ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Hardness Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Electroswitch

Production Technician

Weymouth, MA · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

Micrometers, verniers, coordinate measuring machine, comparator, Rockwell hardness tester, tread, pin and torque gauges, power supplies, dielectric, multimeters, scales, continuity tester, hypot ...

Electroswitch

Production Technician

Weymouth, MA · On-site

$28/hr

Micrometers, verniers, coordinate measuring machine, comparator, Rockwell hardness tester, tread, pin and torque gauges, power supplies, dielectric, multimeters, scales, continuity tester, hypot ...

SeAH Superalloy Technologies

Laboratory Technician

Temple, TX · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Conduct testing on raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products to ensure they meet quality standards. * Perform chemical and physical tests on metals, including hardness, tensile ...

Howmet Aerospace

Quality Tech

Brea, CA

$18.75 - $25/hr

... hardness tester, tri-rolls, optical comparator and other equipment or gages as needed * Visually inspects sample parts, usually under a magnifying glass or Microscope, from each pan and identifies ...

Combined Metals

Laboratory Technician

Hampshire, IL · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

6am-2pm Monday- Friday Position Requirements: • Prepare metallographic cross sections for evaluation (cut/mount/polish) • Prepare material for Rockwell hardness testing and perform hardness tests ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHardness Tester Jobs

Hardness Tester information

See salary details

$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.
More about Hardness Tester jobs
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.
Metallurgical Engineer - Automotive

Metallurgical Engineer - Automotive

Stefanini Group

Hagerstown, MD

Contractor

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Stefanini Group is hiring!

Stefanini is looking for a Metallurgical Engineer - Automotive in Hagerstown, MD

For quick apply, please reach out to Ronald Alvarado

Call: (248)-727-2508 / Email: ronald.alvarado@stefanini.com

 

Work Location: 13302 Pennsylvania Ave. Hagerstown, MD 21742

Responsibilities:


A Metallurgy Failure Analysis job involves investigating why metal parts break or perform poorly, using tools like SEM, EDS, Hardness tester and microscopy to find the root cause (fracture, corrosion, design flaw) and recommending solutions to prevent recurrence, requiring strong materials science, metallurgical principles, and technical report writing skills

  • Root Cause Analysis: Examine failed components (fracture surfaces, corrosion, microstructures) using advanced techniques to determine failure origins and mechanisms (fatigue, creep, stress corrosion cracking).
  • Testing & Validation: Develop and perform destructive (tensile, hardness) and non-destructive (NDT) tests to replicate failures and validate material performance.
  • Data Interpretation: Analyze test results and microscopic images (fractography) to understand material behavior and failure modes.
  • Reporting & Communication: Prepare detailed technical reports and present findings to engineering, quality, and management teams.
  • Collaboration: Work with cross-functional teams (design, manufacturing, quality) to implement corrective actions and improve product reliability.  

Qualifications:
  • Education: Master's or PhD in Metallurgy, Materials Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • Metallurgical Knowledge: Deep understanding of phase transformations, alloy behavior, fracture mechanics, corrosion, and high-temperature properties.
  • Analytical Tools: Hands-on proficiency with SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), EDS (Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy), optical microscopy, tensile testing.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical mindset, attention to detail, and ability to solve complex material issues.
  • Technical Writing: Excellent ability to document and present complex technical data clearly.

 

Listed salary ranges may vary based on experience, qualifications, and local market. 

Stefanini takes pride in hiring top talent and developing relationships with our future employees. Our talent acquisition teams will never make an offer of employment without having a phone conversation with you. Those face-to-face conversations will involve a description of the job for which you have applied. We also speak with you about the process including interviews and job offers.

About Stefanini Group

The Stefanini Group is a global provider of offshore, onshore, and nearshore outsourcing, IT digital consulting, systems integration, application, and strategic staffing services to Fortune 1000 enterprises around the world. Our presence is in countries like the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia, and more than four hundred clients across a broad spectrum of markets, including financial services, manufacturing, telecommunications, chemical services, technology, public sector, and utilities. Stefanini is a CMM level 5, IT consulting company with a global presence. We are a CMM Level 5 company.

#LI-MG1

#LI-ONSITE

Education:Master (MA, MS...)Employment Type: CONTRACTOR

Apply