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Instrument Apprentice Jobs in Louisiana (NOW HIRING)

calumet

Maintenance I (SPLA)

Shreveport, LA · On-site

Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior technicians and apprentices * Interpret and utilize: * Loop diagrams * P&IDs * Instrument datasheets and specifications * Ensure compliance with ...

Bilfinger

I&E Technicians

Broussard, LA

High school diploma/GED and completion of a craft apprenticeship, equivalent number of years of ... Should be able to install tubing and assist the instrument technician in normal duties. * Knowledge ...

Bilfinger

I&E Technicians

Broussard, LA · On-site

High school diploma/GED and completion of a craft apprenticeship, equivalent number of years of ... Should be able to install tubing and assist the instrument technician in normal duties. * Knowledge ...

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All JobsInstrument Apprentice JobsInstrument Apprentice Jobs in Louisiana

Instrument Apprentice information

See Louisiana salary details

$18

$27

$33

How much do instrument apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrument apprentice in Louisiana is $27.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.66 and $31.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Instrument Apprentice vs Instrument Technician?

AspectInstrument ApprenticeInstrument Technician
Required CredentialsTypically high school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingOften requires technical diploma or certification in instrumentation
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, industrial plants, manufacturing facilitiesIndustrial plants, maintenance departments, field service
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level role in manufacturing, oil & gas, utilitiesSkilled role for maintaining and repairing instrumentation systems

The main difference is that an Instrument Apprentice is in training, gaining skills and experience, while an Instrument Technician is a trained professional responsible for maintaining and repairing instrumentation systems. Apprenticeship programs prepare individuals for a career as an Instrument Technician, who typically has more responsibilities and technical expertise.

What is an instrument apprentice?

Instrument Apprentices are entry-level workers who assist in the installation, maintenance, and repair of various instruments and control systems used in industries such as manufacturing, power generation, and processing plants. They work under the supervision of experienced instrument technicians or engineers, learning to handle tools, read technical diagrams, and understand instrumentation principles. The apprenticeship typically combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction to develop the necessary skills for a career as an instrument technician.

What are some typical challenges instrument apprentices face during their training period?

Instrument Apprentices often encounter challenges such as learning to interpret complex technical diagrams, understanding the intricacies of various instrumentation systems, and adapting to strict safety protocols in industrial environments. Additionally, apprentices must quickly develop hands-on skills while working under the supervision of experienced technicians, which can be demanding but highly rewarding. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as apprentices frequently collaborate with engineers, electricians, and other trades to troubleshoot and maintain equipment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instrument apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Instrument Apprentice, you need a solid understanding of basic electronics, instrumentation, and safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with tools such as multimeters, calibration devices, and relevant software like PLC programming systems is typically required. Attention to detail, a strong willingness to learn, and effective teamwork are important soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of instrumentation systems, which are critical for operational safety and efficiency.

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

The most popular types of Instrument jobs in Louisiana are:

What cities in Louisiana are hiring for Instrument Apprentice jobs?

Cities in Louisiana with the most Instrument Apprentice job openings:

Instrument Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrument Apprentice job openings in Louisiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% As Needed, and 83% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,619 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

Maintenance I (SPLA)

calumet

Shreveport, LA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Position Summary:

The Level 1 Instrumentation Technician (Mastery Level) is a highly skilled professional responsible for the installation, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of complex instrumentation and control systems across refinery operations. This role serves as a technical authority, ensuring the reliability and accuracy of critical process measurements and control systems, while providing leadership and mentorship to other technicians and contractors.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Independently troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair complex instrumentation and control systems, including:
    • Pressure, temperature, flow, and level transmitters
    • Control valves and positioners
    • Analyzers (process and environmental)
    • Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and PLC field interfaces
  • Perform precision calibration and configuration of field instruments
  • Lead and execute instrumentation work during turnarounds, outages, and critical repairs
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior technicians and apprentices
  • Interpret and utilize:
    • Loop diagrams
    • P&IDs
    • Instrument datasheets and specifications
  • Ensure compliance with all safety and operational procedures, including:
    • Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
    • Process safety management (PSM) requirements
    • Hazardous area classifications (Class I, Div 1 & 2)
    • Diagnose and resolve control loop and process control issues
  • Support advanced control strategies and optimization efforts
  • Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on instrumentation systems
  • Participate in root cause failure analysis (RCFA) and incident investigations
  • Oversee and verify quality of contractor instrumentation work

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Completion of an Instrumentation/Controls apprenticeship, technical program, or equivalent experience
  • Significant experience in industrial or refinery instrumentation

Required Skills & Competencies:

  • Advanced knowledge of:
    • Process instrumentation and measurement principles
    • Control systems (DCS/PLC) and loop tuning fundamentals
    • Signal types (4–20 mA, HART, Foundation Fieldbus, etc.)
    • Control valves, actuators, and positioners
    • Electrical fundamentals related to instrumentation
  • Demonstrated ability to:
    • Troubleshoot complex control and instrumentation issues independently
    • Interpret process conditions and relate them to instrumentation performance
    • Lead jobs and coordinate with operations, maintenance, and engineering
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Hazardous area requirements
    • Industry standards and best practices
    • Effective leadership, communication, and mentoring skills

Physical & Work Environment:

  • Ability to work in refinery conditions including:
    • Elevated structures and confined spaces
    • Exposure to extreme temperatures and industrial hazards
  • Ability to wear required PPE, including FR clothing and respiratory protection as needed

Preferred Qualifications:

  • NCCER Instrumentation certification or equivalent
  • Experience with specific DCS/PLC platforms (e.g., Honeywell, Emerson, Yokogawa, Allen-Bradley)
  • Working knowledge of analyzer systems and advanced process control (APC)
  • Experience with CMMS systems (e.g., SAP)

Role Expectations (Mastery Level):

  • Works independently with minimal supervision
  • Recognized as a subject matter expert in instrumentation and control systems
  • Leads troubleshooting of critical process issues impacting production and safety
  • Coaches and develops less experienced technicians
  • Drives reliability improvements and instrumentation best practices
  • Ensures precision, accuracy, and compliance in all work performed

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