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Automation Instrumentation Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The trainee will assist Instrumentation Technicians in all phases of their assigned work. The ... Support Technicians in performing quality assurance checks of automation & process control systems ...

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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 May 29, 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 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 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 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.

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.

More about Automation Instrumentation Technician jobs
Infographic showing various Automation Instrumentation Technician job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $45,556 per year, or $21.9 per hour.
Instrumentation Technician II

Instrumentation Technician II

Prime Controls

Denver, CO โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

About Prime

Introducing Prime Controls, L.P.ย 

Established in 2004, Prime Controls, L.P. is a family-owned Systems Integration and I&C Construction firm dedicated to meeting clients' industrial automation and control requirements. As a Main Automation Contractor, we offer comprehensive solutions, supported by our size,ย expertise, and extensive experience. With a professional team of 1000+ employees, Prime Controls serves customers nationwide from our Dallas, Texasย headquartersย and offices throughout the United States. Our mission is to deliver the highest quality professional services while prioritizing our employees' well-being and fostering an exceptional workplace environment.ย 

Overview

What You Will Do

As an Instrumentation Technician II will perform a variety of troubleshooting and repair services on electronic instrumentation used in the automation of large industrial processes. You will assist with most aspects of system integration projects by identifying parts and components for PLC, network, computer, and software components; programming PLCs and HMIs; testing functionality of program logic and installed equipment; troubleshooting software and systems issues during start-up; developing and assembling required documentation and user manuals created during the development process.

A Typical Day at Prime Controls

  • Performs a variety of instrumentation and automation services, troubleshooting, calibration, installation, testing, and commissioning.
  • Troubleshoots instrumentation functionality and I/O operation.
  • Repair instrumentation, typically involving calibration using a variety of meters and tools.
  • Sets up new instrumentation and calibrates specifications using schematics and drawings.
  • Performs preventive and corrective maintenance of test apparatus and peripheral equipment.
  • Assists with a variety of related installation and maintenance projects for automating large industrial processes.
  • Uses computerized equipment and software to perform testing functions and produce reports.
  • Works with engineers testing and commissioning PLC systems.
  • Travel to customer sites to provide services as required.

What You Will Bring

The Basic

  • 4 Years experience as an instrumentation technician
  • Technical knowledge of the operation of AC and DC drives.
  • A thorough understanding of speed feedback devices theory and operation.
  • An understanding of temperature control and temperature components.
  • A good understanding of PID and control loops.
  • A good understanding of Ethernet communications and connections.
  • Proficient in PLC and HMI systems, including communications drivers and connections, PLC program navigation and controlled manipulation.
  • A thorough understanding of all electrical components and electronic devices.
  • Show an understanding and demonstrate the processes involved in diagnosing defective components, motors, drives and electronic components.
  • Able to demonstrate the ability to use diagnostic equipment.
ย Benefits

What We Offer:ย 

Full-time employees enjoy a great benefits package including, but not limited to:ย 

  • Health, Dental, and Vision coverageย 
  • Salary range: 40-46/hr
  • Flexible Spending Account(s)ย 
  • Generous PTOย 
  • Numerous culture eventsย 
  • ESOP
  • 401k matching and more!ย 
Work Environment & Physical Demands (Text Only)Physical requirements and work environment expectations vary by position. Generally, roles at Prime Controls may involve moderate noise, occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions, and, depending on the role, work at heights or around airborne particles and electrical components. Physical activities may include standing, walking, sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling, as well as the use of hands, arms, and voice communication. Some roles may require lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds. Vision requirements may include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.EEO

Prime Controls is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Veteran/Disabled employer.

As a federal contractor, Prime Controls is required to participate in the federal government's E-Verify program, which confirms employment authorization of all newly hired employees and most existing employees through an electronic database maintained by the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security. For new hires, the E-Verify process is completed in conjunction with the Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification on or before the first day of work. E-Verify is not used as a tool to pre-screen candidates.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME