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Hardness Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ORBIS Inc

Operation of hardness testers, electronic plating thickness gauges, surface finish analyzers g. Data entry into computer programs, such as Product Data Reporting and Evaluation Program (PDREP ...

ORBIS, Inc.

Receipt Inspectors

Kittery, ME · On-site

Operation of hardness testers, electronic plating thickness gauges, surface finish analyzers g. Data entry into computer programs, such as Product Data Reporting and Evaluation Program (PDREP ...

Timken

Heat Treat Utility Operator

Union, SC

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Inspection such as micrometers, hardness testing equipment, etc. * Basic hand tools, natural gas torches, presses & clamps, cranes & floor dies. * Carburizing equipment with temperature and ...

Timken

Heat Treat Utility Operator

Union, SC · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Inspection such as micrometers, hardness testing equipment, etc. * Basic hand tools, natural gas torches, presses & clamps, cranes & floor dies. * Carburizing equipment with temperature and ...

The Timken Company

Heat Treat Utility Operator

Union, SC · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Inspection such as micrometers, hardness testing equipment, etc. * Basic hand tools, natural gas torches, presses & clamps, cranes & floor dies. * Carburizing equipment with temperature and ...

JSW Steel USA

Tester

Baytown, TX · On-site

$20/hr

The Tester is responsible for safely performing material testing (tensile, hardness, bend, drop weight, and coating tests), preparing samples to precise specifications, maintain equipment, and report ...

Howmet Aerospace

Quality Lab Tech II

Torrance, CA

$19 - $26/hr

Micro-hardness/Rockwell hardness tester * Metallurgical sample preparation/inspection * Torque testing * Fatigue testing * Maintain accuracy and proficiency while working between multiple work ...

Howmet Aerospace

Quality Inspector

Berea, OH

... hardness tester, etc. ' Review work order for completion of operations and required documentations ' Review ERP (JD Edwards) system for required retained information ' Review raw material ...

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Hardness Tester information

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$10

$38

$62

How much do hardness tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for hardness tester in the United States is $38.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $50.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Hardness Tester?

A Hardness Tester is a professional who operates equipment to measure the hardness of materials, such as metals, plastics, or rubber. They use various testing methods, including Rockwell, Brinell, or Vickers, to determine a material's resistance to deformation. This information is crucial in quality control and ensuring materials meet required specifications for manufacturing and construction. Hardness Testers often work in industrial, laboratory, and manufacturing environments.

Do product testers get paid well?

Hardness testers are typically paid an hourly wage or salary that aligns with industry standards for quality control roles, often ranging from entry-level to experienced positions. Compensation can vary based on experience, certifications, and the industry sector, with specialized skills potentially leading to higher pay.

What does a hardness tester do?

A hardness tester is a professional who uses specialized equipment to measure the hardness of materials, such as metals and plastics. This helps determine material properties, quality, and suitability for specific applications, often requiring knowledge of testing standards and calibration procedures.

What is the difference between Hardness Tester vs Metallurgical Technician?

AspectHardness TesterMetallurgical Technician
CredentialsTypically requires technical certifications or training in material testingRequires an associate's or bachelor's degree in materials science or metallurgy
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing plants, quality control settingsLaboratories, research facilities, manufacturing environments
Industry UsageUsed across manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and quality assuranceInvolved in material analysis, failure investigation, and process improvement

The main difference is that Hardness Testers focus on measuring material hardness using specialized equipment, while Metallurgical Technicians perform broader material analysis, including hardness testing, microstructure examination, and failure analysis. Both roles are essential in quality control and materials research, but they differ in scope and required qualifications.

What are some common challenges faced by Hardness Testers in maintaining accuracy and consistency in measurements?

Hardness Testers often encounter challenges such as ensuring proper calibration of testing equipment, preparing samples correctly, and interpreting results accurately, especially when working with materials of varying properties. Environmental factors like temperature and cleanliness can also affect test outcomes. To overcome these issues, it's essential to follow standardized procedures, conduct regular equipment maintenance, and stay updated on the latest testing protocols. Collaboration with quality control and production teams is common, ensuring that testing aligns with manufacturing standards.

Which testing career is best?

The best testing career depends on individual interests and industry demand. Quality assurance and software testing are popular fields requiring attention to detail, analytical skills, and knowledge of testing tools. Certifications like ISTQB can enhance job prospects in testing roles across various industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hardness Tester, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hardness Tester, you need a solid understanding of material properties, experience with hardness testing methods (such as Rockwell, Brinell, or Vickers), and often a high school diploma or technical training in materials science. Familiarity with testing instruments, calibration procedures, and quality control systems is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong organizational skills help ensure accurate results and efficient workflow. These skills and qualities are essential for maintaining product quality and meeting industry standards in manufacturing environments.

What jobs pay 250 an hour?

Hardness testers typically do not earn $250 an hour; such high rates are usually associated with specialized consulting roles, executive positions, or highly skilled freelance professionals. Jobs that pay this rate often require advanced expertise, certifications, or significant experience in fields like consulting, law, medicine, or executive management.
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What job categories do people searching Hardness Tester jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Hardness Tester jobs are:
Hardness Tester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hardness Tester job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,791 per year, or $38.4 per hour.
Quality Control Clerk (Entry Level)

Quality Control Clerk (Entry Level)

Tower Extrusions

Wylie, TX • On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
We are seeking a detail-oriented Quality Control Technician to join our Tensile team. In this role, you will be responsible for the preparation and testing of aluminum samples to ensure all products meet rigorous mechanical and structural specifications. Your primary focus will be the precision cutting of samples, followed by hardness and tensile strength testing. You will also be using an Ascona machine to verify previous days' production run. As QC Technician, you would initially begin with training of the extrusion process and sub sequential processes that could affect quality. After training, the technician will be responsible for the safety and production for Tensile testing and the data input related. Also, he/ she will share the responsibility of checking extrusion, verifying dimensions and making sure the extrusion complies to the order and/or drawing.
Key Responsibilities
  • Collect aluminum samples, properly store, and dispose of samples after a 30-day time frame.
  • Sample Preparation: Operate precision saws (e.g., band saws, abrasive cutters) to extract test specimens from aluminum samples, according to ASTM or ISO standards.
  • Mechanical Testing: * Perform Hardness Testing (Webster B) to verify material hardness
    • Conduct Tensile Testing using Universal Testing Machines (UTM) to measure yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation.
  • Data Management: Accurately record and input test results into the EPICS System. Highlight any deviations from ASTM standards to management.
  • Inspection of previous days' production run (last billets) using the Ascona system. Then sending last billet reports to management. Ability to use Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) to create daily production reports.
  • Safety & Compliance: Adhere to all PPE requirements and safety protocols regarding high-speed cutting machinery and the handling of heavy metal samples
  • Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in data entry and sample identification to maintain traceability.

Salary dependent upon experience. Health insurance and 401k are available.
Effort Factors:
Physical Demands: Production floor is not climate-controlled warehouse, must be able to tolerate hot/cold temperatures depending on weather. Exposure to noise and metal dust (protective equipment provided). Ability to lift parts and fixtures not to exceed 50 pounds. Walking, sitting, and standing for long periods of time required, as well as crawling, stooping and working on a ladder may be required. Good visual acuity required.
Mental Demands: Position requires patience, problem solving skills and attention to detail.
Requirements
Preferred Requirements:
• Hand tool experience preferred: Calipers, micrometers, hardness tester, go no-go gauges, gloss meters, thickness tester (paint & plating), and a variety of other hand tools, band saws and routers.
• Technical Proficiency: Prior experience in manufacturing, preferably within the metals or aerospace industry.
• Familiarity with aluminum alloys and heat-treatment processes.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or ISO 9001 standards.
• Blueprint Reading: Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications to ensure samples are cut from the correct orientations.
• EPICS experience preferred
Bilingual: English and Spanish

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