Occupation · SOC 17-3028
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
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. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.
Median wage
$65,040
$44,730–$105,440
Projected growth
+4.4%
Average growth
Annual openings
70
per year
Employed (US)
15,320
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
328 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingActive ListeningComplex Problem SolvingSpeakingWritingJudgment and Decision MakingMathematics
Knowledge areas
Engineering and TechnologyMathematicsDesignComputers and ElectronicsEnglish Language
Technology & tools
Operating system softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite software
Representative tasks
Develop final construction plans that include aesthetic representations of the structure or details Prepare scale drawings or architectural designs, using computer-aided design or other tools.Prepare information regarding design, structure specifications, materials, color, equipment, estimat
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Calibration instruments and basic test equipment — identify and handle under direct supervision on a laboratory bench or production floor.Standard calibration procedures and written protocols — follow step-by-step to perform routine measurements in a controlled environment.Scale drawings and equipment layout diagrams — read and interpret using provided CAD files under technician guidance.Measurement data and calibration records — record accurately into spreadsheet software following established templates.Engineering and technology terminology — recognize and apply basic vocabulary when reviewing technical manuals and specification sheets.Mathematical formulas for unit conversion and tolerance calculation — apply with supervisor verification during entry-level calibration tasks.Electronic mail and office suite software — use to submit calibration reports and communicate findings to senior technicians.Client or end-user functional requirements — listen actively and document under the direction of a lead technologist during initial consultations.Deviations and out-of-tolerance readings — identify and flag to a supervisor for corrective action during routine instrument checks.Calibration standards and traceability documentation — locate and reference correctly when setting up measurement equipment in a lab environment.
developing
Calibration schedules and instrument tracking logs — manage independently using project management software across multiple instruments in a manufacturing facility.Scale and schematic drawings of calibration setups — prepare using CAD software with reduced oversight to support equipment qualification activities.Measurement uncertainty calculations — perform routinely using analytical or scientific software and present findings in written calibration reports.Non-conforming equipment findings — analyze using critical thinking to recommend corrective or preventive actions to supervisors and quality teams.Technical specifications and calibration procedure documents — draft and revise using word processing software for common instrument families.Physics principles governing instrument behavior — apply to diagnose recurring drift or stability issues in familiar calibration environments.Client or department representatives — consult to clarify functional and spatial requirements for instrument placement and environmental controls.Spreadsheet models for tolerance analysis and cost estimation — develop and maintain to support calibration program planning at a facility level.Oral briefings on calibration status — deliver clearly to engineering teams and quality auditors using prepared presentation materials.Mechanical and electronic test instruments — select, configure, and operate independently to perform multi-parameter calibrations in an industrial setting.
proficient
Comprehensive calibration plans including instrument specifications, estimated costs, and traceability paths — develop autonomously for complex multi-site metrology programs.CAD and analytical software — utilize proficiently to produce detailed technical drawings and calibration system models for non-routine equipment configurations.Complex problem-solving methodology — apply to resolve novel measurement challenges, including inter-laboratory comparison discrepancies, without supervisory input.Full-scope calibration procedure documentation — author and validate to meet regulatory and accreditation requirements such as ISO/IEC 17025 in a certified laboratory.Inductive and deductive reasoning — exercise to evaluate ambiguous calibration data and determine equipment fitness for service across diverse engineering contexts.Client technical consultations — lead independently to define functional performance requirements and translate them into precise calibration or design specifications.Integrated development environment and automation software — configure to streamline data acquisition and reduce human error in high-volume calibration operations.Judgment and decision-making frameworks — apply to prioritize instrument recalls, equipment retirement, or emergency re-calibration in time-critical production environments.Metrology knowledge across mechanical, electrical, and dimensional domains — draw upon to handle cross-disciplinary calibration assignments without technical escalation.Written technical reports and calibration certificates — produce to an expert standard, ensuring accuracy, regulatory compliance, and clear communication to diverse stakeholders.
advanced
Organization-wide calibration and metrology strategy — define and direct to align with business objectives, quality standards, and long-term capital planning.Calibration program architectures including cost models, staffing plans, and technology roadmaps — develop and present to executive leadership for approval and resource allocation.Emerging measurement technologies and software platforms — evaluate and champion for adoption, setting technical direction for the engineering and operations workforce.Junior technologists and apprentices — mentor systematically by establishing competency pathways, structured training programs, and performance benchmarks across the department.Cross-functional teams including design engineers, quality managers, and procurement specialists — lead through collaborative calibration system design for large-scale infrastructure projects.Accreditation audits and regulatory inspections — represent the organization authoritatively, demonstrating full command of documentation, traceability, and quality system compliance.Organizational policies for measurement integrity and instrument lifecycle management — author and institutionalize to govern practice standards across multiple facilities or business units.Industry working groups, standards bodies, and professional conferences — engage with to contribute technical expertise and influence the evolution of calibration standards.Complex client or stakeholder relationships — manage at an executive level, translating high-level functional requirements into integrated metrology solutions and long-range service agreements.Departmental performance metrics including calibration throughput, measurement uncertainty targets, and cost efficiency — monitor and optimize using data-driven decision-making at an organizational scale.
Also known as
29 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
SpectroscopistCalibration CoordinatorController, Remotely-Piloted VehicleTest TechnicianDiagnostic Technician (Diagnostic Tech)Metallurgical TechnicianHydrometer CalibratorField Service TechnicianCalibration SpecialistTesterMaintenance TechnicianAgricultural-Engineering TechnicianCalibration TechnologistLaboratory Assistant, MetallurgicalElectronic Instrument Testing TechnicianCertified Calibration TechnicianWelding TechnicianInstrument TechnicianInstrumentation TechnicianPowertrain Calibration EngineerElectronics TechnicianTest PilotElectronics Calibration TechnicianMetrology Calibration Technician (Metrology Calibration Tech)Calibration TechnicianEquipment TechnicianMobile Technician (Mobile Tech)Electromechanical Equipment TesterCalibration Engineer