Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Calibration Technician
What calibration technicians actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Review instruments due for calibration. From there, the day usually includes calibrate instruments against standards, adjust and repair instruments, and document results and uncertainty. Most work full-time during regular hours, with some travel for field calibration.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a calibration technician working full time.
- 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.
- Visit the plant floor to calibrate a scale.
- Update the calibration database.
- Issue certificates and tag instruments.
Where calibration technicians work
Technicians work in temperature-controlled labs and on production floors.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time during regular hours, with some travel for field calibration.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Calibrate instruments against standards
- Adjust and repair instruments
- Document results and uncertainty
- Issue calibration certificates
- Track calibration schedules
- Maintain reference standards
- Follow quality procedures
Tools you’ll use every day
- Reference standards
- Multifunction calibrators
- Gauge blocks
- Pressure controllers
- Calibration software
- Oscilloscopes
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Precise, technical work
- Many industries
- Military training translates
- Good pay for two-year degree
What’s hard
- Repetitive tasks
- Strict documentation
- Small field
- Some travel
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I’m precise
- I like electronics and instruments
- I like clear procedures
- I want a two-year degree
- I enjoy troubleshooting
- I have or want military training
Not sure? Take the free Calibration Technician fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow electrical safety
- Handle pressure equipment carefully
- Use proper lifting
- Follow plant floor safety