How to Become an Instrument Technician

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of an Instrument Technician

What does an Instrument Technician do?

AN Instrument Technician assembles, installs, tests, and calibrates electrical wiring control panels and associated components used for manufacturing systems, automotive equipment, or other devices. Follows blueprints, bill of materials, schematics, or piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID). Being an Instrument Technician selects, measures, and prepares electrical wiring or coaxial cabling. Connects wiring and labels to panels. Additionally, Instrument Technician performs instrument startup, calibration, functional, and safety testing. Requires a high school diploma or graduation from a technical or trade school. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. The Instrument Technician works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. To be an Instrument Technician typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.

People's Opinions on Instrument Technician responsibilities

An instrument technician is a technician who repairs different types of electronic or pneumatic equipment.

02/19/2020: Columbus, GA

To become an instrument technician, you will need to graduate from high school or complete a similar program.

12/31/2019: Santa Fe, NM

Obtaining a high school diploma is one of the first steps necessary to become an instrument technician.

12/11/2019: Atlantic City, NJ

In addition to these courses, students also are taught about computer networking systems, electrical systems and instrument calibration techniques.

12/15/2019: Charlotte, NC

An Instrument Technician is responsible for reviewing shifts in the atmosphere and environment of industrial regions and buildings.

02/18/2020: Rochester, MN
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Step 2: Learn best tips to become an Instrument Technician

Best tips for those who want to become an Instrument Technician

Here are some tips to become an Instrument Technician.

People's Opinions on best tips

Ability to develop strong work relationship with Operations.

02/18/2020: Shreveport, LA

Ability to solve problems and to process information quickly.

01/13/2020: Spartanburg, SC

Maintain and calibrate all station instrumentation and control devices, including Turbine TSI and DEH systems, Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS), and standard level, pressure, temperature, flow transmitters and control valves.

12/12/2019: Vallejo, CA

Monitoring and Enforcement; Termination.

01/26/2020: Yakima, WA

These Content Standards apply to any and all User Contributions and use of the Services.

02/10/2020: Asheville, NC
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Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Instrument Technician

Best colleges and universities for Instrument Technician

  • Butler University
  • Carroll College
  • Cooper Union
  • High Point University
  • Princeton University
  • Providence College

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be an Instrument Technician

Is being an Instrument Technician Worth it?

People's Opinions on lifestyles

If an avionics technician holds a general radiotelephone license issued by the Federal Communications Commission, with a radar repair endorsement, the technician may also repair radar systems.

12/15/2019: Long Beach, CA

Electrical and instrument technician wiring cable at terminal and junction box, an oil rig worker maintenance electric system on offshore platform.

01/24/2020: Harrisburg, PA

You have a demonstrated capability in technical report writing, with a good knowledge of water Industry related assets and operations including hydrographic/ hydrometric systems and instruments utilised by water utilities.

12/13/2019: Twin Falls, ID

Perform simple layouts and fabrications to install or upgrade instrument hardware.

01/15/2020: Omaha, NE

Design, construction, modification, repair, testing and installation of various equipment and instruments required for teaching and research purposes in a cost….

01/29/2020: Temple, TX
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Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being an Instrument Technician

What skills do you need to be an Instrument Technician?

As with every job, there are some skills needed to succeed within this role.  Possession of the following skills will help ensure successful day-to-day operations in this role: Batch Testing, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Inspection, Kanban, Lean, Nondestructive Testing, Product QA, Quality Assurance Process, Quality Control/Testing, Quality Improvement, Quality Inspection, Radiographic Testing, Total Quality Management (TQM).  This list doesn’t encompass every skill required for the role, but is a good place to start.

People's Opinions on Instrument Technician skills

Instrument technicians often gain hands-on experience during college or through an internship.

12/28/2019: Monroe, LA

We ranked the top skills based on the percentage of Electronic Instrument Technician resumes they appeared on.

12/19/2019: Medford, OR

Let's find out what skills a Electronic Instrument Technician actually needs in order to be successful in the workplace.

01/06/2020: Reading, PA

Must have an understanding of instrument loop drawings, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) manuals, and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID).

12/19/2019: Frankfort, KY

Engineer with significant experience providing installation, support, and repairs for a wide variety of electrical and pneumatic instruments.

02/20/2020: Terre Haute, IN
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Step 6: View average salary for Instrument Technician

How much does an Instrument Technician make?

The average salary range for an Instrument Technician is from $57,758 to $82,886. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Salary range for an Instrument Technician
$57,758 to $82,886

Step 7: Find relevant Instrument Technician jobs, and apply.

Looking for Instrument Technician jobs?

Here are some Instrument Technician jobs in the United States.

Search Instrument Technician Jobs in the United States

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Instrument Technician

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Instrument Technician? Instrument Technician II