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Workforce Development Research

Advancing NDT Workforce Readiness: Research Initiatives

The ASNT Foundation is proud to present its comprehensive reports on the NDT workforce in the United States. Conducted with McKinley Advisors, these reports offer insights into practitioner demographics, emerging trends in hiring, and practitioner preferences and behaviors.

The reports deliver actionable data to guide strategic decision-making and foster sustainable growth within the NDT workforce. Designed as primary references, they will equip NDT professionals, employers, hiring managers, and human resources professionals with data to address industry gaps, plan for future workforce needs, and stay competitive in a changing landscape.

Using ASNT Foundation Reports to Drive Workforce Success

The ASNT Foundation's research offers the most up-to-date insights into salary, benefits, and compensation trends tailored for the NDT industry. Empower your team with the latest market intelligence to boost satisfaction and elevate performance, keeping your organization at the forefront of the NDT industry.

For Employers and Practitioners: Plan Ahead to Stay Competitive

  • Inform Salary Decisions: Use these reports to benchmark your compensation packages against industry standards, ensuring your team remains competitive in a dynamic job market.

  • Analyze Market Trends: Gain a clear picture of the latest workforce demographic and compensation data insights to inform your organization's compensation strategies to stay competitive and attract top talent.

For Educators and Researchers: Access Exclusive Industry Insights

  • Gain Insights into National Data: These comprehensive reports provide exclusive access to nationwide salary data and workforce demographics, offering a foundation for research and curriculum development.

  • Expand Your Knowledge: Analyze emerging trends and identify skill gaps to better understand the shifting demands of the NDT industry, ensuring the next generation of NDT professionals is ready to lead.

What’s in the reports?

Industry Compensation Report

$450

Demographic Trends

Unlock valuable insights into the NDT workforce demographics across the United States, setting the stage for informed and strategic planning.

Current Salary Insights

Access detailed salary data by job role, certification, professional tenure, company type, industry, level of education, and supervisory responsibilities.

Perception of Fairness

Find out how NDT professionals truly feel about the fairness of their compensation.

Purchase Industry Compensation Report 

Workforce Readiness Report

$350

Assessing Critical Skills

See how practitioners evaluate their own expertise and compare it with insights from hiring managers and recruiters--uncovering valuable opportunities for skill enhancement.

Understanding Practitioner Perspectives

Discover firsthand what professionals in the field are saying about key topics like equitable compensation and benefits, job satisfaction, the quality of their training and resources, growth and advancement opportunities, and their future prospects in the industry.

Identifying Hiring Challenges

Examine the current hiring challenges faced by industry leaders today.

Purchase Industry Readiness Report 

*All profits from report sales are directed to the ASNT Foundation to fund research initiatives and advance the field of nondestructive testing.

Hear ASNT Foundation Executive Director Heather Cowles and ASNT Foundation Trustee Martin Graen discuss the reports at ASNT 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Future Plans

Based on the findings of these research reports, we are positioned to further deepen our understanding of key trends, challenges, and opportunities that will shape the future of work. As we move forward, our future research will focus on the following priority areas:

Bridging Skill Gaps in NDT

Research shows a notable gap between employers' and practitioners' understanding of essential NDT skills, revealing potential misalignments in training and expectations. Exploring this gap can inform workforce development by identifying where perceptions diverge, especially as emerging technologies reshape skill requirements. The study will also examine whether generational differences impact technological fluency, helping to align standards and training practices across the industry.

Enhancing Recruitment and Retention in NDT

With a shortage of skilled NDT professionals, attracting qualified candidates remains a significant challenge. This research aims to evaluate industry-wide recruitment practices, identify successful strategies for drawing talent, and assess whether there is high turnover in the field. By exploring these aspects and uncovering any primary factors contributing to turnover, the study seeks to support stronger workforce stability and development across the industry.

Get Updates on Future ASNT Foundation Research

Sign up and be the first to hear about new research and updates from the ASNT Foundation. When future reports and updates become available, we’ll reach out to you to help you stay ahead of the evolving industry.

Have Suggestions or Feedback?

The ASNT Foundation strives to provide insightful and valuable research to advance NDT. If you have any feedback on existing reports or suggestions for future research, we encourage you to share your thoughts with us!

Email us

Share your feedback and suggestions with us at foundation@asnt.org.

Support Our Mission: Empower the NDT Workforce

Your contributions are crucial in continuing this essential research. By donating, you directly support the development of actionable strategies that will bridge skills gaps, enhance industry compensation practices, and ensure the sustainable growth of the NDT workforce.

Donate Now to Make a Difference! 
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