Calibration Technologists and Technicians

Overview

Calibration Technologists and Technicians has a national median salary of $67,820 per year, with +4.8% projected job growth from 2025–2035. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists an associate's degree as the typical education needed to enter this occupation.

Description

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.

Responsibilities

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.

Work Activities

• Documenting/Recording Information
• Processing Information
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
• Getting Information
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Working with Computers

Detailed Work Activities

• Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

T-A-S-K

Technology, Abilities, Skills & Knowledge

Education

Education Levels of Current Workers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists an associate's degree as the typical education needed to enter this occupation. The chart below shows the highest level of education held by people already working in this field, ages 25 and older. It includes workers who earned more education than the job requires and workers who entered the field under earlier requirements, so the largest bar is not the entry requirement. For example, if someone finished a bachelor's degree and then started working in this field, they are counted under “Bachelor's degree” here, but the job itself typically asks for an associate's degree.

Certificates

Certifications applicable to Calibration Technologists and Technicians:

Video Resources