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Material Testing Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

Laboratory Testing

Material Handler

Hatfield, PA · On-site

$17 - $20.50/hr

Join our team as a Material Handler in our Non-Destructive Testing department, where you'll play a key role in staging, preparing, and moving materials for inspection and shipment. This hands-on role ...

Laboratory Testing LLC

Material Handler

Hatfield, PA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Join our team as a Material Handler in our Non-Destructive Testing department, where you'll play a key role in staging, preparing, and moving materials for inspection and shipment. This hands-on role ...

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All JobsMaterial Testing JobsMaterial Testing Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Material Testing information

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How much do material testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for material testing in Philadelphia, PA is $22.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.94 and $25.48 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 Philadelphia, PA? For Material Testing jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Material Testing jobs in Philadelphia, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Material Testing jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:
Material Testing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Material Testing job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,601 per year, or $22.4 per hour.
Entry-Level Civil/Structural Materials Lab Technician / Engineer

Entry-Level Civil/Structural Materials Lab Technician / Engineer

Applied Testing & Geosciences, LLC

Bridgeport, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

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Job description

Are you a detail-oriented individual looking to bridge the gap between classroom theory and hands-on experience? A nationally recognized testing laboratory in Bridgeport, PA, is seeking an Entry-Level Civil / Structural / Materials Lab Technician / Engineer.


This unique role offers you the opportunity to work on meaningful material testing projects under the direct supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer. You will complement your analytical skills with practical experience, working with cutting-edge technologies that shape the future of infrastructure.
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Key Responsibilities
• Innovative Technology Testing: Evaluate products from emerging 3D-printing and advanced structural technologies.
• Green Infrastructure: Conduct performance and durability studies on green cement and Supplemental Cementitious Materials (SCMs).
• Chemical Analysis: Perform chemical admixture analysis using advanced fingerprinting (FTIR) methods and physical measurements.
• Durability Studies: Operate the latest freeze-thaw equipment to study concrete longevity.
• Material Testing: Perform geotechnical and physical tests on aggregates and infrastructure materials.
• Code Compliance: Conduct structural and fastener testing to ensure conformance to national building codes (IBC & IRC).
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What We Are Looking For
• A detail-oriented individual with a strong desire to learn.
• Background or strong interest in civil engineering, structural engineering, materials science, or a related technical field.
• Ability to master both analytical data logging and hands-on laboratory testing.
• Reliable team player ready to work in a nationally recognized testing facility.
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What We Offer
• Competitive Wages with room for professional growth.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health and dental insurance.
• Retirement Planning: Company-matched retirement account (up to 3%).
• Work-Life Balance: Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Professional Development: Paid training and professional certification opportunities.
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