Calibration Technologists and Technicians
17-3028.00
Bright Outlook
Updated 2025
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.
Occupation-Specific Information
Tasks Save Table: XLSX CSV
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Analyze test data to identify defects or determine calibration requirements.
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Attend conferences, workshops, or other training sessions to learn about new tools or methods.
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Calibrate devices by comparing measurements of pressure, temperature, humidity, or other environmental conditions to known standards.
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Conduct calibration tests to determine performance or reliability of mechanical, structural, or electromechanical equipment.
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Develop new calibration methods or techniques based on measurement science, analyses, or calibration requirements.
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Disassemble and reassemble equipment for inspection.
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Draw plans for developing jigs, fixtures, instruments, or other devices.
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Maintain or repair measurement devices or equipment used for calibration testing.
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Operate metalworking machines to fabricate housings, jigs, fittings, or fixtures.
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Order replacement parts for malfunctioning equipment.
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Plan sequences of calibration tests according to equipment specifications and scientific principles.
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Read blueprints, schematics, diagrams, or technical orders.
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Verify part dimensions or clearances using precision measuring instruments to ensure conformance to specifications.
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Visually inspect equipment to detect surface defects.
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Write and submit reports about the results of calibration tests.
Technology Skills Save Table: XLSX CSV
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Development environment software — National Instruments LabVIEW
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Occupational Requirements
Detailed Work Activities Save Table: XLSX CSV
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Analyze project data to determine specifications or requirements.
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Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
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Develop technical methods or processes.
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Disassemble equipment to inspect for deficiencies.
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Draw detailed or technical illustrations.
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Evaluate characteristics of products.
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Fabricate products or components using machine tools.
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Inspect condition or functioning of facilities or equipment.
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Inspect finished products to locate flaws.
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Maintain test equipment.
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Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
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Prepare detailed work plans.
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Reassemble equipment after repair.
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Repair precision devices or workpieces.
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Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.
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Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
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Update technical knowledge.
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Write reports or evaluations.
Experience Requirements
Job Zone Save Table: XLSX CSV
- Title
- Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Related Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Job Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
- Job Zone Examples
- These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
- SVP Range
- (6.0 to < 7.0)
Training & Credentials
- State training
- Local training
- Certifications
Apprenticeship Opportunities
Worker Characteristics
Interests Save Table: XLSX CSV
Occupational Interest | Interest |
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89
| Realistic — Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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76
| Conventional — Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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52
| Investigative — Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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10
| Social — Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
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3
| Artistic — Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
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0
| Enterprising — Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
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Workforce Characteristics
Wages & Employment Trends
- Median wages (2024)
- $31.27 hourly, $65,040 annual
- State wages
- Local wages
- Employment (2023)
- 13,800 employees
- Projected growth (2023-2033)
- Faster than average (6% to 8%)
- Projected job openings (2023-2033)
- 1,300
- State trends
- Top industries (2023)
- Manufacturing (35% employed in this sector)
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024 wage data external site and 2023-2033 employment projections external site. “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2023-2033). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Job Openings on the Web
- State job openings
- Local job openings
More Information
Professional Associations
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- American Indian Science and Engineering Society external site
- American National Standards Institute external site
- American Society for Quality external site
- Association for Materials Protection and Performance external site
- ASTM International external site
- Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology external site
- Institute of Physics external site
- National Institute of Standards and Technology external site
- NCSL International external site
- Precision Metalforming Association external site
- Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics external site
- Midwest Association of Technical Accident Investigators external site
- Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems external site
- Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies external site
- Southwestern Association of Technical Accident Investigators external site
- Western Association of Map Libraries external site
- Western Society of Naturalists external site