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$10

$26

$55

How much do destructive testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for destructive testing in Kentucky is $26.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.50 and $31.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Destructive Testing job?

A Destructive Testing (DT) job involves evaluating materials, components, or products by subjecting them to tests that ultimately cause failure. This process helps determine mechanical properties, durability, and performance under extreme conditions. DT technicians and engineers use methods like tensile testing, impact testing, and fatigue testing to assess structural integrity. These tests are crucial in industries such as aerospace, construction, and manufacturing to ensure safety and compliance with standards.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in Destructive Testing roles?

Professionals in Destructive Testing often work with precise protocols and safety standards, which can present challenges in balancing thorough testing with high productivity. Handling delicate or hazardous materials, managing test sample failures, and interpreting complex data require careful attention and technical expertise. Additionally, testers must communicate clearly with engineers, production teams, and quality control personnel to provide actionable results. Despite these challenges, the role offers valuable experience in quality assurance and opportunities for advancement into senior testing, inspection, or engineering positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Destructive Testing position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Destructive Testing, you need a solid understanding of materials science, mechanical principles, and analytical testing methods, often supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory testing equipment, non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques, and certifications such as ASNT or AWS are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These qualifications ensure accurate test results, safety standards compliance, and clear reporting to support quality and reliability in manufacturing or construction industries.

Is NDT a stressful job?

Destructive Testing (NDT) can be stressful due to the need for precision, safety considerations, and adherence to strict standards. Workers often work in environments with safety risks and must maintain focus to ensure accurate results, which can contribute to job-related stress.

What are examples of destructive testing?

Destructive testing in destructive testing jobs involves applying stress, force, or heat to materials or components until they fail, such as tensile tests, impact tests, fatigue tests, and bend tests. These tests help determine a product's strength, durability, and safety but result in the destruction of the tested specimen. Professionals often use specialized equipment and follow safety protocols during these procedures.

What is the highest paying NDT job?

The highest paying NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) jobs are often senior-level roles such as NDT inspectors or supervisors with extensive experience, specialized certifications (like ASNT Level III), and expertise in advanced techniques such as ultrasonic or radiographic testing. These positions can offer salaries exceeding $100,000 annually, especially in industries like oil and gas, aerospace, or nuclear power. Advanced skills, certifications, and working in high-risk environments typically contribute to higher compensation.

Is it hard to get a NDT job?

Getting a nondestructive testing (NDT) job can be competitive, but having relevant certifications such as ASNT Level I or II and technical skills in inspection methods like ultrasonic or radiographic testing improves employment prospects. Entry-level positions are available, but experience and proper training are often required for more advanced roles.
What are popular job titles related to Destructive Testing jobs in Kentucky? For Destructive Testing jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Destructive Testing jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Destructive Testing jobs in Kentucky are:
Destructive Testing jobs near you
Certified Welding Inspector

Certified Welding Inspector

Universal Engineering Sciences

Lexington, KY • On-site

$24.50 - $33.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Universal Engineering Sciences rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

341st of 369 rated engineering

Job description

Overview
At UES, we're a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose-to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.
Position Overview
UES is seeking a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) to join our Lexington team. This is a hands-on, field-based role supporting structural steel, commercial, industrial, manufacturing, transportation, and infrastructure projects throughout Kentucky and the surrounding region.
This opportunity is ideal for an experienced inspector who enjoys working in the field, collaborating with contractors and engineers, and helping ensure projects are built safely and according to industry standards. You'll have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects while serving as a trusted quality resource for clients and project teams.
Responsibilities
What You'll Do
As a Certified Welding Inspector, you'll play a critical role in verifying the quality, safety, and compliance of welded structures and construction activities.
Responsibilities include:
  • Performing welding inspections at construction sites, fabrication facilities, industrial plants, and infrastructure projects
  • Reviewing engineering drawings, welding procedures, specifications, and project requirements
  • Verifying compliance with AWS codes, project specifications, and applicable industry standards
  • Preparing accurate inspection reports and project documentation
  • Working closely with contractors, fabricators, engineers, and project managers to address quality concerns and maintain project schedules
  • Conducting visual inspections of structural steel and welded assemblies
  • Supporting quality assurance and quality control efforts throughout project execution
  • Communicating inspection findings and recommendations to clients and project teams
  • Maintaining a strong commitment to safety while working in active construction and industrial environments
  • Managing field assignments throughout Kentucky and the surrounding area

What We're Looking For
We're seeking a detail-oriented professional who takes pride in quality workmanship and enjoys working independently while collaborating with project teams.
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent with a completed welding certificate program or vocational training.
  • American Welding Society (AWS) or similar welding certification, preferred.
  • Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record and basic computer literacy.
  • Knowledge of various welding techniques, equipment, and safety protocols.
  • Adaptability and flexibility to changing schedules and hours to support business needs.
  • Strong time management, mathematics, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.
    Preferred Qualifications
    • Experience with structural steel fabrication, steel erection, bridge construction, or transportation-related projects
    • Experience with Non-Destructive Examination (NDE), including Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) and Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
    • Additional AWS, ICC, API, or related industry certifications
    • Previous consulting or third-party inspection experience
    • Experience supporting transportation, industrial, manufacturing, energy, or infrastructure projects

    Travel Requirements
    This position requires moderate travel, approximately up to 40% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on-site work.
    #LI-CB1
    Physical Demands & Work Environment
    • This position primarily works in an outdoor work environment, regularly exposed to varying field conditions, including:
      • Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, fields, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man-made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
      • Moderate to loud noise levels, common in active construction and industrial environments.
      • Exposure to environmental elements including dirt, dust, sun, heat, humidity, and adverse weather conditions.
    • The physical requirements for this position may include and are not limited to:
      • Ability to lift and/or carry 35 to 75 lbs. up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
      • Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate equipment for extended periods.
      • Frequent use of hands and arms for typing, handling tools, and operating equipment.
      • Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for fieldwork and inspections.
      • Ability to speak and hear effectively to communicate in noisy environments and with project teams.
      • Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) smell, hear, touch (use hands to reach climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit).

    EEO Statement
    UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here

    • What Universal Engineering Sciences employees say

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    Universal Engineering Sciences logo

    About Universal Engineering Sciences

    Sourced by ZipRecruiter

    Universal Engineering Sciences, based in Orlando, FL, US, is a reputable name in the field of geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, construction materials testing, and inspection services. With an impressive industry presence of over six decades since its establishment in 1964, Universal Engineering Sciences specializes in providing engineering consulting services that effectively address multiple civil, structural, and geotechnical challenges. Their extensive service portfolio includes environmental assessments, field testing services, laboratory testing services, and quality control consulting, among others. As a stalwart advocate of integrity, excellence, service, and people, Universal Engineering Sciences takes pride in delivering exceptional services that realize their mission of setting industry standards through technical superiority and efficient communication.

    Industry

    Construction

    Company size

    1,001 - 5,000 Employees

    Headquarters location

    Orlando, FL, US

    Year founded

    1964

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