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Material Testing Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Cochran

Materials Testing Technician

Wentzville, MO

The Materials Testing Field Tech performs or assists in field tests and observations of construction materials, including concrete, soil, asphalt, and aggregate, storm and sanitary structures and ...

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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 Missouri is $20.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $23.65 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 Missouri? For Material Testing jobs in Missouri, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Material Testing jobs in Missouri look for? The top searched job categories for Material Testing jobs in Missouri are:
Material Testing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Material Testing job openings in Missouri 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 $43,318 per year, or $20.8 per hour.
Materials Testing Technician

Materials Testing Technician

Cochran

Wentzville, MO

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Cochran is a growing civil engineering, construction testing, and land surveying firm with 7 offices in Missouri. Cochran specializes in public and private projects including municipal, commercial, residential, transportation, water/wastewater, site development, retail, planning, and interior design. With a team of 100+ professionals across multiple offices, Cochran brings unique knowledge and understanding to each client's project. The firm is guided by its core values of teamwork, excellence, quality, and trust, ensuring outstanding customer service and principal involvement in all project phases.

Cochran's Wentzville, Missouri location is looking for a Materials Testing Field Technician to join our team.

Who are we looking for? The ideal candidate would have a minimum of 1-2 years of prior experience or general knowledge of standard construction practices. The Materials Testing Field Tech performs or assists in field tests and observations of construction materials, including concrete, soil, asphalt, and aggregate, storm and sanitary structures and pipe bedding procedures.

Qualifications:

  • 1-2 years prior experience, preferred
  • ACI Concrete Field Testing-Grad I, preferred
  • Attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
  • Effective communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Ability to read blueprints and construction documents
  • Ability to operate and navigate hand held tablet or other technical devices
  • Willing to be a team player and assist with any tasks assigned to them

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to work in field environment in all types of weather/conditions
  • Ability to lift and move up to 75lbs

Excellent benefits:

  • Competitive Salary, commensurate with experience
  • 100% company paid Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Long-Term Disability Insurance for employee, plus company deductible assistance.
  • Flexible Benefits Plan
  • Paid time off including vacation, sick, and 7 major holidays
  • Simple IRA with 4% Company Match
  • Boot and apparel allowance