FAQ
Calibration Technician FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a calibration technician.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a calibration technician: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about calibration technicians
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.
Is calibration technician a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +4.8% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 1,500 openings each year. Upsides include precise, technical work; a common challenge is that repetitive tasks.
What skills does a calibration technician need?
Key technical skills include metrology, electronics, measurement uncertainty, and calibration procedures. Employers also value precision, patience, and integrity.
What certifications are available for calibration technicians?
Common credentials include ASQ Certified Calibration Technician (CCT), Military PMEL training, ISO 17025 training, and Electronics certifications. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Calibration Technician fit quiz, compare with Electronics Technician, or explore Calibration Technician training.
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.