Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Architecture and Engineering Occupations- O*NET-SOC code
- 17-3029.01
Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.
- Data source: BLSPublished: 2026-08
High· relative
LowFour relative bandsVery highGroup-level value
Scale, basis and source
Four relative bands (Low / Moderate / High / Very high)
831 detailed occupations in the BLS Employment Projections table. Assigned per National Employment Matrix (NEM) code, so occupations sharing a NEM code carry the same band
- Data source: AnthropicPublished: 2026-03
0.000
0.000Range of values carried here0.745Group-level value
Scale, basis and source
Observed exposure index, 0–1 as published
Mapped onto O*NET tasks
Published per SOC 2018 occupation; every O*NET occupation with the same SOC 2018 code carries this value
- Data source: ILOPublished: 2025
0.26–0.32· 4 ISCO-08 groups
Scale, basis and source
Generative AI exposure index, 0–1 as published
Published per ISCO-08 unit group. Linked to this occupation, wholly or in part, by applying U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (ISCO-08 to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to 2018 SOC) as published
What kind of figure this source publishes
The BLS category is a relative rank, not an absolute level, and it is not a first-hand measurement: it groups an occupation's percentile ranks across several published studies into four bands. It is not an employment or wage forecast, not a probability of adoption, and it does not separate automation from augmentation.
ILO value for each linked ISCO-08 group
- ISCO-08 3115Mechanical Engineering Technicians0.26
- ISCO-08 3116Chemical Engineering Technicians0.32
- ISCO-08 3117Mining and metallurgical technicians0.28
- ISCO-08 3119Physical and Engineering Science Technicians Not Elsewhere Classified0.26
Task-level exposure
Exposed tasks only16 rated tasks · 9 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (56.3%)
β = direct exposure (E1) + 0.5 × exposure when tools are available (E2), per the source repository's definition.
- Source unit: O*NET 27.2 tasks → O*NET 31.0 occupation code
- All rated tasks are in the O*NET 31.0 task list.
- Source
- OpenAI "GPTs are GPTs" exposure rubric
- Release
- gh-main-0471612
- License
- MIT License, Copyright (c) 2024 OpenAI
| Task (O*NET 20.1) | Claude.aiRaw / share % |
|---|---|
Document non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, processes, or results.17-3029.01 | 0.040859.1 |
Evaluate material properties, using radio astronomy, voltage and amperage measurement, or rheometric flow measurement.17-3029.01 | 0.012117.5 |
Prepare reports on non-destructive testing (NDT) results.17-3029.01 | 0.00527.5 |
Develop or use new non-destructive testing (NDT) methods such as acoustic emission testing, leak testing, and thermal or infrared testing.17-3029.01 | 0.00365.3 |
Map the presence of imperfections within objects using sonic measurements.17-3029.01 | 0.00344.9 |
Identify defects in solid materials using ultrasonic testing techniques.17-3029.01 | 0.00202.8 |
Select, calibrate, or operate equipment used in the non-destructive testing (NDT) of products or materials.17-3029.01 | 0.00202.8 |
| Not observed on any surface — 9 task(s) — These tasks have no row in the source for this release. The 0 in the share row is a display-stage composition ratio; absence is what the — in the raw row states. | |
Supervise or direct the work of non-destructive testing (NDT) trainees or staff. | —0 |
Produce images of objects on film using radiographic techniques. | —0 |
Make radiographic images to detect flaws in objects while leaving objects intact. | —0 |
Visually examine materials, structures, or components using tools and equipment such as endoscopes, closed circuit television systems, and fiber optics for signs of corrosion, metal fatigue, cracks, or other flaws. | —0 |
Interpret or evaluate test results in accordance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, or procedures. | —0 |
Conduct liquid penetrant tests to locate surface cracks by coating objects with fluorescent dyes, cleaning excess penetrant, and applying developer. | —0 |
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. | —0 |
Examine structures or vehicles such as aircraft, trains, nuclear reactors, bridges, dams, and pipelines using non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques. | —0 |
Identify defects in concrete or other building materials, using thermal or infrared testing. | —0 |
Values in this tab are predicted labels, not observations. Eloundou et al. (2023) published two rating regimes — human raters and GPT-4 — and the β shown here is derived from the GPT-4 rater basis alone; the same task can take a different value under the other regime. The unit and the meaning differ from the observed shares (%) in the other tabs, so do not place them on the same axis.
