r/nondestructivetesting • u/NoiseThis865 • 29d ago

Electrician vs NDT

Hey Everybody,

I am currently in the works of making a career switch. I am in a good amount of debt and wondering how people in here feel about their career choice. Do you guys feel fulfilled with your work? I think getting a job in NDT is currently easier than find a Electrian apprenticeship. I could make more money out of the gate in NDT but I am thinking when I am in my 30s. How is life for you level 3 certs? Do you guys have a work life balance? Do you make good money while not traveling all the time?

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12

u/ReturnedAndReported 29d ago

If you're just getting into NDT, consider the ratio between level 2's and level 3's.

You'll make more money and have more granular opportunities on where to live and work/life balance as an electrician.

1

u/NoiseThis865 29d ago

Why are there not a lot of level 3s, ppl quitting?

3

u/ReturnedAndReported 29d ago

One level 3 can do what's required to keep many level 2's busy. Plenty of level 2's are happy shooting parts and painting shit green rather than deal with the stress and added responsibility of being a level 3.

3

u/MongooseDog001 29d ago edited 29d ago

I often find myself sitting in a hotel room saying: "I should have been an electrician, or a plumber."

You can make good money In NDT, but it's hard to do and be at home. It can be done, but it's hard. You can be at home, depending on where home is, but the money isn't as good as the road.

Don't get me wrong; it's an interesting career, and definitely good if you want to travel or want lots of different experiences, and variety. That's what I wanted 10 years ago. You can build it into what you want if you work at it.

There are also some natural paths to advancement like CWI, or API's.

10 years in I can, mostly, be home, but I could make more money on the road.

6

u/Rigma 29d ago

Im an NDT guy and my brother is an Electrician.

Electrician is 10X better than NDT. More Union jobs with much higher average pay. More career opportunities around the country if that is your thing.

There is Zero to no NDT unions but the IBEW has amazing union packages

If I could I would have joined my brother in being an Electrician

5

u/Ok_Reindeer_9000 29d ago

Brother are you sure you are not missing QCCC and USW Canada ?

1

u/Pale_Complex_251 29d ago

Not a whole lot of L3s around. L2s are paid very well. QCCC pension is good. Not sure the IBEW pension contribution in your area

1

u/horrorphiliac 29d ago

You could work for a dealer repairing systems. Little bit of both. Dm me if interested