How much does a calibration technician make?
a year · about $33 an hour
A typical calibration technician in the United States makes $67,820 a year, about $33 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They compare a gauge or thermometer with a trusted standard, inspect it, make tiny adjustments, and test it again. Then they record the results, fix or flag problems, and plan its next check.
Did you know? Some calibration technicians design tests for anemometers—wind meters used to check wind-turbine output.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $46,680 and $106,550How do you become one?
In the U.S., study math and science in high school, then usually earn an associate degree in electronics engineering technology at a community or technical college. Some start with a high-school diploma and learn on the job; certification is optional.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can vary with experience, useful certifications, location, and employer industry; research labs, factories, and repair services show different pay patterns. Special instrument skills and early, night, or weekend shifts may also shape a job offer.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Washington ($93,880), lowest in Kentucky ($55,650).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $46,680 | $67,820 | $106,550 | about 17,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $93,880 | about 270 |
| Oklahoma | $80,920 | about 150 |
| Louisiana | $80,670 | about 480 |
| California | $79,010 | about 1,000 |
| Vermont | $77,950 | about 30 |
Official definition: 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. Excludes “Medical Equipment Preparers” (31-9093) and “Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters” (51-2061).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/calibration-technologists-an
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/17-3028.00
- www.asq.org/cert/calibration-technician
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY