Career Definition for Precision Instrument Technicians
Precision instrument technicians are responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining complex instruments, such as watches, photography equipment, medical equipment, or musical instruments. Many of the instruments that technicians work on are used for communication, entertainment, research, environmental, and scientific purposes.
| Education | High school diploma or GED; vocational training or on the job training is available |
| Job Skills | Good vision and hearing, blueprint literacy, problem-solving, understanding technical manuals, troubleshooting |
| Median Salary* | $49,851 (2023) |
| Career Outlook 2021-2031** | -7% (musical instrument repairers and tuners), 17% (medical equipment repairers) |
Sources: *Salary.com; **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Education Required
Most precision instrument technicians are required to have a high school diploma or a GED. Some individuals choose to receive training through vocational schools or community colleges, while others can find extensive on-the-job training through company employment. Those who choose to receive company training will work closely with an experienced technician for one to two years, in order to learn the necessary skills of a precision instrument technician.
Necessary Skills
Potential precision instrument technicians need to develop the ability to understand technical manuals and follow blueprints. Precision instrument technicians must have excellent vision and hearing, which will help them with their problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
Economic and Career Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), technicians working in the musical instrument field will see a 7% decline in job opportunities between 2021 and 2031. Meanwhile, those working in the medical equipment repair industry can expect a 5% increase in career opportunities because of the advancements in technology and the continuous need to repair and maintain complex and lifesaving equipment. Salary.com reports that the median salary for a precision instrument technician was $49,851 as of 2023.
Alternate Career Options
Similar careers include:
Machinist
Machinists use blueprints or computer designs to set up and then operate manual or computer-numerically controlled machine tools to make machine parts according to specifications. After earning a high school diploma or its equivalent, those interested in a career as a machinist might attend postsecondary training programs; they may also learn through apprenticeships or while on the job. Slower than average employment growth of 2% was projected by the BLS for these positions, from 2021-2031. In 2021, they earned a median salary of $47,730, per the BLS.
Surgical Technologist
Having earned an associate's degree or postsecondary certificate in surgical technology, these professionals then seek employment sterilizing surgical equipment, preparing patients for surgery, passing instruments to surgeons during surgery, and restocking the operating rooms upon completion of surgery. These techs could expect faster than average job growth of 6% during the 2021-2031 decade, according to the BLS, and were paid a median wage of $48,510 in 2021.
