Calibration Technologists and Technicians
O*NET 17-3028.00 · SOC 17-3028
Calibration Technologist is a solid career choice. Median pay is $68k a year with +4.8% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 1,500 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Calibrate pressure gauges and transducers against traceable reference standards.
- →Maintain calibration records and certificates for laboratory measurement equipment.
- →Adjust electronic test instruments to correct for measurement drift.
- →Perform uncertainty analysis calculations for calibrated measurement devices.
- →Identify out-of-tolerance instruments and remove them from service.
Education & How to Get In
Most Calibration Technologist positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Calibration Technologist involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Calibration Technologist?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Calibration Technologist Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Calibration Technologists and Technicians is projected to grow 4.8% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·46% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·36% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Calibration Technologist make?
The median Calibration Technologist earns $68k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Calibration Technologist jobs?
Our model puts Calibration Technologist at 49 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 46% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 36% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Calibration Technologist a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 4.8% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 1,500 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Calibration Technologist?
Most Calibration Technologist roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Calibration Technologist?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Calibration Technologist career right for you?
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