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Apprentice Instrument Technician Jobs in Washington

Graduation from a five-year Surveying Apprenticeship Classroom Education Program. * Three or more ... Instrument Technician during the last 7 years? * None * Less than one year * One to less than two ...

... logics, mechanical drawings, and piping & instrument diagrams (P&IDs ... High school, technical school, apprenticeship, trade school graduate or equivalent required.

... instrument diagrams (P&IDs). * Troubleshoot indiscriminately both the mechanical and electrical ... High school, technical school, apprenticeship, trade school graduate or equivalent required.

Apprentice Instrument Technician information

See Washington salary details

$24

$36

$44

How much do apprentice instrument technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice instrument technician in Washington is $36.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.69 and $41.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice instrument technician?

Apprentice instrument technicians are entry-level professionals who work under the supervision of experienced technicians to learn how to install, maintain, and repair instruments and control systems used in industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, and power generation. Their training typically involves hands-on work with equipment that measures and controls variables like pressure, temperature, and flow. The apprenticeship combines classroom instruction with practical, on-the-job experience, preparing them to become fully qualified instrument technicians.

What does an apprentice instrument technician do?

An apprentice instrument technician’s duties include installing and repairing electrical and mechanical controls under the supervision of a more senior technician. As an apprentice technician, you are training to use numerous tools to maintain and repair a variety of electrical systems and instruments, such as recording devices, control systems, drives, communication and data systems, counters, and speed indicators. You also learn health and safety operations and responsibilities related to handling industrial electrical equipment.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an apprentice instrument technician?

To thrive as an Apprentice Instrument Technician, you need a strong understanding of electrical and instrumentation principles, typically supported by a relevant technical diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with tools such as multimeters, calibration devices, and industry-specific control systems like PLCs is usually required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help you excel in troubleshooting and collaborating with team members. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring accurate installation, maintenance, and repair of instrumentation systems critical to operational safety and efficiency.

What are common challenges faced by apprentice instrument technicians during their training period?

As an Apprentice Instrument Technician, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to the technical complexity of instrumentation systems and mastering the use of specialized diagnostic tools. Balancing hands-on tasks with theoretical learning can also be demanding, especially when working in fast-paced industrial environments. However, most employers provide structured mentorship and safety training to help you progressively build confidence and competence. Developing strong communication skills is also essential, as you'll often collaborate with engineers, electricians, and other technicians.

What is the difference between Apprentice Instrument Technician vs Instrument Technician?

AspectApprentice Instrument TechnicianInstrument Technician
CertificationsNone required initially; on-the-job trainingTypically requires technical certifications or licenses
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, construction, or industrial settingsOperational industrial plants, maintenance facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with installation, maintenance, and learning proceduresPerforming maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of instruments

The main difference between an Apprentice Instrument Technician and an Instrument Technician is experience and certification level. Apprentices are in training, gaining skills on the job, while Instrument Technicians are fully qualified professionals responsible for maintaining and repairing instrumentation systems in industrial environments.

Are apprentice instrument technicians in demand?

Apprentice instrument technicians are in demand in industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, and utilities, where skilled technicians are needed to install, maintain, and repair instrumentation systems. The demand is driven by ongoing infrastructure upgrades and the need for technical skills in automation and control systems. Opportunities often require relevant certifications and hands-on training.

How long does an instrumentation apprenticeship take?

An apprenticeship for an Instrumentation Technician typically lasts between 3 to 4 years, combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction. During this period, apprentices learn skills such as calibration, troubleshooting, and installation of instrumentation equipment, often earning certifications along the way.

How to get into an apprentice instrument technician?

To become an apprentice instrument technician, typically you need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some programs may require basic math and technical skills. You can apply through local trade schools, technical colleges, or directly with employers offering apprenticeship programs, which combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Certification or licensing is not always required initially but may be pursued later to advance in the field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Instrument Technician jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Instrument Technician jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Instrument Technician jobs in Washington?

For Apprentice Instrument Technician jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Apprentice Instrument Technician jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Apprentice Instrument Technician jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Instrument Technician jobs in WA?

