Calibration Technologists and Technicians
SOC code 17-3028 · O*NET-SOC 17-3028.00 · Medium preparation needed · Science and engineering
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Calibration Technologists and Technicians pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$67,820
a year
Hourly
$32.61
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$74,170
$35.66 per hour
Middle 50%
$56,380 – $92,080
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$46,680 – $106,550
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
16,540
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $46,680
- $22.44/hr
- 25th percentile
- $56,380
- $27.11/hr
- Median percentile
- $67,820
- $32.61/hr
- 75th percentile
- $92,080
- $44.27/hr
- 90th percentile
- $106,550
- $51.23/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+5%
Growing faster than average
15,800
jobs in 2024
16,500
projected for 2034
About 700 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What do calibration technologists and technicians do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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 qualify for this work
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.
Common questions
How much does a calibration technologists and technicians earn?
The national median is $67,820 a year. The full range runs from $46,680 at the 10th percentile to $106,550 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a calibration technologists and technicians without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Is calibration technologists and technicians in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 5% between 2024 and 2034 — growing faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.