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Science, Engineering & Lab career
Calibration Technician
Also called: Metrology Technician · Instrument Technician · Calibration Specialist · Test and Measurement Technician
What calibration technicians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a calibration technician do?
Calibration technologists and technicians test and adjust measuring instruments so they meet standards, keeping manufacturing, labs and aviation accurate. The median pay is $67,820 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 2 years, and employment is projected to grow +4.8% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$67,820$32.61/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+4.8%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year1,500Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationAssociate's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train2 yearsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs17,000Employment, 2025
What calibration technicians do
Calibration technicians make measurements trustworthy. They test gauges, scales, meters, thermometers, torque wrenches and electronic test equipment against reference standards, adjust or repair them, issue calibration certificates and track due dates. They work in manufacturing plants, labs, aerospace, defense, pharmaceuticals and calibration service companies.
Most have an associate degree in electronics or engineering technology; many learned in the military. Precision and documentation are essential.
Typical duties
- Calibrate instruments against standards
- Adjust and repair instruments
- Document results and uncertainty
- Issue calibration certificates
- Track calibration schedules
- Maintain reference standards
- Follow quality procedures
Work environment and schedule
Technicians work in temperature-controlled labs and on production floors.
Schedule: Most work full-time during regular hours, with some travel for field calibration.
A day in the life
- Review instruments due for calibration.
- Calibrate pressure gauges on the bench.
- Check a set of micrometers with gauge blocks.
- Calibrate a multimeter with a reference calibrator.
See a full day in the life of a calibration technician →
Calibration Technician salary
Half of calibration technicians earned more than $67,820 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $46,680 for the lowest 10% to $106,550 for the top 10%.
Full calibration technician pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a calibration technician
- Study electronics or engineering tech
- Learn metrology
- Get hired
- Earn the CCT
- Advance
An associate degree in electronics or engineering technology is typical; military training is common.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a calibration technician →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Metrology
- Electronics
- Measurement uncertainty
- Calibration procedures
- Instrument repair
People skills
- Precision
- Patience
- Integrity
- Organization
All calibration technician skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Precise, technical work
- Many industries
- Military training translates
- Good pay for two-year degree
Cons
- Repetitive tasks
- Strict documentation
- Small field
- Some travel
Certifications and licenses
- ASQ Certified Calibration Technician (CCT): Calibration credential.
- Military PMEL training: Precision measurement training.
- ISO 17025 training: Lab quality standard.
- Electronics certifications: Such as ETA.
Career path
- Calibration Technician: Calibrate instruments.
- Senior Technician: Complex calibrations.
- Metrologist: Lead measurement programs.
- Calibration Lab Manager: Run labs.
Learn the job before day one
Our Calibration Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as calibrate a pressure gauge and handle an out-of-tolerance instrument, safety and how to land your first job.
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Calibration Technician FAQ
Do calibration techs need a degree?
An associate degree or military training is typical.
Where do they work?
Manufacturing, aerospace, pharma and calibration labs.
What is the CCT?
ASQ’s Certified Calibration Technician credential.
How much does a calibration technician make?
The median annual wage for calibration technicians was $67,820 ($32.61 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $46,680 and the highest 10% earned more than $106,550.
How long does it take to become a calibration technician?
Most people need about 2 years of training. An associate degree in electronics or engineering technology is typical; military training is common.
Do you need a degree to be a calibration technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education.
More calibration technician questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 17-3028 (Calibration technologists and technicians).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Calibration technologists and technicians (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.