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Hardness Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SWHT LLC

Laboratory Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Conduct optical microscopy and hardness testing * Support investigation and documentation of boride rework and scrap * Record and maintain accurate laboratory reports and certifications * Support ...

Mazzella Companies

Quality Control Technician

Winston Salem, NC · On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

... hardness tester, and laser alignment system - Ensure raw materials used in machining processes are in conformance with shop drawings - Designate acceptance or rejection of machined and outsources ...

MBS Solutions

Heat Treat Operator

Kersey, PA · On-site

$16/hr

Perform hardness testing and basic quality inspections on finished materials * Record production data, temperatures, cycle information, and inspection results accurately * Use measuring tools such as ...

Curtisswright

Manufacturing Lab Technician

Windsor, CT

$27 - $35/hr

Familiarity with measurement equipment (microscope, hardness tester, calipers, micrometers, etc.) * Associate's, Bachelors, or equivalent experience * Basic computer skills (Microsoft word, Excel ...

Penn Machine

Material Handler - Forgings

Aston, PA · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Segregate heated treated forgings and perform hardness testing. * Load and unload trucks as needed. * Check counts manually or by ratio scales. * Maintain accurate identification of forgings by size ...

Howmet Aerospace

Quality Tech I

Torrance, CA

$19 - $24/hr

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

Apex Tool Group, LLC

Metallurgical Lab Technician

Apex, NC · On-site

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

Operate hardness testers (e.g., Rockwell, Vickers, Brinell) to determine material properties. * Chemical Analysis: Utilize equipment to verify chemical composition of steel and other alloys.

Intellyk Inc

Be Seen First

Quality Inspector

Aurora, IL · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Perform hardness testing, paint thickness testing, hydro testing, and weld visual inspections. * Conduct Level I Liquid Penetrant Testing (when required). * Maintain accurate inspection records and ...

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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 Jun 13, 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.

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 process helps determine material properties, quality, and suitability for specific applications, often requiring knowledge of testing standards and calibration procedures.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Hardness testers typically do not earn $2000 a day; such high daily earnings are usually associated with specialized roles like senior consultants, high-level executives, or certain freelance professionals. High-paying jobs often require advanced skills, certifications, or extensive experience, and earnings can vary based on industry, location, and workload.

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 companies will pay you to test their products?

Hardness testers are employed by manufacturing, quality control, and research companies across various industries such as metals, plastics, and ceramics. These companies pay professionals to perform material testing, often using specialized equipment and following industry standards to ensure product durability and safety.

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.

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 make $10,000 a month without a degree?

Hardness testers typically do not earn $10,000 a month without a degree; this salary level is more common in high-paying fields like sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship. Jobs such as sales managers, real estate agents, or skilled trades with experience and commissions can reach or exceed this income without formal higher education. Success in these roles often depends on skills, network, and performance rather than a degree.
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Hardness Tester jobs near you

Laboratory Technician

SWHT LLC

Houston, TX • On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Laboratory Technician – Boronizing (Boriding)

Department: Quality / Metallurgy Laboratory

Reports To: Quality Manager or Metallurgical Engineer

Position Summary

The Laboratory Technician – Boronizing is responsible for metallurgical laboratory testing, inspection, and documentation supporting the boronizing (boriding) process. This role ensures product conformance to specifications,

supports CQI-9 compliance, investigates nonconforming product, and contributes to continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities
  • Perform boride case depth, layer thickness, microstructure, and microhardness evaluations
  • Prepare metallographic samples (mounting, polishing, etching)
  • Conduct optical microscopy and hardness testing
  • Support investigation and documentation of boride rework and scrap
  • Record and maintain accurate laboratory reports and certifications
  • Support CQI9 audits and quality system requirements
  • Communicate laboratory findings to Quality and Production teams
  • Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and housekeeping
    • Required Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree preferred
  • 13 years laboratory or metallurgical testing experience preferred
  • Experience with metallography, microscopy, and hardness testing
  • Ability to read technical specifications and work instructions
    • Preferred Experience & Skills
  • Boronizing / boriding process experience preferred
  • Familiarity with heat treat operations and CQI9
  • Strong attention to detail and data integrity
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word)
    • Work Environment

    Manufacturing-support laboratory environment with exposure to production areas. Requires use of PPE, handling of laboratory samples, and working with metallurgical equipment and chemicals.

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