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Automation Instrumentation Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Coke Florida Instrumentation Technician, you will be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and upgrade of all automation instrumentation in the facility and to ensure all critical control ...

As a Main Automation Contractor, we offer comprehensive solutions, supported by our size, expertise ... Overview What You Will Do As an Instrumentation Technician I, you will play a crucial role in ...

Automation Technician

Mentone, TX · On-site

$41K/yr

Overview The Automation Technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and ... Diagnose electrical and instrumentation issues using testing equipment. * Support startup and ...

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Automation Instrumentation Technician information

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$37.5K

$45.6K

$71K

How much do automation instrumentation technician jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation instrumentation technician in the United States is $45,556.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $42,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Automation Instrumentation Technician do?

An Automation Instrumentation Technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, calibrating, and troubleshooting instruments and control systems used to automate industrial processes. They work with sensors, transmitters, control valves, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to ensure equipment operates efficiently and safely. Their role is critical in industries like manufacturing, oil and gas, and pharmaceuticals, where precise control and monitoring of processes are essential.

Where do instrumentation technicians make the most money?

Instrumentation technicians tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a strong industrial or manufacturing presence, such as areas with oil and gas, chemical plants, or large-scale manufacturing facilities. Salaries are also higher in locations with a higher cost of living and demand for specialized skills, such as experience with PLCs, calibration, and control systems. Certification and experience can further increase earning potential regardless of location.

What are some common challenges Automation Instrumentation Technicians face when troubleshooting automated systems?

Automation Instrumentation Technicians often encounter challenges such as diagnosing issues in complex, integrated control systems where multiple components can contribute to a single problem. Troubleshooting can require a deep understanding of both hardware (sensors, transmitters, controllers) and software (PLC programming, SCADA systems). Additionally, technicians must frequently work under time pressure to minimize downtime, which demands effective communication with engineers and operators to quickly identify and resolve faults. Staying current with rapidly evolving technology and safety standards is also an ongoing challenge in this role.

What is the highest paid technician?

In the field of automation and instrumentation, senior technicians with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications such as Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) tend to earn the highest salaries. Factors like industry, location, and level of responsibility also influence compensation, with some senior or lead technicians earning over $80,000 annually.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Automation Instrumentation Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automation Instrumentation Technician, you need a solid background in electronics, process control, and instrumentation, typically supported by an associate degree or technical certification in instrumentation or automation. Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, HART communicators, and calibration tools is essential for daily technical tasks. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills that set top performers apart. These skills and qualities are critical to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation of automated industrial systems.

What is the difference between Automation Instrumentation Technician vs Electrical Technician?

AspectAutomation Instrumentation TechnicianElectrical Technician
CertificationsTypically requires certifications in instrumentation, PLC programming, and control systemsOften requires electrical trade certifications or licenses
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, process industriesConstruction sites, maintenance facilities, electrical service environments
Job FocusInstalling, maintaining, and troubleshooting control systems and instrumentationInstalling, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems and wiring

Automation Instrumentation Technicians and Electrical Technicians share overlapping skills in electrical systems, but Automation Instrumentation Technicians focus more on control systems and instrumentation used in industrial automation. Both roles are vital in manufacturing and industrial settings, often requiring similar certifications and working in comparable environments.

Is instrumentation in high demand?

Instrumentation technicians are in high demand across industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, and power generation due to the need for maintaining and calibrating control systems and sensors. Strong skills in troubleshooting, calibration, and familiarity with PLCs and SCADA systems increase employability in this field.

What does an automation technician do?

An automation technician installs, maintains, and repairs automated control systems used in manufacturing and industrial processes. They work with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, and actuators, often troubleshooting electrical and mechanical issues to ensure systems operate efficiently. Strong technical skills, knowledge of control systems, and safety protocols are essential for this role.
More about Automation Instrumentation Technician jobs
Infographic showing various Automation Instrumentation Technician job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,556 per year, or $21.9 per hour.
Senior Automation & Instrumentation Technician

Senior Automation & Instrumentation Technician

ExxonMobil

Paulsboro, NJ • On-site

$41.30/hr

Other

Medical, Life

Re-posted 17 days ago


ExxonMobil rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 226 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

58th of 75 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

About us

At ExxonMobil, our vision is to lead in energy innovations that advance modern living while reducing emissions. As one of the world's largest publicly traded energy and chemical companies, we are powered by a unique and diverse workforce fueled by the pride in what we do and what we stand for.

The success of our Upstream, Product Solutions and Low Carbon Solutions businesses is the result of the talent, curiosity and drive of our people. They bring solutions every day to optimize our strategy in energy, chemicals, lubricants and lower-emissions technologies. 

We invite you to bring your ideas to ExxonMobil to help create sustainable solutions that improve quality of life and meet society's evolving needs. Learn more about our What and our Why and how we can work together.

About us

At ExxonMobil, our vision is to lead in energy innovations that advance modern living and a net-zero future.  As one of the world's largest publicly traded energy and chemical companies, we are powered by a unique and diverse workforce fueled by the pride in what we do and what we stand for.

The success of our Upstream, Product Solutions and Low Carbon Solutions businesses is the result of the talent, curiosity and drive of our people.  They bring solutions every day to optimize our strategy in energy, chemicals, lubricants and lower-emissions technologies.

We invite you to bring your ideas to ExxonMobil to help create sustainable solutions that improve quality of life and meet society's evolving needs. Learn more about our What and our Why and how we can work together.

About you

We are seeking an experienced Senior Automation & Instrumentation Technician to support automated packaging and production systems in a heavy industrial manufacturing environment. This role is handson and focused on PLC troubleshooting, packaging line optimization, instrumentation reliability, and safe execution of work in a live process facility. This is not an entrylevel role.

What you will do

Key Responsibilities

  • Troubleshoot, repair, and optimize PLCcontrolled packaging and production equipment, including ladder logic and drivebased systems
  • Diagnose and resolve packaging line performance issues involving sensors, actuators, drives, logic, or controls
  • Support highspeed packaging, filling, blending, and material handling systems to minimize downtime and improve throughput
  • Troubleshoot and maintain industrial instrumentation, including pressure, level, flow, and temperature devices, control valves, load cells, photoeyes, regulators, pigging instrumentation, and process control loops
  • Perform and assist with instrument calibration (weigh scales, meters, radars, and related devices)
  • Monitor and support inline blenders, automatic tank gauging systems, plant air compressors, and air dryers
  • Read and interpret technical manuals, wiring diagrams, schematics, and control documentation
  • Achieve and maintain qualification to troubleshoot and repair all plant production equipment
  • Work collaboratively with maintenance and operations personnel and complete ongoing training

Safety & Work Environment

  • Work in a regulated, safetycritical industrial environment
  • Execute work under formal permit and energy isolation systems, including lockout/tagout, electrical safe work practices, opening process equipment, and working at heights
  • Use required PPE and HMIrelated safe work practices
  • Must be able to work outdoors, lift up to 50 lbs, climb, and work at heights as required

Required Qualifications

  • Prior experience supporting automated packaging or production lines in an industrial environment
  • Handson troubleshooting experience with PLCcontrolled equipment
  • Demonstrated ability to correct packaging line performance issues involving sensors, drives, logic, or controls
  • Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude; ability to read industrial documentation
  • Proven safety record and experience working under structured industrial safety systems
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with highspeed packaging, filling, blending, or material handling systems
  • Background in instrumentation, I&E, controls, or industrial electronics
  • Experience performing line optimization, tuning, or continuous improvement activities
  • Trade school diploma or certification in instrumentation, controls, or electronics
  • Experience in refining, chemical, food & beverage, pharmaceutical, or similar process industries
Your benefits

An ExxonMobil career is one designed to last. Our commitment to you runs deep: our employees grow personally and professionally, with benefits built on our core categories of health, security, finance, and life.

More information on our Company's benefits can be found at www.exxonmobilfamily.com.

The expected hourly rate for this position is $41.30/hr during qualification; $47.64/hr once fully qualified. 

Please note benefits may be changed from time to time without notice, subject to applicable law.

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Equal Opportunity Employer

ExxonMobil is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or physical or mental disability.

Alternate Location:  

Nothing herein is intended to override the corporate separateness of local entities. Working relationships discussed herein do not necessarily represent a reporting connection, but may reflect a functional guidance, stewardship, or service relationship. 

Exxon Mobil Corporation has numerous affiliates, many with names that include ExxonMobil, Exxon, Esso and Mobil. For convenience and simplicity, those terms and terms like corporation, company, our, we and its are sometimes used as abbreviated references to specific affiliates or affiliate groups. Abbreviated references describing global or regional operational organizations and global or regional business lines are also sometimes used for convenience and simplicity. Similarly, ExxonMobil has business relationships with thousands of customers, suppliers, governments, and others. For convenience and simplicity, words like venture, joint venture, partnership, co-venturer, and partner are used to indicate business relationships involving common activities and interests, and those words may not indicate precise legal relationships.

Job ID: 106538 


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