Material testing technician
Also known as: material testing technology studies scientist, materials tester, material testing technology studies analyst, material testing technology scholar, material testing technology scientist, material testing technology researcher
About this occupation
Material testing technicians perform a variety of tests on materials such as soils, concrete, masonry and asphalt, in order to verify conformance to intended usage cases and specifications.
Essential skills and knowledge
- record test data
- perform laboratory tests
- operate scientific measuring equipment
- report test findings
- health, safety and hygiene legislation
- maintain test equipment
- wear appropriate protective gear
- use testing equipment
- apply safety procedures in laboratory
- quality standards
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Non-Destructive Testing Specialists (O*NET 17-3029.01). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Interpret the results of all methods of non-destructive testing (NDT), such as acoustic emission, electromagnetic, leak, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, neutron radiographic, radiographic, thermal or infrared, ultrasonic, vibration analysis, and visual testing.
- Interpret or evaluate test results in accordance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, or procedures.
- Identify defects in solid materials, using ultrasonic testing techniques.
- Make radiographic images to detect flaws in objects while leaving objects intact.
- Prepare reports on non-destructive testing results.
- Select, calibrate, or operate equipment used in the non-destructive testing of products or materials.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 2 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Investigative, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Quality Control Analysis, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Writing
US median pay: US$78,350 a year (2025), 59,930 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (4.0)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.9)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsVery important (3.8)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.7)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (3.6)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalImportant (3.3)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.2)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Automotive Engineering Technicians
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
- Robotics Technicians
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
- Chemical Technicians
- Nuclear Monitoring Technicians
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.