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Entry Level Instrument Technician Jobs in California

Calibration Technician

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$20.76 - $31.14/hr

What You'll Do As a Calibration Technician (entry level), you support accurate measurement and test ... next instrument in queue. Benefits Package Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage; Life Insurance;

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

As much as ninety (90%) percent of the time is spent performing routine tasks requiring entry level ... Recognizes basic problems in test methodology and instrument function, initiates corrective actions ...

Calibration Technician

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$23.25 - $31.75/hr

What You'll Do As a Calibration Technician (entry level), you support accurate measurement and test ... next instrument in queue. Benefits Package Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage; Life Insurance;

Calibration Technician

Oxnard, CA

$23.25 - $31.75/hr

What You'll DoAs a Calibration Technician (entry level), you support accurate measurement and test ... for the next instrument in queue.Benefits PackageMedical, Dental, and Vision coverage; Life ...

Calibration Technician

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$20.76 - $31.14/hr

What You'll DoAs a Calibration Technician (entry level), you support accurate measurement and test ... for the next instrument in queue.Benefits PackageMedical, Dental, and Vision coverage; Life ...

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Entry Level Instrument Technician information

See California salary details

$15

$29

$46

How much do entry level instrument technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level instrument technician in California is $29.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.03 and $35.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are instrument technicians in demand?

Instrument technicians are in demand in industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, and utilities, where they install, maintain, and repair control systems and instrumentation. The job outlook is positive due to ongoing infrastructure upgrades and technological advancements, with many positions requiring technical skills and certifications. Employment opportunities are expected to grow steadily as industries continue to rely on precise instrumentation for operations.

What is the difference between Entry Level Instrument Technician vs Instrument Technician?

AspectEntry Level Instrument TechnicianInstrument Technician
CertificationsBasic technical certifications, such as OSHA safety trainingAdvanced certifications like ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)
Work EnvironmentEntry-level roles in industrial plants, manufacturing, or energy facilitiesMore experienced roles in similar environments, often with increased responsibilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with installation, calibration, and maintenance of instrumentsPerforming complex troubleshooting, calibration, and repairs of instrumentation systems

The main difference between an Entry Level Instrument Technician and an Instrument Technician lies in experience, certifications, and responsibilities. Entry level roles focus on learning and assisting with basic tasks, while Instrument Technicians handle more complex maintenance and troubleshooting tasks in industrial settings.

How much do instrument techs get paid?

Entry-level instrument technicians typically earn between $40,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the industry sector. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, such as calibration or troubleshooting, and may include overtime or shift differentials in industrial environments.

What types of training or mentorship can an Entry Level Instrument Technician expect during the first year on the job?

As an Entry Level Instrument Technician, you can typically expect a combination of on-the-job training and formal instruction during your first year. You'll often work under the supervision of experienced technicians or engineers who will guide you through essential tasks like calibrating, maintaining, and troubleshooting instrumentation systems. Many employers also offer safety training and technical workshops to help you develop specific skills related to the instruments and equipment used in their facility. Regular feedback and mentorship are common, helping you build confidence and proficiency as you progress in your role.

How to get into instrumentation technician?

To become an entry-level instrumentation technician, obtain a high school diploma or equivalent, then pursue relevant post-secondary training such as a technical certificate or associate degree in instrumentation, electrical, or control systems. Gaining hands-on experience through apprenticeships or on-the-job training and obtaining certifications like the ISA Certified Control Systems Technician can improve job prospects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Instrument Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Instrument Technician, you need a basic understanding of electronics, instrumentation, and process control, usually supported by a relevant associate degree or technical certification. Familiarity with calibration tools, diagnostic equipment, and industry-specific software like PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers) systems is often required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help set candidates apart. These competencies are crucial for ensuring accurate equipment performance, minimizing downtime, and supporting safe, efficient plant operations.

What does an Entry Level Instrument Technician do?

An Entry Level Instrument Technician is responsible for assisting in the installation, maintenance, calibration, and repair of instrumentation and control systems used in industrial settings such as manufacturing plants, refineries, or power plants. Their duties often include working with sensors, transmitters, controllers, and other equipment to ensure processes run safely and efficiently. Under supervision, they may also help troubleshoot issues and document maintenance activities, gaining practical experience to advance in the field.

How hard is an instrumentation technician?

An instrumentation technician role involves working with complex control systems, troubleshooting, and maintaining instruments used in industrial processes. It requires technical skills, attention to detail, and often some certification or training, but the job is generally accessible to entry-level workers willing to learn and develop their skills.
What are the most commonly searched types of Instrument Technician jobs in California? The most popular types of Instrument Technician jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Instrument Technician jobs in California? For Entry Level Instrument Technician jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Instrument Technician jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Instrument Technician jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Instrument Technician jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Instrument Technician job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Instrument Technician job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,921 per year, or $29.8 per hour.
WASTEWATER PLANT ELECTRICAL & INSTRUMENT TECHNICIAN I or II

WASTEWATER PLANT ELECTRICAL & INSTRUMENT TECHNICIAN I or II

City of Riverside

Riverside, CA

$57K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


City Of Riverside (California) rating

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 832 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

The Position The City of Riverside is accepting applications for the position of WASTEWATER PLANT ELECTRICAL & INSTRUMENT TECHNICIAN I or II to fill one (1) vacancy in the Sewer Electrical Instrument Division of the Public Works Department. The eligibility list established may be used to fill the current and/or upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to six (6) months. The ideal candidate(s) will have experience in process controls such as maintaining and repairing complex electrical and electronic operational controls, recording, alarm systems and variable speed pump control equipment.

Additionally, the best candidate(s) will have experience in the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of PLCs throughout the plant and collections lift station system network. Finally, the top candidate will have experience in analytical equipment such as residual, D.O., PH, conductivity, and turbidity and like equipment. The Wastewater Plant Electrical & Instrument Technician I or II performs skilled work on electrical and Instrumentation of all equipment in a wastewater treatment plant and collections system

Works on any day, swing, or graveyard shift or on standby and performs related work as required. Wastewater Plant Electrical & Instrument Technician I $80,160.00 - $97,452.00 Annually This is the entry level class in the wastewater plant electrical & instrumentation technician series. For a full description of the Wastewater Plant Electrical & Instrument Technician I position, please click here

Wastewater Plant Electrical & Instrument Technician II $92,112.00 - $111,936.00 Annually This is the advanced class in the Wastewater Plant Electrical & Instrument Technician series. For a full description of the Wastewater Plant Electrical & Instrument Technician II position, please click here. ***MUST BE AVAILABLE TO WORK ALL SHIFTS*** City Council Approved and scheduled COLA adjustments: 4.5% increase to base salary, effective the first pay period following July 1, 2027 Work Performed Typical duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Installs, maintains, and services, wire, relays, pull boxes, switchboards, and switches in making additions, extensions, or alterations in electrical systems

Maintains, repairs, and replaces more complex and challenging electrical and electronic equipment, including motor, and pumps, generators, controllers, switchboards, switches and electronic boards, circuitry, analyzers, samplers, and other related components. Performs technical troubleshooting, testing, locating, and repairing defects in electrical and electronic circuits, signals, fiber optics, and electrical gear up to 4160 volts. Uses, operates, and applies a variety of electrical diagnostic and test equipment.

Troubleshoots, identifies, and addresses problems in electrical and electronic systems, reading and interpreting blueprints, wire diagrams and schematics, and utilizing a variety of test equipment. Tests, cleans, repairs, rebuilds, and calibrates metering equipment; reprograms and maintains microprocessor and instrumentation systems and equipment. Maintains and repairs the more complex electrical and electronic operational controls, recording, alarm systems and variable speed pump control equipment.

Maintains, repairs, and troubleshoots PLC's throughout the plant and collections lift station system network; troubleshoots analytical equipment such as residual, D.O., PH, conductivity, and turbidity and like equipment. Participates and assists with other general plant and facility maintenance activities. Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications Recruitment Guidelines Wastewater Plant Electrical & Instrument Technician I: Education: High School graduation or satisfactory equivalent (GED); supplemental education or certificate program in electronics preferred. Experience: One (1) year experience in electrical and electronic instrumentation system installation, maintenance and repair involving water or wastewater plant treatment processes. Necessary Special Requirement for Wastewater Plant Electrical & Instrument Technician I: Licenses and Certifications: Possession of a valid appropriate Class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

Possession of a CWEA Wastewater Electrical & Instrumentation Grade I certification within 12 months of hire date. Recruitment Guidelines for Wastewater Plant Electrical & Instrument Technician II: Education: High School graduation or satisfactory equivalent (GED), supplemented by completion of a certificate program in electronics. Experience: Three (3) years of full-time experience in the more complex electrical and instrumentation systems in installation, maintenance, and repair, preferably involving water or wastewater plant treatment processes.

Necessary Special Requirement for Wastewater Plant Electrical & Instrument Technician II: Licenses and Certifications: Possession of a valid appropriate Class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Possession of a CWEA Wastewater Electrical & Instrumentation Grade I certification. Must have the ability to obtain a CWEA Electrical and Instrumentation Technician Grade II certification within 12 months of hire date or promotion.

Highly Desirable Qualification(s): Experience in Process Controls Experience in Analytical Equipment Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Work is done inside and outside in the field with exposure to inclement weather, hazards, chemicals, equipment, construction materials, wastewater, electronic hazards, and fumes. Employees may interact with staff and/or public and private representatives and will provide professional customer service. Selection Process DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION: 1) Completed Employment Application 2) Completed Supplemental Questionnaire PLEASE NOTE: THE CERTIFICATION REQUIRED MUST BE SCANNED AND ATTACHED TO THE ONLINE APPLICATION.

THE SYSTEM WILL NOT ALLOW AN APPLICATION TO BE SUBMITTED WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ATTACHMENT. FOR DIRECTIONS ON ATTACHING A DOCUMENT TO AN ON-LINE APPLICATION, OR GENERAL INFORMATION ON COMPLETING YOUR ON-LINE APPLICATION, CLICK HERE: (Application Guide). IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SCHEDULING ASSESSMENTS: If you are selected to move forward in the assessment process, you may be required to self-schedule your appointment.

You will be notified via email of your status and provided with self-scheduling instructions. Please check your email regularly following the closing date of this recruitment. The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process.

This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification. It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment.

Appointment may be subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation, drug screen, and/or medical/physical examination. NOTE: The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Proof of education listed in your application will be requested at the time of conditional offer. Acceptable documentation consists of transcripts or degree, if applicable, by the accredited U.S. college or university

Education obtained outside the United States (US) require one of the following options: An equivalency statement from an evaluation company certified by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) at Members - NACES or the Association of International Credential Evaluators Inc. (AICE) at http://aice-eval.org/members/. An advanced-level degree from an accredited US college or university

All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.


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