| Task (O*NET 27.2) | βE1 + 0.5 × E2 |
|---|---|
Produce images of objects on film, using radiographic techniques.O*NET Task ID 16613 | 0.5 |
Document non-destructive testing methods, processes, or results.O*NET Task ID 16616 | 0.5 |
Map the presence of imperfections within objects, using sonic measurements.O*NET Task ID 16617 | 0.5 |
Make radiographic images to detect flaws in objects while leaving objects intact.O*NET Task ID 16618 | 0.5 |
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.O*NET Task ID 16619 | 0.5 |
Interpret or evaluate test results in accordance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, or procedures.O*NET Task ID 16620 | 0.5 |
Identify defects in concrete or other building materials, using thermal or infrared testing.O*NET Task ID 16621 | 0.5 |
Prepare reports on non-destructive testing results.O*NET Task ID 16625 | 0.5 |
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.O*NET Task ID 16626 | 0.5 |
Supervise or direct the work of non-destructive testing trainees or staff.O*NET Task ID 16612 | 0.0 |
Evaluate material properties, using radio astronomy, voltage and amperage measurement, or rheometric flow measurement.O*NET Task ID 16614 | 0.0 |
Develop or use new non-destructive testing methods, such as acoustic emission testing, leak testing, and thermal or infrared testing.O*NET Task ID 16615 | 0.0 |
Identify defects in solid materials, using ultrasonic testing techniques.O*NET Task ID 16622 | 0.0 |
Select, calibrate, or operate equipment used in the non-destructive testing of products or materials.O*NET Task ID 16623 | 0.0 |
Conduct liquid penetrant tests to locate surface cracks by coating objects with fluorescent dyes, cleaning excess penetrant, and applying developer.O*NET Task ID 16624 | 0.0 |
Examine structures or vehicles such as aircraft, trains, nuclear reactors, bridges, dams, and pipelines, using non-destructive testing techniques.O*NET Task ID 16627 | 0.0 |
β = E1 + 0.5 × E2 · E1 = tasks where direct LLM access alone cuts time by at least 50%, E2 = tasks where software built on top of an LLM cuts time by at least 50%. Values take only 0 / 0.5 / 1.0.
Data sources & licenses — O*NET®, Anthropic Economic Index, Eloundou et al. (2023): see full notices on the Credits page
All O*NET 31.0 task statements (16)
All O*NET 31.0 task statements for this occupation (English, as published; task type core or supplemental). Exposure values are not listed here; they are in the table above, next to each task statement as worded in the O*NET version each source used.
| Task (O*NET 31.0) | Type |
|---|---|
| Supervise or direct the work of non-destructive testing trainees or staff. | Core |
| Produce images of objects on film, using radiographic techniques. | Core |
| Develop or use new non-destructive testing methods, such as acoustic emission testing, leak testing, and thermal or infrared testing. | Core |
| Document non-destructive testing methods, processes, or results. | Core |
| Map the presence of imperfections within objects, using sonic measurements. | Core |
| Make radiographic images to detect flaws in objects while leaving objects intact. | Core |
| 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. | Core |
| Interpret or evaluate test results in accordance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, or procedures. | Core |
| Identify defects in concrete or other building materials, using thermal or infrared testing. | Core |
| Identify defects in solid materials, using ultrasonic testing techniques. | Core |
| Select, calibrate, or operate equipment used in the non-destructive testing of products or materials. | Core |
| Conduct liquid penetrant tests to locate surface cracks by coating objects with fluorescent dyes, cleaning excess penetrant, and applying developer. | Core |
| Prepare reports on non-destructive testing results. | Core |
| 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. | Core |
| Examine structures or vehicles such as aircraft, trains, nuclear reactors, bridges, dams, and pipelines, using non-destructive testing techniques. | Core |
| Evaluate material properties, using radio astronomy, voltage and amperage measurement, or rheometric flow measurement. | Supplemental |
0.73/ 3· Robot exposure index
Scale, basis and source
Each physical task is graded 0–3 by the setting in which robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated could do it (0 none · 1 purpose-built robot settings such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line · 2 structured facilities such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port · 3 unstructured settings such as a private home or a construction site), and the grades are averaged by share of working time
Physical tasks among this occupation's O*NET 29.3 tasks
Anthropic estimated the grades and time shares with Claude Opus 5 using web search, as of 2026.
The robot exposure index is a different measure from the AI exposure figures on this site and cannot be added to or compared with them. It does not measure actual adoption or cost, and 0 also covers occupations with no physical tasks.
Tier of each physical task
Robot environment tiers (E0–E3)
E0 noneDetails
Rated not doable by robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated, even in a purpose-built setting
E1 purpose-built robot settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting built around the machine, such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line
E2 structured facilitiesDetails
Rated doable in a human work facility that an institution keeps to a working standard, such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port
E3 unstructured settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting that no institution keeps to a working standard, such as a private home or a construction site
Only tasks classified as physical are listed; other tasks have no tier in the source.
| Task (O*NET 29.3) | Robot environment tier |
|---|---|
| Produce images of objects on film, using radiographic techniques. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Develop or use new non-destructive testing methods, such as acoustic emission testing, leak testing, and thermal or infrared testing. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Map the presence of imperfections within objects, using sonic measurements. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Make radiographic images to detect flaws in objects while leaving objects intact. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| 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. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Identify defects in concrete or other building materials, using thermal or infrared testing. | E2 structured facilities |
| Identify defects in solid materials, using ultrasonic testing techniques. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Select, calibrate, or operate equipment used in the non-destructive testing of products or materials. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Conduct liquid penetrant tests to locate surface cracks by coating objects with fluorescent dyes, cleaning excess penetrant, and applying developer. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Examine structures or vehicles such as aircraft, trains, nuclear reactors, bridges, dams, and pipelines, using non-destructive testing techniques. | E2 structured facilities |
| Evaluate material properties, using radio astronomy, voltage and amperage measurement, or rheometric flow measurement. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
Occupation information
Employment outlook (BLS)
Values for the whole SOC 17-3029 group (Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other), not for this O*NET occupation alone.
- Employment, 2025
- 62K
- Projected employment, 2035
- 64K
- Change (2025–35)
- +2.8%
- Median annual wage, 2025
- $78,350
- Typical education needed for entry
- Associate's degree
Korea classification links (KSCO)
Links from the current release of the Korea Occupation Direct Crosswalk v1.1, made by AI Changing Work. Relation values are read from the O*NET-SOC occupation side.
| KSCO code | KSCO title | Relation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23652 | 안전 관련 비파괴 검사원 | Same scope | confirmed |
| 23321 | 금속공학 시험원 | Related, not a match | confirmed |
Relation and status definitions(kr-direct v1.1)
ILO occupational description
AI Changing Work links the ISCO-08 unit groups below to this occupation by applying the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (2018 SOC to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to ISCO-08) as published, without case-by-case selection; each link may be whole or partial.
- ISCO-08 0310Armed Forces Occupations, Other Ranks
- ISCO-08 3115Mechanical Engineering Technicians
- ISCO-08 3116Chemical Engineering Technicians
- ISCO-08 3117Mining and metallurgical technicians
- ISCO-08 3119Physical and Engineering Science Technicians Not Elsewhere Classified
Sources: ILO ISCO-08 — details: Credits
ESCO occupational vocabulary
Each entry below is matched to this occupation in the published ESCO-O*NET Crosswalk (version 1, 2022). The match types are that crosswalk's; the wording is AI Changing Work's.
