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Material Testing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Olsten

Material Testing Technician

Sumter, SC · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

*Material Testing Technician Needed* Olsten Staffing Services is currently assisting a local client in their search to fill a Material Testing Technician position in Sumter, SC. This is a temporary ...

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How much do material testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for material testing in the United States is $22.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is material testing?

Material testing is the process of evaluating the physical and mechanical properties of materials, such as metals, plastics, or composites, to determine their suitability for specific applications. This testing can include assessing strength, durability, hardness, flexibility, and resistance to various stresses. Material testing ensures that materials meet quality standards, safety regulations, and performance requirements in industries like construction, manufacturing, and aerospace. It helps prevent product failures and supports the development of safer, more reliable products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a material testing technician?

To thrive as a Material Testing Technician, you need a solid understanding of material properties, laboratory testing procedures, and relevant industry standards, typically supported by a degree or certification in materials science or engineering. Familiarity with testing equipment such as universal testing machines, spectrometers, and data analysis software is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help ensure accuracy and effective reporting of results. These competencies are vital for maintaining quality control and ensuring materials meet safety and performance requirements in various industries.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in material testing, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in material testing often face challenges such as ensuring sample integrity, meeting tight deadlines, and interpreting complex test results accurately. Maintaining precise environmental conditions and following standardized procedures are crucial to avoid compromised data. Collaboration with engineers and quality assurance teams is common, requiring strong communication skills to translate test findings into actionable insights. Staying updated with new testing methodologies and industry standards also helps address these challenges and ensures reliable results.

What is the difference between Material Testing vs Material Inspection?

AspectMaterial TestingMaterial Inspection
CertificationsASTM, ACI, NDT certificationsVisual inspection certifications, NDT certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, testing facilities, construction sitesConstruction sites, manufacturing plants, quality control labs
Primary FocusAssessing material properties and performanceVerifying material quality and compliance
Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, aerospaceConstruction, manufacturing, infrastructure projects

Material Testing involves analyzing material properties through laboratory tests to determine strength, durability, and performance. Material Inspection focuses on visually and non-destructively verifying that materials meet specified standards and quality requirements. Both roles are essential in ensuring safety and compliance in construction and manufacturing industries.

How do you become a material testing professional?

To become a material testing professional, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by a degree or certification in materials science, engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience with testing methods, laboratory equipment, and safety protocols is essential, and some roles may require professional certifications such as NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) certifications or specific industry licenses.

Is construction material testing a good career?

Construction material testing is a stable career that involves evaluating the quality and safety of building materials using laboratory and field tests. It requires knowledge of materials, testing equipment, and safety protocols, often supported by certifications such as NICET or ASTM standards. The field offers steady employment opportunities in construction, engineering, and quality assurance sectors.
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Material Testing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Material Testing job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,181 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Material Testing Technician

Olsten

Sumter, SC • On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

*Material Testing Technician Needed*
Olsten Staffing Services is currently assisting a local client in their search to fill a Material Testing Technician position in Sumter, SC. This is a temporary opportunity that could turn into a permanent placement.
Job Summary
The Material Testing Technician is responsible for setting up, operating, and troubleshooting plastic injection molding and film extrusion to support Quality Assurance, Production, and Sales/Marketing. They are also responsible for assisting in routine testing for finished produced goods and technical inquiries to ensure compliance with IATF 16949 and ISO 17025 quality system requirements.
Requirements and Experience needed for Position:
  • High School Diploma or GED required; a Technical Diploma or Associate's Degree in Plastics Technology, Manufacturing, or a related field is preferred.
  • 2-5 years of experience in plastic injection molding, with prior experience in a material testing laboratory or QC role being highly desirable.
  • You will be supporting Production, QA/MT, AD/TS, and S/M departments by providing accurate testing results in a timely manner.
  • You will need to appropriately manage the sample flow and supply stock in the MT Laboratory, ensuring that all equipment is properly serviced and maintained.
  • Must follow strict safety procedures, along with maintaining a clean and organized work area, and identify improvement opportunities
Responsibilities for this position will include:
  • Safety : Ensuring adherence to strict safety procedures while maintaining a clean and organized work area.
  • Setup and Operation: Perform complete setup, startup, and shutdown of injection molding/film extrusion machines and setting up auxiliary equipment as required.
  • Process Optimization: Establish, monitor, and adjust critical process parameters such as temperature profiles, injection speed, pressure, and cycle time to achieve optimal quality, efficiency, and material consistency.
  • Troubleshooting: Diagnose and correct process-related defects in film and molded parts including implementation of corrective actions.
  • Sample Preparation: Prepare test specimens from finished goods batches using proper techniques for mechanical testing.
  • Data Analysis and Reporting: Record all test data accurately, interpret results, identify deviations from specifications, and generate detailed reports as required
  • Machine Care: Manage MT Lab equipment to include assurance that instruments are within calibration according to external and internal requirements and perform routine preventative maintenance (PM) on machines and auxiliary equipment.
  • Material Handling: Manage and document the proper use and storage of various resins.
  • Inventory Management : Maintain laboratory supplies, tools, and other resources to assist in completing tasks.
  • Proposing revisions to, or assisting in establishing, laboratory instructions.
  • Provide proposals and/or credit requests to promote continuous improvements
  • Communicate with various departments and salespersons as needed on projects.
Payrate is between $21 to $25/hr depending on your previous work experience.
Hours for this position are Mon-Fri, 8am to 5pm (overtime is a possibility from time to time)
Click Apply Now if you feel you qualify for this position!!
Pay Details: $22.00 to $25.00 per hour
Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.olsten.com/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
  • The California Fair Chance Act
  • Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
  • Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
  • San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.