FAQ
Control Valve Technician FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a control valve technician.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a control valve technician: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about control valve technicians
Do I need a degree?
No.
Where do valve techs work?
Refineries, plants, pipelines and utilities.
Is the job growing?
BLS projects about average growth.
How much does a control valve technician make?
The median annual wage for control valve technicians was $74,340 ($35.74 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $45,910 and the highest 10% earned more than $112,500.
How long does it take to become a control valve technician?
Most people need about Months to years of training of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be a control valve technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Is control valve technician a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +4.3% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 3,600 openings each year. Upsides include good pay; a common challenge is that on-call duty.
What skills does a control valve technician need?
Key technical skills include valve repair, actuator calibration, positioner setup, and pressure testing. Employers also value problem-solving, attention to detail, and safety focus.
What certifications are available for control valve technicians?
Common credentials include Manufacturer valve training, ISA CCST, OSHA 10, and Operator qualification. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Control Valve Technician fit quiz, compare with Industrial Electronics Repairer, or explore Control Valve Technician training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 49-9012 (Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door (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.