- non-destructive testing specialistESCO 7543.5Same scope
Non-destructive testing specialists carry out testing of vehicles, vessels, other manufactured objects, and construction structures without having to damage them. They use special equipment such as X-ray, ultrasound, radiographics, or infrared instruments to perform testing activities and report based on the observed results.
- welding inspectorESCO 3115.1.22This occupation is broader
Welding inspectors examine the connections and bonds between metals. They utilise visual tools and electrical instruments to inspect and ensure the quality and safety of connections. Welding inspectors ensure that all related welding activities, plans and materials follow the appropriate guidelines, in accordance with safety regulations. In addition to working in the field completing their examinations of welding projects, inspectors spend time in an office setting compiling their reports.
Source: European Commission, DG EMPL — ESCO API 2026-08-08 (bridge v1.2.1)
License: CC BY 4.0 (EU Reuse Notice)
ESCO reuse terms and the modification notice are in Credits.
France classification links (ROME)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and ROME 4.0 job profiles, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side. Links marked “provisional” were adopted on the judgments of two judges from the same model family (Claude) alone, or by an operator rule applied to their judgments, so they rest on weaker evidence than confirmed links.
| ROME code | ROME title (French) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| H1522 | Technicien / Technicienne en contrôles et essais non destructifs (CND END) | Same scopeprovisional |
| H1532 | Responsable de contrôle non destructif en industrie | Related, not a matchprovisional |
| H1533 | Ingénieur / Ingénieure CND END | Related, not a matchprovisional |
Source: France Travail — Répertoire Opérationnel des Métiers et des Emplois (ROME 4.0), version 61, last updated 15 June 2026 (https://www.data.gouv.fr/datasets/repertoire-operationnel-des-metiers-et-des-emplois-rome). Licence Ouverte 2.0.
ROME codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET-SOC occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a France Travail correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: fr-direct v1)
Spain classification links (CNO-11)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and CNO-11 occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| CNO-11 code | CNO-11 title (Spanish) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 3160 | Técnicos de control de calidad de las ciencias físicas, químicas y de las ingenierías | This occupation is narrower |
| 3128 | Técnicos en metalurgia y minas | Related, not a match |
Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), National Classification of Occupations 2011 (CNO-11, Royal Decree 1591/2010) — www.ine.es · Licensed CC BY 4.0. CNO-11 codes and Spanish titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not an INE correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: es-direct v1)
Germany classification links (KldB)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and KldB occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| KldB code | KldB title (German) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 41422 | Berufe in der Werkstofftechnik - fachlich ausgerichtete Tätigkeiten | This occupation is narrower |
| 27312 | Berufe in der technischen Qualitätssicherung - fachlich ausgerichtete Tätigkeiten | Related, not a match |
| 41423 | Berufe in der Werkstofftechnik - komplexe Spezialistentätigkeiten | Related, not a match |
Source: © Statistik der Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Klassifikation der Berufe 2010 – überarbeitete Fassung 2020, https://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de. KldB codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own mapping (eigene Zuordnung) and are not a Bundesagentur für Arbeit correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: de-direct v1)
Japan classification links (JSCO)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and JSCO occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| JSCO code | JSCO title (Japanese) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 562 | 金属加工・溶接・溶断検査従事者 | This occupation is narrower |
| 584 | 輸送機械検査従事者（自動車を除く） | Related, not a match |
Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Japan Standard Occupational Classification (Dec. 2009, MIC Notification No. 555). JSCO codes and Japanese titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a MIC correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: jp-direct v1)
Sources, licenses and AI Changing Work's modification and translation notices for this page: Credits & sources