Skip to main contentReport an accessibility problem
ASU for LifeASU for Life

Calibration Technologists and Technicians

ManufacturingO*NET 17-3028.00United States

Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices.

COMING SOON See related ASU learning
Median annual earnings
$67,006

50th percentile, United States

Projected change
+7.7%

2025 to 2035

Typical education
Bachelor's degree

50.9% of the workforce

Employment
18.42K jobs

Growing to 19.85K by 2035

Explore this career by location

Compare nationwide estimates with state or county job-market data.

Showing United States

Loading available locations…

Build the skills

ASU learning related to this career

These courses and certificates are connected through catalog career relationships and Lightcast skill tags.

Loading related ASU learning

The work

What calibration technologists and technicians do

Tasks reported for this occupation, ordered by how often they come up in the role.

  • Analyze test data to identify defects or determine calibration requirements.
  • Attend conferences, workshops, or other training sessions to learn about new tools or methods.
  • Calibrate devices by comparing measurements of pressure, temperature, humidity, or other environmental conditions to known standards.
  • Conduct calibration tests to determine performance or reliability of mechanical, structural, or electromechanical equipment.
  • Develop new calibration methods or techniques based on measurement science, analyses, or calibration requirements.
  • Disassemble and reassemble equipment for inspection.
  • Draw plans for developing jigs, fixtures, instruments, or other devices.
  • Maintain or repair measurement devices or equipment used for calibration testing.
  • Operate metalworking machines to fabricate housings, jigs, fittings, or fixtures.
  • Order replacement parts for malfunctioning equipment.
  • Plan sequences of calibration tests according to equipment specifications and scientific principles.
  • Read blueprints, schematics, diagrams, or technical orders.
  • Verify part dimensions or clearances using precision measuring instruments to ensure conformance to specifications.
  • Visually inspect equipment to detect surface defects.
  • Write and submit reports about the results of calibration tests.

Pay and outlook

What the job pays and where it is heading

Annual earnings range

Reported earnings by percentile, United States

10th percentile
$44,817
25th percentile
$54,655
50th percentile
$67,006
75th percentile
$92,370
90th percentile
$114,419

The gold marker shows the median. Half earn more than $67,006 and half earn less.

Employment outlook

2025 to 2035 projection

+7.7%faster than average
202518,424 jobs
2035 projected19,846 jobs

1,422 more positions over the decade, before replacement hiring.

Preparation

Education levels

What people currently working in the career hold. These are not entry requirements.

Bachelor's degree
50.9%
Certificate
23.4%
Associate degree
16.5%
Some college
5.5%
High school diploma or less
3.8%

Skills

Skills employers ask for

Technical skills appearing most often in job postings for this occupation.

  • Calibration
  • Metrology
  • Instrumentation
  • Test Equipment
  • Electronics
  • Calibration Procedures
  • Lifting Ability
  • Auditing
  • ISO/IEC 17025
  • Torque (Physics)
  • Continuous Improvement Process
  • Quality Management Systems
  • Automation
  • Good Manufacturing Practices
  • MATLAB
  • Good Driving Record
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Calipers
  • Preventive Maintenance
  • Laboratory Equipment

How the work gets done

Core competencies

Broad capabilities associated with strong performance in this occupation.

In the market

Job titles and employers

Recent job postings in United States

Common job titles

  1. 01Calibration Technicians1,828 postings
  2. 02Calibration Engineers276 postings
  3. 03Metrology Calibration Technicians135 postings
  4. 04Lead Calibration Technicians121 postings
  5. 05Powertrain Calibration Engineers117 postings
  6. 06Metrology Technicians115 postings
  7. 07Calibration Specialists76 postings
  8. 08Metrology Engineers38 postings
  9. 09Engine Calibration Engineers36 postings
  10. 10Metrologists32 postings
  11. 11Technicians32 postings
  12. 12Engineering Technicians27 postings
  13. 13Calibration Managers23 postings
  14. 14Calibration Coordinators17 postings
  15. 15Calibration Supervisors17 postings
  16. 16Instrumentation Engineers17 postings
  17. 17Field Service Technicians16 postings
  18. 18Metrology Specialists16 postings
  19. 19Mechanical Technicians15 postings
  20. 20Mobile Technicians14 postings

Top employers

  1. 01Actalent123 postings
  2. 02Transcat106 postings
  3. 03General Motors82 postings
  4. 04ERTMS Accredited Labs75 postings
  5. 05Ford70 postings
  6. 06Stellantis53 postings
  7. 07Applied Technical Services50 postings
  8. 08KBR42 postings
  9. 09Trescal37 postings
  10. 10Lockheed Martin36 postings
  11. 11Applied Industrial Technologies34 postings
  12. 12Simco Electronics34 postings
  13. 13Boeing33 postings
  14. 14Aerotek32 postings
  15. 15Micro Quality Calibration32 postings
  16. 16Cross Company28 postings
  17. 17ManpowerGroup28 postings
  18. 18Technical Maintenance27 postings
  19. 19Vbb26 postings
  20. 20Micro Precision25 postings

Keep looking

Related careers

Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders

Median pay
$46,467
Employment outlook
+0.5%

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers

Median pay
$65,331
Employment outlook
−7.4%

Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate

Median pay
$68,507
Employment outlook
−2.3%

Appraisers of Personal and Business Property

Median pay
$68,507
Employment outlook
−2.3%