What They Do
Calibration technologists and technicians inspect, adjust, and test measurement devices against standards, such as those used in manufacturing, healthcare, and other industries.
Duties
- Inspect equipment for defects
- Compare readings of measurement devices with established standards to ensure proper output
- Adjust, if necessary, and test devices to check that calibration was successful and readings are accurate
- Perform preventive maintenance on equipment
- Record test results and maintenance performed
- Coordinate schedules for servicing devices
Calibration technologists and technicians ensure precision across an industry by applying the principles of measurement science to processes, systems, and products. They work with a variety of instruments, meters, gauges, and other measurement devices.
The devices that these workers calibrate are used in a range of industries. For example, they may evaluate and adjust pressure gauges used in automotive manufacturing to verify that assembly equipment is functioning properly or develop anemometer tests for measuring output from wind turbines to confirm efficiency.
Some measurement devices are calibrated to industry standards, such as those set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. For other devices, calibration technologists and technicians may be involved in helping to establish standards by developing tests and guidelines.
Work Environment
Calibration technologists and technicians held about 15,800 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of calibration technologists and technicians were as follows:
| Manufacturing | 34% |
| Testing laboratories and services | 19 |
| Merchant wholesalers, durable goods | 7 |
| Electronic and precision equipment repair and maintenance | 5 |
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 2 |
Calibration technologists and technicians work in a variety of settings, depending on the industry in which the tools they calibrate are used. For example, in manufacturing they may work in a plant that produces chemicals, computers and electronics, machinery, or other products. Research and development might require working in a testing laboratory.
Some workers are required to travel between sites.
Injuries and Illnesses
Calibration technologists and technicians may encounter health and safety hazards in the workplace, such as exposure to loud or dangerous machinery in manufacturing facilities or to toxic materials in laboratories. To minimize their risk of injury or illness, they may wear hearing protection, gloves, a mask, or other personal protective equipment.
Work Schedules
Most calibration technologists and technicians work full time. Some work shifts that may include early mornings, nights, or weekends.
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.
Pay
The median annual wage for calibration technologists and technicians was $65,040 in May 2024.
Job Outlook
Employment of calibration technologists and technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 1,400 openings for calibration technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.