How to become a Non-destructive Testing Technician

Also called: NDT Technician

Uses non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques to examine and test the functionality and performance of objects, structures or materials without damaging or affecting their functionality.

Main tasks

• Uses NDT techniques to study the properties of materials and structures
• Uses NDT techniques to test materials at all stages of a manufacturing or construction process
• Tests and identifies product flaws and structural weaknesses using NDT techniques
• Conducts NDT to determine where corrosion may occur and how it will spread
• Calibrates and maintains NDT equipment

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Aviation Non-Destructive Testing (MEA60322); Diploma of Aeroskills (Non-Destructive Testing) (MEA50522); Diploma of Engineering - Non-Destructive Testing (MEM50422); Diploma of Engineering - Technical (MEM50222); Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology (AUR32120); Certificate III in Automotive Underbody Technology (AUR32518); Certificate III in Engineering - Technical (MEM30522); Certificate III in Motor Sport Technology (AUR30920)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $153,608 a year
• About 39,400 people work in this job group now, and about 44,000 are projected by 2035. (+11.7%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Biomedical Technician
• Electronic Engineering Technician
• Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson
• Mechanical Engineering Technician
• Metallurgical or Materials Technician
• Other Draftsperson

Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz

Questions people ask

How do I become a Non-destructive Testing Technician?

Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Aviation Non-Destructive Testing; Diploma of Aeroskills (Non-Destructive Testing).

How much does a Non-destructive Testing Technician earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $153,608 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Non-destructive Testing Technician a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 12% by 2035, from about 39,400 to about 44,000 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Non-destructive Testing Technician?

Usually not. Only 22% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Aviation Non-Destructive Testing; Diploma of Aeroskills (Non-Destructive Testing).

Will AI change the work of a Non-destructive Testing Technician?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04