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. Excludes “Medical Equipment Preparers” (31-9093) and “Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters” (51-2061).
National median · BLS
$67,820
▲ +4.27%YoY
H-1B sponsor median
—
Too few H-1B filings
Average salary · BLS
$74,170
Mean annual wage
U.S. employment
16,540
Jobs (BLS)
Highest-paying state (cost-adjusted)Loading…
Most jobsLoading…
Highest-paying metro (cost-adjusted)Loading…
Check your salary
Enter your pay and a location to see where you stand against BLS and H-1B pay, your estimated take-home pay, and your purchasing power.
Pay range for Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Annual base pay at each percentile. BLS covers all U.S. workers in this occupation.
Percentile
All U.S. workers (BLS)
10th — entry pay
$46,680
25th
$56,380
Median (50th)
$67,820
75th
$92,080
90th — top pay
$106,550
Hourly ⇄ annual pay
Type in either box; the other updates instantly.
⇄
Monthly—
Every 2 weeks—
Weekly—
Daily—
Based on
hrs/week ×
weeks/year
= 2,080 hrs
Projections 2025–2035
Job outlook for Calibration Technologists and Technicians
BLS projects employment of calibration technologists and technicians to grow 4.8% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations.
About 1,500 openings are projected each year, on average, from new jobs and from replacing workers who retire or move to other occupations.
Jobs 2025 → 2035
17,000 → 17,800
+800 jobs
Projected change
+4.8%
All occupations: +3.5%
Openings per year
1,500
Average, 2025–2035
Typical entry education
Associate's degree
No related experience required
Self-employed
1.2% of workers (2025)
Preparation needed (O*NET Job Zone 3)
Medium Preparation Needed. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Highlighted = in demand: frequently listed in employer job postings for this occupation (O*NET).
Source: 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.
About the job
What calibration technologists and technicians do
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.
Also called
Calibration SpecialistCalibration Technician (Calibration Tech)Gauge SpecialistInstrument Control Technician (Instrument Control Tech)Instrument and Control Technician (I and C Tech)Quality Technician (Quality Tech)
Source: O*NET 31.0 (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0). These are general job titles, not H-1B filings; for titles employers actually filed, see “Job titles” above.
Similar jobs and how they pay
Occupations O*NET lists as closely related to Calibration Technologists and Technicians, with BLS national medians compared with this occupation's $67,820.
