Calibration Technologists and Technicians

Pay and outlook

Median annual wage, May 2025

$67,820

Half earn more, half earn less

Middle half earn

$56,380 – $92,080

25th to 75th percentile

People employed, May 2025

16,540

Wage and salary jobs (OEWS)

Projected change, 2025–35

+4.8%

At or above the all-jobs rate (3.5% to under 7%)

Openings a year (projected)

1,500

New jobs plus replacing people who leave

Typical education to enter

Associate's degree

BLS

• All figures are for the United States as a whole. Pay varies a lot by state and city.
• Wages are for everyone working in the occupation in May 2025, at every career stage. They are not starting salaries or figures for new graduates.
• Growth and openings are BLS projections for 2025–35. They are estimates, not promises. Openings include jobs that open up when people retire or change occupation, not just new jobs.

What the work involves

Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.

Main tasks

• Maintain or repair measurement devices or equipment used for calibration testing.
• Verify part dimensions or clearances using precision measuring instruments to ensure conformance to specifications.
• Conduct calibration tests to determine performance or reliability of mechanical, structural, or electromechanical equipment.
• Read blueprints, schematics, diagrams, or technical orders.
• Visually inspect equipment to detect surface defects.
• Calibrate devices by comparing measurements of pressure, temperature, humidity, or other environmental conditions to known standards.
• Write and submit reports about the results of calibration tests.
• Disassemble and reassemble equipment for inspection.

Description and tasks from the O*NET® 31.0 Database.

Getting in

Typical education to enter (BLS)

Associate's degree

O*NET Job Zone 3

Medium preparation

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Fields of study that lead here

From the federal CIP–SOC crosswalk, which links 3 programmes to this occupation. A link means the programme prepares people for this kind of work. It doesn't mean the programme is required, or that it's the only route.

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