ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Material Testing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMaterial Testing Jobs

Material Testing information

See salary details

$9

$22

$31

How much do material testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 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 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.
More about Material Testing jobs
What cities are hiring for Material Testing jobs? Cities with the most Material Testing job openings:
What states have the most Material Testing jobs? States with the most job openings for Material Testing jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Material Testing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Material Testing jobs are:
Material Testing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Material Testing job openings in the United States 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 $46,181 per year, or $22.2 per hour.
Construction Material Testing/Engineering Technician

Construction Material Testing/Engineering Technician

TERRACON

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Terracon rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 117 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 58 rated business consultants

Job description

Terracon has an opportunity for several Construction Materials Technicians to join our team in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Our Construction Materials Technician will perform various observations and tests on construction materials such as soils, concrete, masonry, reinforcing steel and asphalt. You will communicate with Project Managers, client representatives, contractor's representatives and other key stakeholders regarding testing and inspection results. Tests are performed on building construction projects in the Cedar Rapids area and in the Terracon laboratories. Successful candidates will receive in-depth technical training and professional certifications as they advance in the position within 1-2 years. 
Safety is Terracon's most important core value! Terracon provides a safe work environment for our employees and safe practices for our technicians to follow. Incident and Injury-Free (IIF) is about care and concern for people. It is our personal and organizational commitment at all levels of the company to everyone going home safe to their family every day. We will hold ourselves responsible not just for our own safety and wellbeing, but for that of everyone around us. We will all develop a mindset intolerant of any incidents or injuries no matter how minor or infrequent. 

Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon's growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.

Terracon's vision of "Together, we are best at people" is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
The chemistry that holds our materials team together is made of integrity, creativity, and care. We represent Terracon's largest technician and inspection workforce and ensure the materials used to build the nation's roads, bridges, airports, stadiums, and other structures are safe and sound. With our broad range of qualifications, specialized certifications, and building materials professionals, we are on-site, evaluating and testing materials in real-time to keep the pace of our clients' project, collecting and reporting data digitally to deliver critical insights. With our nationwide footprint of offices and laboratories, bench strength, flexibility, and diverse capabilities we identify issues and expedite solutions whenever problems arise.
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Obtain ACI certification within 90 days of hire
  • Successful completion of related internal safety and technical certifications
  • Valid driver's license with acceptable violation history

Preferred Requirements:

  • Obtain Nuclear Density Gauge certification within 6 months of hire
  • Current industry certifications for materials testing a plus, but not required
  • Under direction of senior technicians, staff professionals or project managers, assists with tasks and perform basic sample tests and observation of soils, aggregates, concrete, masonry, reinforcing steel and asphalt.
  • Document and prepare sample testing and observation data using a laptop or tablet device; submit findings accurately to a Project Manager.
  • Effectively communicate testing and inspection results.
  • Will be placed in a progressively increased role of training and responsibility in work assignments.
  • Ensure that all testing equipment and tools are properly calibrated and maintained.
  • Follows safety rules and practices and other safety requirements for all projects. Performs pre-task planning prior to executing work. Reports any safety issues or concerns to management.
  • Maintains quality standards on all projects.
  • Transports materials safely from various job sites to the lab using a company provided full size pickup truck.

What Terracon employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply