The major employers of CWIs in Pennsylvania are R. W. Hunt Co., NDT Group, and Pennoni Associates, who employ the individuals to represent the various D.O.T.s in fabrication shops. The figures stated by PQNDT Inc. (publishers of the salary survey) may reflect its reimbursement to these individuals, but they are definitely not reflective of wages paid by any of the companies in Pennsylvania. My own W–2s for 2002 are $30,000 less than PQNDT's stated annual salary of $73,533, and that is besides being a CWI with 14 years of experience and having certifications in LP, MT, UT, and RT.

There are many who do not earn anywhere near the figures stated. I'm near retirement, but give me $73,000 reportable income a year and I'll work until I'm 85. Then I can retire comfortably, and not have to worry if I can stretch my Social Security.

L. Edward Bridges
CWI
Tarentum, Pa.