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Entry Level Instrumentation Technician Jobs in Arkansas

Entry Level Instrumentation Technician information

See Arkansas salary details

$12

$24

$38

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

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level instrumentation technician in Arkansas is $24.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.28 and $29.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level instrumentation technician do?

An Entry Level Instrumentation Technician assists in installing, maintaining, and repairing instruments and control systems used to monitor and regulate engineering processes. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced technicians and may calibrate sensors, troubleshoot equipment, and document their work. This role is common in industries like manufacturing, oil and gas, or utilities, and provides valuable hands-on experience with technical systems. The position often serves as a stepping stone to more advanced instrumentation or electrical roles.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for an entry level instrumentation technician?

As an Entry Level Instrumentation Technician, your daily tasks often include performing routine maintenance and calibration of instruments, assisting senior technicians with troubleshooting equipment issues, and documenting test results. You may work with various measurement devices used in industries like manufacturing, energy, or pharmaceuticals, ensuring that they operate within required specifications. Collaboration with engineers and other technicians is common, especially when diagnosing problems or implementing new equipment, providing valuable hands-on learning opportunities as you build your expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level instrumentation technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Instrumentation Technician, you need a basic understanding of electrical and mechanical systems, strong problem-solving skills, and at least a high school diploma or technical certification in instrumentation or a related field. Familiarity with calibration tools, digital multimeters, process control systems, and industry safety standards is typically required. Attention to detail, a willingness to learn, and effective communication skills help individuals excel in this role. These competencies ensure accurate equipment maintenance, safe operations, and reliable support for engineering teams in industrial settings.

What is the difference between Entry Level Instrumentation Technician vs Entry Level Electrical Technician?

AspectEntry Level Instrumentation TechnicianEntry Level Electrical Technician
Required CertificationsBasic instrumentation or electrical certifications, such as OSHA safety trainingElectrical certifications, such as OSHA safety training, and possibly basic electrical licenses
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, process industriesConstruction sites, manufacturing plants, maintenance facilities
Employer & Industry UsageOil & gas, chemical, water treatment, manufacturingConstruction, maintenance, manufacturing, utilities

Entry Level Instrumentation Technicians and Entry Level Electrical Technicians often share similar certifications and work environments, especially in industrial settings. However, instrumentation technicians focus more on control systems and sensors, while electrical technicians handle broader electrical systems. Both roles are essential in maintaining industrial operations and often overlap in skills and industry usage.

Is an entry level instrumentation technician in high demand?

Entry level instrumentation technicians are in high demand due to the need for skilled workers in industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, and utilities. Strong knowledge of control systems, troubleshooting, and certifications can improve job prospects, and employment opportunities are expected to grow as infrastructure and automation projects expand.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Instrumentation Technician jobs in Arkansas?

For Entry Level Instrumentation Technician jobs in Arkansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Instrumentation Technician jobs in Arkansas look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Instrumentation Technician jobs in Arkansas are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Instrumentation Technician job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,882 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing)

Little Rock, AR • On-site

$40K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Medical Supply Technician (Sterile Processing) for Veterans Health Administration (VHA) are part of the Central Arkansas Veterans Health Care System and primarily located at the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas but also includes a location at the Eugene J. Towbin Healthcare Center in North Little Rock, Arkansas.Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • English Language Proficiency. MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part.
  • Experience. Six months of experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work; or
  • Education. One year above high school that included at least 6 semester hours in health care related courses such as sterile processing, nursing assistant, hospital corpsman, and operating room and surgical technician courses or other courses related to the position; or
  • Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable.
  • Certification. None.
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations:GS-03 (Entry Level) (a) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements.
GS-04 (Developmental Level) (a)Experience. Six months experience as a MST, operating room or surgical technician or other position that demonstrated knowledge of sterile processing in a clinical setting; or (b)Education. Two years of education above high school that included at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation. NOTE: Successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or nursing assistants obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces, the U.S. Maritime Service, or hospitals under close medical and professional supervision, may be substituted on a month-for-month basis for up to 6 months of experience.
(c)Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below:
1. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.
2. Basic knowledge of medical terminology in order to assemble specialty operating room/clinic instrument sets.
3. Basic knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.
4. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
GS-05 (Developmental Level)(a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level; or (b) Education. Four academic years above high school leading to a Bachelor's degree with at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the occupation or a Bachelor's degree.
(c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Basic knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings
2. Basic knowledge of event-related packaging in regards to sterility.
3. Knowledge of sterilization and cleaning equipment.
GS-06 (Full Performance Level)(a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Knowledge of surgical instruments used in operating rooms and clinic settings.
2. Knowledge of universal precautions for safety and prevention of cross contamination.
3. Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical conditions and procedures.
4. Knowledge of sterility principles in regards to instrumentation.
5. Ability to read and interpret written instructions and procedures.
Preferred Experience:
1. Ability to instruct staff on the correct procedures and protocols or completing assignments.
2. Skill in communicating with staff to ensure compliance with written directives, rules and regulation.
3. Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employee, team leader and managers.
4. Knowledge of sterility principles in order to instruct staff on decontamination procedures.
5. Knowledge of reprocessing machines in all areas of Sterile Processing Area.
6. Ability to lead individuals, manage priorities, and schedule work assignments.
7. Able to meet the needs of customer while supporting VA Mission.
8. Able to maintain a courteous, tactful and respectful attitude with customer(s).
9. Able to handle conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06.The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06.
Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.
Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.Education:Employment Type: OTHER