Career Definition for an Electrical Instrumentation Technician
Many industrial firms now use automation practices which require highly programmed electronic equipment to do work that used to be performed by people. Due to their complicated nature, automotive devices frequently run into problems which electrical instrumentation technicians must solve. Electrical instrumentation technicians troubleshoot, repair and maintain the various parts needed to keep automotive machinery running smoothly and effectively. Many community colleges and trade schools offer certificates or associate degrees, which are usually necessary to land work as an electrical instrumentation technician.
| Education | Certificate required, associate degree available |
| Job Skills | Machine operation, creativity, computer experience, technical writing |
| Median Salary (2021)* | $63,640 for electrical and electronics engineering technicians, $60,360 for electro-mechanical technicians |
| Job Growth (2021-2031)* | 0% for electrical and electronics engineering technicians, -4% for electro-mechanical technicians |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Required Education
Most companies that hire electrical instrumentation technicians require candidates to have at least a certificate in electrical and instrumentation technology from a trade school. Many community colleges also offer related degrees such as the Associate of Applied Science in Electrical and Instrumentation Technology, which are more in depth than certificate programs and may be looked upon favorably by employers. Most certificate programs take one year to complete, and associate degree programs take two years, but both tracks will include classes in math, science and mechanics.
Skills Required
Electrical instrumentation technicians must have strong knowledge of how machines operate; having the creativity to look at different ways to tackle difficult problems also helps with the job. Experience with computers is also a necessity for electrical instrumentation technicians because many instruments are run by complex software applications. It's also wise for electrical instrumentation technicians to hone their writing skills, since technical writing is a frequent task.
Career and Economic Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that 105,000 jobs existed for electrical and electronic engineering technicians and that there were 12,100 jobs for electro-mechanical technicians as of 2021. The BLS estimates there will be an average job growth (5%) for the field from 2021 to 2031, including a 0% increase in engineering technician jobs, due to the American manufacturing industry's decline. The median annual wage for electrical and electronic engineering technicians was $63,640, and that of electro-mechanical technicians was $60,360 as of May 2021.
Alternative Careers
You can also select from these career options to work in electrical engineering and maintenance:
Electronics Repairer
For those interested in diagnosing and fixing performance issues involving electrical machines and devices, becoming an electronics repairer may be the right fit. After discovering what is broken, electronics repairers disassemble electrical components, replace or modify parts, run tests after repairs are complete and keep detailed records of repair activities. These repairers work in commercial, industrial, power generation, transportation and many other industries.
Most who enter this field have completed formal training at a technical school or community college, and certification from an organization such as the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians or the Electronics Technicians Association International may provide an advantage in the job market.
The BLS projected 1% employment decline for repairers and installers of commercial and industrial electronics during the 2021-2031 decade. In May of 2021, the BLS estimated that electrical repairers of industrial and commercial equipment earned a median income of $61,760.
Electrical Engineer
If creating the design for the electrical systems of navigation equipment, electric motors or aircraft sounds appealing, consider a career in electrical engineering. Electrical engineers study electricity and look for ways to use it in new devices. They produce designs, create instructions for the manufacturing process, oversee production activities, execute tests on prototypes and make sure projects meet deadlines within budget.
Working in this profession requires a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, and many employers may give preference to someone with a Professional Engineer (PE) license. To obtain this license, engineers must pass two exams and meet education and experience qualifications.
According to 2021 BLS estimates, approximately 192,400 electrical engineers worked in the U.S. and earned a median annual salary of $100,420 in 2021. The BLS also predicted a 2% increase in job opportunities for these professionals between 2021 and 2031.
