u/Academic_Ball_1216

I’m 19 in Ontario planning to get into NDT/welding inspection and want honest feedback on whether this path is realistic.

Current plan:

• Conestoga Welding Inspection program (0043) grad in 2028 with my level 1 CWB inspection, I also plan to hold my CWB SMAW 1f/g ticket as proof of competence of real welding
• PT/MT Level 1 through CINDE
• Start working while logging CGSB hours
• Progress into PT2/MT2 + UT1/UT2
• Possibly RT later
• Long-term goal: CWI/API/refinery inspection work

Main goal is to build experience in Canada, then move to Houston around 24 after getting UT2 + CWI to try breaking into refinery/pipeline/API inspection work in the US (I’m also a dual citizen).

Expected progression:

• Early 20s: entry-level NDT/inspection work (40k-50k cad?)
• 21-24: Level 2 certs + building experience , at 24 hopefully have UT level 2 if not close (50k-70k cad?)
• Mid 20s: refinery/pipeline/shutdown work (move to houston with UT level 2, PT/MT level 2, CWI, and my advance degree and re-certify my certs in USA, 70k-90k USD?)
• By the time Im 30 hopefully have RT and UT level 2, PT/MT level 2, CWI, and API 570 and 510 with ASNT level 3 (140k USD?)
• Long-term: API/CWI/senior inspector route

Main questions:

• Is this path realistic? What income would come with this in my late 20s/ early 30s?
• Is UT a better long-term move than RT?
• How difficult is getting CGSB hours signed off?
• Which certs actually changed your career/income the most?
• Is moving into Houston refinery/API work around 24 realistic?

I’d rather hear brutal honesty now than waste years going down the wrong path.