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Nondestructive Testing Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL

Bridge Field Technician

Northbrook, IL ยท On-site

$20 - $27.50/hr

... inspections, collect samples, test materials in order to assist in the diagnosis process, perform nondestructive and destructive testing, assist with specimen and full scale testing in our laboratory ...

Showing results 41-44

Nondestructive Testing Inspector information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$17

$34

$50

How much do nondestructive testing inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for nondestructive testing inspector in Chicago, IL is $34.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.74 and $41.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are nondestructive testing inspectors in demand?

Nondestructive testing (NDT) inspectors are in demand across industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, and energy due to the need for quality assurance and safety inspections. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as companies prioritize safety standards and require certified inspectors skilled in techniques like ultrasonic, radiographic, and magnetic particle testing.

How does a nondestructive testing inspector typically collaborate with engineers and other technical staff during inspections?

Nondestructive Testing Inspectors frequently work closely with engineers, quality control teams, and production staff to ensure the integrity and safety of materials or components. They communicate findings, interpret test results, and may recommend further testing or repairs based on their assessments. Effective collaboration is essential, as inspectors often support engineers in diagnosing issues, developing inspection procedures, and maintaining compliance with industry standards. This teamwork fosters a thorough understanding of project requirements and helps ensure that safety and quality objectives are met.

How much do nondestructive testing inspectors make?

Nondestructive testing inspectors typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $70,000, with experienced inspectors or those working in specialized industries earning over $80,000. Salaries vary based on certifications, experience, industry, and geographic location, and inspectors often work in environments requiring certification in methods like ultrasonic, radiographic, or magnetic particle testing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nondestructive testing inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nondestructive Testing Inspector, you need a solid understanding of physics, materials science, and inspection procedures, typically backed by certifications such as ASNT Level I, II, or III. Expertise with technical tools like ultrasonic, radiographic, and magnetic particle testing equipment is essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for accurately interpreting results and reporting findings. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure the safety, reliability, and compliance of critical structures and components across industries.

What is the difference between Nondestructive Testing Inspector vs Radiographer?

AspectNondestructive Testing InspectorRadiographer
CertificationsASNT certifications, Level I/II/IIIARRT certification
Work EnvironmentIndustrial sites, manufacturing plants, constructionMedical facilities, hospitals, clinics
Industry UsageManufacturing, aerospace, energy, infrastructureHealthcare, medical imaging

While both roles involve imaging and inspection techniques, Nondestructive Testing Inspectors focus on evaluating materials and structures without damage in industrial settings, whereas Radiographers specialize in medical imaging to diagnose health conditions. Their certifications, work environments, and industry applications differ, making each role unique in its field.

What is a nondestructive testing inspector?

Nondestructive Testing (NDT) Inspectors are professionals who examine materials, components, or structures for flaws and defects without causing any damage to them. They use specialized methods such as ultrasonic, radiographic, magnetic particle, and dye penetrant testing to assess the integrity and reliability of items used in various industries like aerospace, construction, and manufacturing. Their work helps ensure safety, quality standards, and compliance with regulations. NDT Inspectors often interpret test results, prepare reports, and recommend repairs or further testing as needed.

Is nondestructive testing inspector a good career?

A nondestructive testing inspector evaluates materials and structures using techniques like ultrasonic, radiographic, or magnetic testing to detect flaws without causing damage. The role offers steady employment, often requires certifications such as ASNT, and can involve working in industrial environments with regular schedules. It is considered a stable career with opportunities for advancement and specialization.
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Infographic showing various Nondestructive Testing Inspector job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,776 per year, or $35 per hour.

Bridge Field Technician

Wje

Northbrook, IL โ€ข On-site

$20 - $27.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE)is seeking an exceptionalField and Lab Technicianto join our bridge engineering team, located at WJE's global headquarters in Northbrook, Illinois or WJE's branch office in Portland, Oregon.

At WJE, we spend almost as much time in the field, up close and personal with our projects, as we do in the office. This role will require regularnationwide travel to perform field investigations and bridge inspections, collect samples, test materials in order to assist in the diagnosis process, perform nondestructive and destructive testing, assist with specimen and full scale testing in our laboratory, perform fabrication of test components and retrofit components, and install structural retrofits. This position works under the general supervision of a Senior Specialist or Project Manager but completes routine and moderately complex tasks, testing and structure retrofit installations independently.As a Field and Lab Technician, you will perform various inspection techniques on a variety of bridge structures, both modern and historic.

