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Material Testing Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Most of the material testing will be in room temperature air, but some testing will be in other environments including elevated temperature and liquid nitrogen. Materials to test include composite ...

Most of the material testing will be in room temperature air, but some testing will be in other environments including elevated temperature and liquid nitrogen. Materials to test include composite ...

Metallurgist

Pelham, AL · On-site

$76K - $93K/yr

Contribute to troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and calibration/ verifications (as applicable) of the material testing lab's sample preparation and testing equipment. * Maintain the Lab ...

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Material Testing information

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How much do material testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for material testing in Alabama is $20.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.97 and $22.88 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 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.

What are the five types of material testing?

Material testing involves various methods to evaluate the properties and performance of materials. The five common types are mechanical testing (such as tensile, compression, and hardness tests), chemical testing, thermal testing, non-destructive testing (NDT) like ultrasonic and radiographic testing, and microstructural analysis. These tests help ensure materials meet safety, quality, and performance standards in manufacturing and construction environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Material Testing Technician, and why are they important?

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.

Is there a legit product tester job?

Material testing jobs are legitimate roles that involve evaluating the properties and quality of materials such as metals, plastics, or textiles. These positions often require knowledge of testing procedures, tools, and safety protocols, and may involve working in labs or manufacturing environments. Certification or training in quality assurance can enhance job prospects.

How to become a material tester?

To become a material tester, typically one needs a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by training or an associate degree in materials science, engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience with testing equipment and techniques, such as tensile testing or microscopy, is important, and certifications like NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) can enhance job prospects.

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 highest paying lab technician job?

The highest paying lab technician roles are often in specialized fields such as clinical, industrial, or research laboratories, with positions like biomedical or chemical lab managers earning higher salaries. Advanced certifications, extensive experience, and working in high-demand industries can also increase earning potential for lab technicians.
What are popular job titles related to Material Testing jobs in Alabama? For Material Testing jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Material Testing job openings in Alabama as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,858 per year, or $20.1 per hour.
Material Testing Technician

Material Testing Technician

Vulcan Steel Products

Pelham, AL • On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

SubsidiaryVulcan Steel ProductsOverview

Vulcan Lab Technicians perform heat treated and cold drawn sample machining and testing on continuous basis to support H/T and Bar mill operations. Overtime work might be required.

Responsibilities

Safely perform production sample cutting/preparation and testing (including Rockwell and Brinell Hardness, Tensile, Charpy Impact) and respective Lab equipment daily verifications and cleaning/maintenance. Assist operations in providing and maintaining a safe work environment for all employees.   

Qualifications

Required: Must be mechanically inclined and capable of lifting weights up to 60 lbs., "Safety First" dedicated, and detail oriented. Basic arithmetic and computer skills.

Preferred: CNC machine operation and maintenance, material testing.

Steel Dynamics, Inc., and all affiliated entities are equal opportunity employers. 

Employment Type: FULL_TIME