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Penetrant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Now hiring NDT Penetrant Inspector | Direct Hire Location: Poway, CA Pay Rate: $26.00 $32.00 per hour | Depending on experience Schedule: Monday - Friday | 6:00 AM 2:30 PM or 2:30 PM 11:00 PM Put in ...

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Now hiring NDT Penetrant Inspector | Direct Hire Location: Poway, CA Pay Rate: $26.00 - $32.00 per hour | Depending on experience Schedule: Monday - Friday | 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM or 2:30 PM - 11:00 PM ...

New

Have the skills and knowledge to apply penetrant to aerospace parts in a manner that is acceptable to aerospace specifications, understand required dwell times for penetrant, wash penetrant off parts ...

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Job Overview An Aerospace PT Inspector (Liquid Penetrant) conducts non-destructive testing (NDT) to identify surface and near-surface defects in aircraft components, ensuring compliance with strict ...

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Penetrant information

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$14

$29

$48

How much do penetrant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for penetrant in the United States is $29.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $34.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Penetrant Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Penetrant Inspector, you need knowledge of non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by NDT Level I or II certification. Familiarity with penetrant testing equipment, safety protocols, and relevant industry standards such as ASNT or NAS 410 is typically required. Strong observational skills, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication help inspectors accurately identify and report defects. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring the safety and reliability of components in industries like aerospace, manufacturing, and construction.

What are some common challenges faced by penetrant testing professionals and how can they be addressed?

Penetrant testing professionals often encounter challenges such as identifying subtle surface discontinuities, working in confined or awkward spaces, and ensuring thorough cleaning of test surfaces to avoid false results. Staying up-to-date with the latest testing standards and maintaining attention to detail are crucial. Collaborating closely with other NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) team members and following strict safety protocols can help address these challenges, ensuring accurate and reliable inspections.

What are penetrants in the context of a job role?

Penetrants, often referred to as liquid penetrant inspectors or technicians, are professionals who perform nondestructive testing (NDT) to detect surface-breaking defects in materials and components. They use liquid penetrant inspection methods to identify cracks, porosity, or other flaws that may not be visible to the naked eye. This process is widely used in industries like aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing to ensure the safety and integrity of critical parts. Penetrants follow strict procedures for cleaning, applying penetrant, developing, and inspecting the parts. Their work is essential for quality control and compliance with industry safety standards.

What is the difference between Penetrant vs Radiographer?

AspectPenetrantRadiographer
Required CertificationsPenetrant testing certification (e.g., ASNT Level II)Radiography certification (e.g., ARRT, ARDMS)
Work EnvironmentIndustrial settings, manufacturing, aerospaceMedical facilities, hospitals, clinics
Industry UsageNon-destructive testing (NDT) in manufacturingMedical imaging and diagnostics
Job FocusDetecting surface flaws in materialsCapturing images of the human body for diagnosis

While both Penetrant testers and Radiographers work with imaging techniques, Penetrant specialists focus on non-destructive testing of materials in industrial settings, whereas Radiographers operate medical imaging equipment to diagnose patients. Their certifications, environments, and industry applications differ, but both roles require specialized training and safety protocols.

More about Penetrant jobs
What states have the most Penetrant jobs? States with the most job openings for Penetrant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Penetrant job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,725 per year, or $29.7 per hour.
NDT Penetrant Inspector

$26 - $32/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

Now hiring NDT Penetrant Inspector | Direct Hire Location: Poway, CA Pay Rate: $26.00 $32.00 per hour | Depending on experience Schedule: Monday - Friday | 6:00 AM 2:30 PM or 2:30 PM 11:00 PM Put in the Work, Reap the Rewards: NDT Penetrant Ins Inspector, Operations, Staffing, Construction