A career at WJE will give you the opportunity tolearn from and grow alongside industry-leading experts as you develop your technical expertise and your hands-on capabilities.

Essential Functions

  • Routinely completes lab and field technician work, which includes: participation in bridge structure inspections, retrofit of steel and concrete structures including installation of bolted or welded steel retrofits, installation of instrumentation and data acquisition equipment, concrete coring, steel sample removal, moderate to complex steel fabrication, and performing tests in lab and field with minimal supervision

  • Support other inspections to assess conditions such as corrosion, defects, or cracking of structural steel. Interpret indications of distress and report or record results per project requirements

  • Under the direction of experienced engineering staff, understand and execute inspections in accordance with AWS or other applicable codes

  • Assist in additional NDT or other work at WJE's laboratory or field equipment facilities

  • Responsible for equipment maintenance and purchase/rental

  • Calibrates laboratory and field testing equipment

  • Plays an active role in the quality assurance program

  • Understands, follows, and enforces all safety standards

  • Assists in work product development by operating a computer, iPad, or similar device

  • Develops computer sketches or drawings from field notes or hand sketches

  • Conducts specialized testing

  • Assume increasing responsibilities as your experience and capabilities develop

  • Travels to job sites for extended periods of time (up to 40% of the time throughout the year)

Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent or Associate's degree in related field and up to four years of relevant work experience

  • Hands on capabilities with experience in mechanical, construction, and/or applicable electronic trades

  • Developed understanding of routine tests

  • Ability to work independently and to perform tasks after verbal and written instruction

  • Ability and interest to obtain some or all of the certifications herein after undergoing required classroom training and workhour experience

  • Basic computer knowledge. Knowledge of MS Office, PDF editors, and CAD software preferred.

  • Detail-oriented, problem solving mindset

  • Effective written and oral communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • ACI field training and lab certification

  • Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or certified welder (SMAW, FCAW, GMAW to AWS D1.1/D1.5)

  • Commercial Driver License (Class A or B CDL)

  • SPRAT Level 1 Certification or Higher, or equivalent

Culture, Compensation, and Benefits:

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is a global firm of engineers, architects, and materials scientists. Clients worldwide seek our expertise to solve the most significant, interesting, and challenging problems in the built world. Our applied experience from more than 175,000 projects combined with unparalleled laboratory and testing capabilities have made WJE a leader in providing innovative yet practical solutions to the clients we serve.

Working at WJE is a team endeavor characterized by a culture of trust and personal responsibility. We encourage open communication, continuous learning, innovative thinking, ongoing mentoring, and free-flowing collaboration. We seek highly talented and hard-working individuals who want to be challenged, who want hands-on work, who want to set a higher standard, and who want to be mentored by the industry's most accomplished experts. People with outstanding Character, unwaveringCommitment to our core and culture, strongExpertise, and genuineEnthusiasm for their work.

Learn more about the Extraordinary People we hire at WJE at www.wje.com/careers

WJE offers a robust, total compensation structure, where the hourly rate is just one component of an employee's annual earnings. Additionally, employees may be eligible to receive overtime and variable compensation based on personal and company performance, often resulting in above-market annual earnings. Actual hourly rate will be based on several factors including consideration for a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role while remaining mindful of our commitment to internal equity. A good faith estimate of the starting hourly rate (gross) for this position is in the following range:

$26.50 - $39.75

This non-exempt position is also eligible for WJE's industry-leading, total rewards package which enables our employees to grow and thrive with comprehensive health and financial benefits including:

  • Robust and affordable health plans for employees and their families, including HSA as well as low and high-deductible PPO options

  • Generous 401(k) matching of 110% for the first 6% of eligible pay vesting immediately

  • Time off to care for yourself and others

  • Investments in employees' educational assistance and professional development

Learn more about WJE's total rewards package here.

WJE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants to apply including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans (VEVRAA federal contractor).

WJE will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of Fair Chance Ordinances.