How to become a Calibration Technologist or Technician

Official title: Calibration Technologists and Technicians

Also called: Calibration Specialist, Calibration Technician (Calibration Tech), Gauge Specialist, Instrument and Control Technician (I and C Tech), Instrument Control Technician (Instrument Control Tech), Quality Technician (Quality Tech)

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.

How to become one

Calibration technologists and technicians typically need an associate's degree or other postsecondary training in a technical or scientific field. Some enter the occupation with a high school diploma and learn their skills on the job.

Typical education to start: Associate's degree

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

• Apprenticeship: Calibration Technician (Nof).
• Certificate or associate's degree: Associate's degree. Programs such as Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician; Biomedical Technology/Technician; Instrumentation Technology/Technician

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Median pay: $67,820 a year The middle half earn $56,380 to $92,080.
• About 17,000 people work in this job now, and about 17,800 are projected by 2035. (+4.8%)
• People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Calibration Technologist or Technician?

Calibration technologists and technicians typically need an associate's degree or other postsecondary training in a technical or scientific field. Some enter the occupation with a high school diploma and learn their skills on the job.

How much does a Calibration Technologist or Technician earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $67,820 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $56,380 to $92,080.

Is a Calibration Technologist or Technician a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 5% by 2035, from about 17,000 to about 17,800 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Calibration Technologist or Technician?

Usually not. Only 23% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Associate's degree; Calibration Technician (Nof).

Will AI change the work of a Calibration Technologist or Technician?

People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.

Sources

• Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

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.