Instrumentation technicians work with measurement equipment like pressure gauges and temperature controls to ensure accurate readings. Their jobs involve testing equipment, repairing or replacing worn parts, and creating schematic drawings and reports. Technicians also install new metering and recording devices when companies need to process new products, and ensure everything is calibrated correctly. Experienced technicians may train new hires on proper maintenance and calibration procedures. The job outlook for instrumentation technicians remains strong with high demand in fields like manufacturing and oil/gas due to expanding research and development needs. Salaries average around $50,000 and opportunities abound.

1. On the Job With An
Instrumentation Technician

2. On the Job with an Instrumentation Technician
• People who are good at electronics and pay attention to details can
have a great career awaiting them as an instrumentation technician.
The attention to detail aspect of the job comes in handy throughout
the day, as these technicians are constantly inspecting, adjusting
and regulating the flow and water pressure from a variety of
manufacturing equipment. Salaries for instrumentation jobs are
always increasing, and the demand for technicians has never been
greater.

3. Testing the Equipment
• Instrumentation technicians spend a good part of their workday
testing all types of equipment. The accuracy levels of measurement
equipment such as pressure gauges, temperature controls and
radiation counters must be constantly checked to make sure they
are providing the proper readings. The job of an instrumentation
technician is to check for worn-out parts on these indicators using
such tools as signal generators and manometers, and to replace
them when needed.

4. Schematics and Reports
• When a technician does find anything that needs to be replaced or
repaired, it's their job to create a schematic drawing of the area that
was repaired or replaced. This is usually done when part of a control
panel or similar device has been altered. Along with the drawing, a
report is also prepared to explain why the repairs were made, and
what the instrument readings were before and after the repairs.

5. Recording and Metering Units
• When a company needs to start processing new products for
customers, it's the job of the instrumentation technician to make
sure the equipment is set up to handle the process. This is
accomplished by installing metering and recording devices. This is
done as the need arises, and after all new devices are installed they
must be properly calibrated to perform correctly. After all the
equipment is installed, technicians usually connect electrical circuits
to the devices and perform tests to ensure everything is working
correctly.

6. Training the Trainees
• Instrumentation technicians who have prior experience and the
ability to teach others are often given the responsibility of training
new technicians as to the proper procedures necessary to perform
the job. They are usually assigned a trainee, and stay with them
while showing them how to properly repair, maintain and calibrate
systems for maximum efficiency.

7. Job Outlook
• The job outlook for instrumentation technicians remains strong.
Instrumentation jobs will be in high-demand from expanding
opportunities in manufacturing, oil & gas companies in Texas, as
the need to find more efficient energy resources will result in
expanded research and development at most companies.
• Salaries for these jobs are outstanding, especially since they only
require two years of college. According to the United States Bureau
of Labor Statistics, average annual salaries for instrumentation
technicians are close to $50,000.

8. Job Outlook
• Jobs are so plentiful in some areas of the nation and world that
companies are designing their own training programs to help meet
the demand. For those seeking a stable career with excellent pay,
great benefits and a variety of tasks during the workday there are
few jobs better than that of an instrumentation technician.