
The Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) offers 3 levels of certification for Welding Inspectors, progressing from Level 1 to Level 3. Candidates must have job-related experience or have completed recognized welding courses, and pass closed-book, open-book, and practical exams. Educational courses are not mandatory for certification. However, candidates who successfully complete CWB Learning Centre study courses receive credits for exams.
The CWB also offers 3 levels of Metal Products Inspector certification for those involved in verifying, qualifying, quantifying, and other aspects of products such as buildings, bridges, pipelines, pressure vessels, and machinery. Candidates must have related education and practical experience in each product endorsement for which they wish to be certified.
The American Petroleum Institute (API) offers a number of individual certification programs (for example, pressure vessel, piping, and above-ground storage-tank inspector certifications). Applicants must pass an exam for each type of certificate.
Non-destructive testing (NDT) technicians work for private industrial inspection companies and in the quality control (QC), quality assurance (QA), or maintenance and safety departments of:
Experienced NDT technicians with Level 2 certification may advance to supervisory positions. Those with Level 3 certification may further move into research and development positions or establish their own service companies.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 2261: Non-destructive testers and inspection technicians occupational group, 77.8% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 2261: Non-destructive testers and inspection technicians occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.7% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $18.00 | $43.27 | $24.89 | $20.46 |
| Overall | $23.00 | $61.21 | $37.19 | $32.00 |
| Top | $24.00 | $67.64 | $44.35 | $35.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $77,864 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $77,014 |
| Manufacturing | $63,669 |
American Petroleum Institute (API) website: www.api.org
Canadian Institute for Non-destructive Evaluation (CINDE) website: www.cinde.ca
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) website: nuclearsafety.gc.ca
Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) website: www.cwbgroup.org
IDL Inspection Ltd website: www.idlinspection.com
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), National Non-Destructive Testing Certification Body (NDTCB) website: www.nrcan.gc.ca
Quality Control Council of Canada website: qcccanada.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
