Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.
Sample of reported job titles:
Industrial Radiographer, NDE Technician (Non-Destructive Evaluation Technician), NDT Coordinator (Non-Destructive Testing Coordinator), NDT Inspector (Non-Destructing Testing Inspector), NDT Specialist (Non-Destructive Testing Specialist), NDT Technical Specialist (Non-Destructive Testing Technical Specialist), NDT Technician (Non-Destructive Testing Technician)
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Tasks
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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.
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Interpret or evaluate test results in accordance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, or procedures.
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Identify defects in solid materials, using ultrasonic testing techniques.
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Make radiographic images to detect flaws in objects while leaving objects intact.
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Prepare reports on non-destructive testing results.
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Select, calibrate, or operate equipment used in the non-destructive testing of products or materials.
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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.
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Examine structures or vehicles such as aircraft, trains, nuclear reactors, bridges, dams, and pipelines, using non-destructive testing techniques.
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Document non-destructive testing methods, processes, or results.
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Produce images of objects on film, using radiographic techniques.
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Supervise or direct the work of non-destructive testing trainees or staff.
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Conduct liquid penetrant tests to locate surface cracks by coating objects with fluorescent dyes, cleaning excess penetrant, and applying developer.
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Map the presence of imperfections within objects, using sonic measurements.
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Develop or use new non-destructive testing methods, such as acoustic emission testing, leak testing, and thermal or infrared testing.
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Identify defects in concrete or other building materials, using thermal or infrared testing.
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Evaluate material properties, using radio astronomy, voltage and amperage measurement, or rheometric flow measurement.
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Technology Skills
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Analytical or scientific software — Fractal Concept SoftScan; GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies Rhythm UT; National Instruments NI Vision Builder for Automated Inspection AI; Visualization Sciences Group VSG Avizo Fire
; 1 more
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Computer aided design CAD software — Autodesk AutoCAD
; Dassault Systemes CATIA
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Computer aided manufacturing CAM software — National Instruments NI Motion Assistant
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Data base user interface and query software — Microsoft Access
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Development environment software — National Instruments LabVIEW
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Electronic mail software — IBM Notes; Microsoft Outlook
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Enterprise resource planning ERP software — SAP software
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Geographic information system — Geographic information system GIS systems
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Graphics or photo imaging software — Visualization Sciences Group VSG Open Inventor
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Office suite software — Microsoft Office software
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Operating system software
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Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint
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Project management software — Microsoft Project
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Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel
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Word processing software — Microsoft Word
Hot Technologies are requirements most frequently included across all employer job postings.
In Demand skills are frequently included in employer job postings for this occupation.
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Work Activities
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
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Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
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Working with Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
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Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
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Communicating with People Outside the Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
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Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
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Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
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Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
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Providing Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
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Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
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Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
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Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
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Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
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Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
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Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
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Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
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Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
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Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
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Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
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Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
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Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
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Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
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Detailed Work Activities
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Measure physical or chemical properties of materials or objects.
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Interpret design or operational test results.
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Test characteristics of materials or structures.
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Document design or operational test results.
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Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
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Inspect finished products to locate flaws.
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Operate industrial equipment.
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Select tools, equipment, or technologies for use in operations or projects.
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Inspect equipment or systems.
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Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
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Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
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Devise research or testing protocols.
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Work Context
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Face-to-Face Discussions — 72% responded “Every day.”
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Electronic Mail — 64% responded “Every day.”
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Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 77% responded “Every day.”
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Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 59% responded “Extremely important.”
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Telephone — 50% responded “Every day.”
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Duration of Typical Work Week — 73% responded “More than 40 hours.”
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Time Pressure — 59% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
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Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 45% responded “Very important results.”
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Freedom to Make Decisions — 41% responded “A lot of freedom.”
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Frequency of Decision Making — 50% responded “Every day.”
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Responsible for Others' Health and Safety — 41% responded “Very high responsibility.”
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Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 45% responded “More than half the time.”
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Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — 45% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
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Contact With Others — 50% responded “Contact with others most of the time.”
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Deal With External Customers — 55% responded “Very important.”
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Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 45% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
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Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled — 55% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
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Outdoors, Exposed to Weather — 71% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
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Work With Work Group or Team — 43% responded “Very important.”
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Outdoors, Under Cover — 50% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
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Consequence of Error — 38% responded “Extremely serious.”
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Coordinate or Lead Others — 57% responded “Very important.”
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Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 41% responded “Very important.”
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Letters and Memos — 47% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
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Structured versus Unstructured Work — 55% responded “Some freedom.”
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Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection — 32% responded “Every day.”
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Physical Proximity — 33% responded “Moderately close (at arm's length).”
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Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions — 45% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
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Level of Competition — 55% responded “Moderately competitive.”
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Exposed to Radiation — 27% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
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Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 33% responded “High responsibility.”
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Exposed to Contaminants — 36% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
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Exposed to High Places — 38% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
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Very Hot or Cold Temperatures — 36% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
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Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — 36% responded “More than half the time.”
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Exposed to Hazardous Equipment — 36% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
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Exposed to Hazardous Conditions — 36% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
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Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting — 32% responded “Once a year or more but not every month.”
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Spend Time Standing — 45% responded “About half the time.”
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In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment — 36% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
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Job Zone
- Title
- Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
- Education
- These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
- Related Experience
- Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
- Job Training
- Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
- Job Zone Examples
- These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, tellers, and dental laboratory technicians.
- SVP Range
- (4.0 to < 6.0)
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Training & Credentials
- State training
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- Local training
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- Certifications
-
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Apprenticeship Opportunities
Example apprenticeship titles for this occupation:
- Nondestructive Testing (Ndt) (Existing Title: Non-Destructive Tester)
Specific title(s) listed above are vetted by industry and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor for use in a Registered Apprenticeship Program.
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Skills
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Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
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Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
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Operations Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
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Learning Strategies — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
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Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.
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Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
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Systems Evaluation — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
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Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
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Instructing — Teaching others how to do something.
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Science — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
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Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
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Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
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Knowledge
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Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
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Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Physics — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
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Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
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Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
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Public Safety and Security — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
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Building and Construction — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
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Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:
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Abilities
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Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Far Vision — The ability to see details at a distance.
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Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
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Flexibility of Closure — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
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Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
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Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
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Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
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Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
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Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
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Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
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Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
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Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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Mathematical Reasoning — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
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Speed of Closure — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
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Visual Color Discrimination — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
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Interests
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Realistic — Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Investigative — Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Conventional — Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Work Values
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Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
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Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
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Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
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Work Styles
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Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
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Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
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Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
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Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
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Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
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Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
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Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
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Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
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Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
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Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
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Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
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Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
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Independence — Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
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Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
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Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
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Wages & Employment Trends
Median wage data for Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other.
Employment data for Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other.
Industry data for Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other.
- Median wages (2023)
- $35.34 hourly, $73,500 annual
- State wages
-
- Local wages
-
- Employment (2023)
- 69,500 employees
- Projected growth (2023-2033)
-
Average (3% to 5%)
- Projected job openings (2023-2033)
- 6,300
- State trends
-
- Top industries (2023)
-
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023 wage data
external site and 2023-2033 employment projections
external site.
“Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2023-2033). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.
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Job Openings on the Web
- State job openings
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- Local job openings
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Professional Associations
Disclaimer:
Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries.
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