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Material Testing Lab Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Construction Materials Testing Lab Technician

Laramie, WY · On-site

$19.25 - $25.50/hr

This Opportunity WSP is currently seeking a Construction Materials Testing Lab Technician to support a long-term construction project near Kemmerer, Wyoming . There is a per diem associated with this ...

Construction Materials Testing Lab Technician

Laramie, WY · On-site

$19.25 - $25.50/hr

This Opportunity WSP is currently seeking a Construction Materials Testing Lab Technician to support a long-term construction project near Kemmerer, Wyoming . There is a per diem associated with this ...

Lab Technician

East Hartford, CT · On-site

$18.75 - $25/hr

Lab Technician - Metallurgical Testing (Aerospace) We are seeking a detail-oriented Lab Technician ... This role supports quality and engineering teams by conducting material testing, sample preparation ...

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Material Testing Lab information

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How much do material testing lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for material testing lab in the United States is $22.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a material testing lab?

A Material Testing Lab is a specialized facility where various materials—such as metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites—are tested to determine their physical and mechanical properties. These tests help ensure that materials meet required standards for strength, durability, safety, and performance before they are used in manufacturing or construction. Common tests include tensile strength, hardness, impact resistance, and chemical analysis. Material Testing Labs are essential in industries like construction, automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing to verify quality and compliance.

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

Professionals in material testing labs often encounter challenges such as handling tight project deadlines, maintaining the accuracy and calibration of testing equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Staying organized and following detailed procedures are key to managing workloads efficiently and producing reliable results. Effective communication with engineers, production teams, and quality assurance staff is essential for interpreting results and troubleshooting issues. Regular training and keeping up with advancements in testing technology can also help address these challenges and support career growth in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a material testing lab technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Material Testing Lab Technician, you need a solid understanding of material science, laboratory procedures, and quality control standards, often backed by a degree or certification in materials engineering or a related field. Familiarity with testing equipment such as universal testing machines, spectrometers, and data analysis software is commonly required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure accurate testing, reliable results, and clear reporting, which are vital for maintaining product quality and safety standards.

What is the difference between Material Testing Lab vs Material Inspector?

AspectMaterial Testing LabMaterial Inspector
CredentialsTypically requires certifications in materials testing, quality control, or related fieldsOften requires certifications in inspection, quality assurance, or specific industry standards
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting with testing equipment and controlled conditionsOn-site inspections at construction sites, manufacturing plants, or facilities
Employer & IndustryTesting laboratories, construction, manufacturing, and engineering firmsConstruction companies, manufacturing plants, quality assurance departments

While both roles focus on ensuring material quality, Material Testing Lab professionals primarily conduct laboratory tests to analyze material properties, whereas Material Inspectors perform on-site inspections to verify compliance with standards. Both roles are essential for quality assurance in construction and manufacturing industries.

How do you become a material testing lab?

To establish a material testing lab, you need to obtain relevant certifications such as ISO/IEC 17025, acquire specialized testing equipment, and hire trained personnel with expertise in materials science and testing procedures. Compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements is essential for operation and credibility.

Is construction material testing a good career?

Construction material testing is a stable career that involves evaluating materials like concrete, soil, and asphalt to ensure safety and compliance with standards. It requires knowledge of testing methods, often using specialized equipment, and may require certifications such as NICET or ASTM. The field offers opportunities for advancement and steady employment in the construction and engineering industries.
More about Material Testing Lab jobs

What cities are hiring for Material Testing Lab jobs?

Cities with the most Material Testing Lab job openings:

Infographic showing various Material Testing Lab job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,864 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Construction Materials Testing - Lab Technician

Olsson

Shawnee, KS • On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Company Description

We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results – for our people, our clients, and our company.

We're a people-centric firm, so it's no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us.

Job Description

Olsson is seeking a driven and detail-oriented individual to join our Construction Materials Testing (CMT) team in Olathe, KS. Our CMT Lab Technician plays a critical role in ensuring the quality, safety, and longevity of materials used in construction projects. In our lab, we analyze a variety of construction materials—including concrete, soil, and asphalt—to assess their strength, composition, and performance characteristics. These tests are essential for verifying that materials meet rigorous safety and quality standards. By delivering accurate and dependable results, our lab plays a key role in helping clients comply with regulatory requirements and ensure the structural integrity and long-term success of their projects.

In this role, you will be responsible for conducting routine laboratory testing of construction materials, meticulously preparing specimens for testing, and upholding high standards of quality control under the guidance of senior technical staff. You'll also have the opportunity to pursue technician certifications through respected industry organizations such the American Concrete Institute (ACI).

The ideal candidate brings prior experience working in a CMT lab—particularly with soils and aggregates, is eager to learn, grow, and take on new challenges. Success in this role requires a proactive mindset, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Watch our video to learn more: Careers in Construction Materials Testing

Qualifications

You are passionate about:

  • Working collaboratively with others.
  • Having ownership in the work you do.
  • Using your talents to positively affect communities.

You bring to the team:

  • 1 to 5 years of construction materials testing experience, preferably in a lab environment with both soils and aggregates testing. 
  • Willingness to pursue and obtain technician certifications from reputable industry groups such as ACI and others.
  • Understanding of AMRL accreditation and its importance in maintaining high standards in construction materials testing.
  • Experience in construction or a laboratory setting, preferred, but not required. 
  • The ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Ability to contribute and work well on a team.
  • Adept in verbal and written communication.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft programs (Word, Excel, Outlook).
  • High school diploma or GED required.

This position includes:

  • Applicable PPE (personal protective equipment) provided.
  • Work boot reimbursement program.
  • Company issued laptop.
  • Cell phone reimbursement options.
  • Receive fully paid training, opportunity to participate in our mentorship program, and gain hands-on experience by shadowing seasoned professionals. 

#LI-HO1

Additional Information

Olsson specializes in engineering and design, client advisory services, planning, field services, and environmental. Improving the world has been our mindset from the very beginning, back when Olsson first opened for business in 1956. And it will be our mindset for years to come.

As an Olsson employee, you will:

  • Receive a competitive 401(k) match
  • Be empowered to build your career with tailored development paths
  • Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements
  • Engage in work that has a positive impact on communities
  • Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles

In addition, full-time employees will receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.) and the opportunity to participate in a bonus system that rewards performance.

Olsson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, military status, or other protected status.

Olsson understands the importance of privacy and is committed to protecting job applicants' personal information. Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (collectively, the "CCPA"), this notice explains Olsson's practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information for job applicants residing in California. Please read this Notice carefully to understand our privacy practices.

For more information about the types of information we collect and how we use it in connection with your general access and use of our website, please review our general California Privacy Notice here.