Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Also called: Calibration Specialist, Calibration Technician (Calibration Tech), Calibration Technologist, Certified Calibration Technician (Certified Calibration Tech), Electromechanical Equipment Tester, Electronic Instrument Testing Technician (Electronic Instrument Testing Tech), Electronics Calibration Technician, Gauge Specialist
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.
What calibration technologists and technicians do
Typical 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.
- Analyze test data to identify defects or determine calibration requirements.
- Plan sequences of calibration tests according to equipment specifications and scientific principles.
- Order replacement parts for malfunctioning equipment.
- Develop new calibration methods or techniques based on measurement science, analyses, or calibration requirements.
Typical path into the job (BLS)
Calibration Technologists and Technicians salary
The median annual wage for calibration technologists and technicians is $67,820 (BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35, national). The lowest 10 percent earn less than $46,680 and the highest 10 percent earn more than $106,550. The mean annual wage is $74,170.
The mean hourly wage of $35.00 is 4.8× the federal minimum wage of $7.25. State minimums are higher in most large states. Minimum wage by state →
How does your pay compare with people your age?
Your numbers are not sent or stored. The comparison uses this occupation's BLS wage percentiles, adjusted for age with BLS median weekly earnings by age group (Q3 2026).
Pay by percentile
Annual wage percentiles from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Percentiles are a good proxy for pay by experience.
Projected pay for Calibration Technologists and Technicians (3, 5 and 10 years)est.
Today $67,820 → in 3 years $73,700 → in 5 years $77,900 → in 10 years $89,400 (10-year range $76,900–$103,800). The model assumes pay growth of +2.8% per year.
What drives the annual growth rate
Projected pay = current pay × (1 + annual growth)^years. The annual growth rate starts from a base wage-growth rate and adds or subtracts labor demand (BLS projected employment growth), wage momentum and AI replacement risk for each occupation. Projections are not guarantees. How it is calculated →
Outlook score for Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Each component is a percentile rank among all occupations in the same country (0–100). Weights: labor demand 25, wage momentum / openings 15, pay level 15, AI resistance 25, aging workforce 10 (Japan only), entry barrier 10.
Will AI replace Calibration Technologists and Technicians? AI replacement risk
How AI is changing this job
A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.
AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →
Labor demand for Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Employment projections are from the BLS Employment Projections program (2025–35). Annual openings include both new jobs and replacement of workers who leave the occupation.
Skills, education and requirements for Calibration Technologists and Technicians
What the work involves
Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
How to become calibration technologists and technicians
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Career path and how to earn more as calibration technologists and technicians
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.