For Apprentice Instrument Technician jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Instrument Technician job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,315 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Survey Field Technician - Instrument Operator

Manassas, VA • On-site

Cardinal Civil Resources
Civil Engineering Construction • 51 - 200 employees

$17 - $22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

About This Role:
Cardinal Civil Resources is currently looking for an employee with high integrity and excellent attention to detail to fill a position as a Survey Field Technician - Instrument Operator. Travel will be required from time to time at different job sites. You must be familiar with all surveying techniques used for pipeline surveying.
Responsibilities:
As a Survey Field Technician, you will:
• Work in group environments
• Work within defined project scopes and budgets
• Ensure Safety and Health are the number one priority by complying with all safe work practices, policies, and processes. Acting safely at all times
• Participate in or conduct and document safety meetings with the crew daily. Host or assist with morning safety meetings. Bring safety and proper working procedure topics up as reminders and ensure all workers are comfortable with the tasks assigned to them by reviewing their day plan
• Mentor less experienced employees and train them in proper company standards as well as ensure more experienced employees are helping to mentor green workers in proper company standards
• Maintains digital files on assigned computer equipment to assure use of correct and current data files
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and construction documents
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Operate electronic total station instrument run and adjust survey measuring instruments, including level, transit, theodolite, electronic measuring devices, and total stations with electronic data collecting capabilities
• Take field notes of readings and observations
• Operate and maintain vehicle and field equipment
• Know and perform field principles of staking and marking
• Perform other related field and office duties as assigned
• Work primarily in the field on control, topographic surveys, and pipeline surveys as Instrument Man/Rodman of one, two, or three-person field crew
• Cut and remove brush and undergrowth for a line of sight
• Reads and understands plans and specifications
• Know basic sources of measurement errors
• Dig ground using a pick, shovel, and other hand tools to search for and locate survey monuments
• Hold and plum rod in obtaining elevations and distances
• Drive stakes to set grades on construction projects
• Provide solutions to civil site design challenges
• Topographical surveys
• Boundary surveys
• Well connect pipelines surveys
• Pipeline route staking
• Establish and recover survey control and monumentation, perform construction layout, obtain sewer invert and subsurface utility information and photo documentation of the project area
Qualifications:
EDUCATION: A high school education or equivalent is required, including a background in math, geometry, and trigonometry.
EXPERIENCE: Land Surveying experience
KNOWLEDGE OF:
  • Controlling the function of surveying instruments and calculators
  • Proficiency in the use of total stations, GPS Receivers, and data collectors
  • Possess good interpersonal skills and effective written and oral communication skills
  • Analyzing site plans, project plans, blueprints, maps, and charts.

ABILITIES:
• Must be able and willing to travel daily.
• Must have good written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be highly motivated with the ability to work independently and with a team.
• Must have essential requirements: professionalism, punctuality, and reliability.
• Must possess strong attention to detail and an intense level of accuracy.
  • Must be able to work in inclement weather
  • Must have Reliable Transportation
  • Background Check and Drug Testing Required

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES:
• Valid driver's license with insurable record
• CST or Survey Apprenticeship Preferred
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential function of this job successfully:
• Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 25/50/80 pounds regularly/occasionally
• Must be able to drive a vehicle safely regular/occasionally
• Must be able to work in inclement weather conditions.
• Must be able to deal effectively and reasonably with stress in the workplace without lost time or undue strain
• Must be able to sit, walk, talk, and hear for extended periods of time
• Must be able to type/key-in data and answer telephones frequently as needed
• Must have specific vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to focus
• Must be able to see and respond to dangerous situations
• Must be able to wear personal protective gear regularly/occasionally
• Physical ability work including bending, squatting, reaching, stretching, sitting, standing, running, and climbing stairs
• Must adhere to company policies, safety plan, and the project safety plan
About Us:
Cardinal Civil Resources ("CCR") is a fun, productive business dedicated to the success of our employees, clients, and our communities. With our rapid growth and several strategic acquisitions, there is an excellent opportunity to begin a fulfilling and rewarding career at CCR. Our success depends on attracting the best talent and continuously striving to improve what we do and how we do it.
EEO Statement:
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.