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Instrument Mechanic Jobs (NOW HIRING)

INSTRUMENT MECHANIC (3843) Clean Water South Conveyance Division, Three (3) positions Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant, Four (4) positions Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant, Ten (10) ...

Instrument Mechanic

Kapolei, HI · On-site

$41.47/hr

Assists the Journey Instrument Worker in the less diverse/complex/difficult work in the installation, alternation, adjustment, maintenance of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic instruments, alarms ...

Instrument Mechanic

Ogden, UT · On-site

$34.72 - $46.43/hr

As an Instrument Mechanic, you will install, repair, calibrate and maintain plant chemical process control equipment, heat treatment furnaces, and other electronic equipment. You will report to the ...

... mechanism and circuitry for defects; troubleshoots equipment in or out of control system and replaces or repairs defective parts, reassembles instrument and tests assembly for conformance with ...

Assists the Journey Instrument Worker in the less diverse/complex/difficult work in the installation, alternation, adjustment, maintenance of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic instruments, alarms ...

... test mechanism and circuitry for defects. * Troubleshoot equipment in or out of control loops and replace or repair defective parts. * Reassemble instrument, test and calibrate assembly for ...

... test mechanism and circuitry for defects. * Troubleshoot equipment in or out of control loops and replace or repair defective parts. * Reassemble instrument, test and calibrate assembly for ...

... test mechanism and circuitry for defects. * Troubleshoot equipment in or out of control loops and replace or repair defective parts. * Reassemble instrument, test and calibrate assembly for ...

... test mechanism and circuitry for defects. * Troubleshoot equipment in or out of control loops and replace or repair defective parts. * Reassemble instrument, test and calibrate assembly for ...

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Instrument Mechanic information

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$25

$34

$55

How much do instrument mechanic jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrument mechanic in the United States is $34.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.64 and $36.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are instrument mechanics?

Instrument mechanics are skilled tradespeople who specialize in installing, calibrating, maintaining, and repairing instruments and control systems used in various industries, such as manufacturing, power generation, and oil and gas. They ensure that devices measuring pressure, temperature, flow, and other variables operate correctly and safely. Their work is essential for process automation and maintaining the efficiency and safety of industrial operations.

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

To thrive as an Instrument Mechanic, you need a strong background in electronics, instrumentation, and process control, usually supported by a technical diploma or apprenticeship. Familiarity with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), calibration equipment, and industrial automation systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for diagnosing issues and collaborating with maintenance teams. These skills are vital to ensure the accurate operation, safety, and reliability of critical industrial equipment.

What are some common challenges Instrument Mechanics face when working with complex automated systems?

Instrument Mechanics often encounter challenges when troubleshooting and maintaining sophisticated automated systems, such as distributed control systems (DCS) and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). These challenges can include diagnosing intermittent faults, integrating new instrumentation with legacy equipment, and ensuring minimal downtime during maintenance. Strong analytical skills and effective communication with engineers, operators, and other maintenance staff are essential for resolving issues quickly and maintaining system reliability. Staying updated on the latest technological advancements also helps Instrument Mechanics adapt to evolving industry standards.

What Is an Instrument Mechanic?

Factories and manufacturing plants utilize many different automated tools and machines that need to be monitored regularly. Instrument mechanics install, repair, and calibrate these types of equipment. In this career, you watch these systems and make adjustments when necessary to ensure the systems operate effectively. Employers prefer to hire candidates with specialized skills, such as the ability to take apart and reassemble instruments. Qualifications include completion of a training program and apprenticeship, or an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in an industry-related field. Some positions may also require licensing or certification.

What is the difference between Instrument Mechanic vs Electrician?

AspectInstrument MechanicElectrician
CredentialsTypically requires technical diploma or apprenticeship in instrumentationRequires electrical trade certification or license
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, oil & gas sitesResidential, commercial, industrial electrical systems
Industry UsageCommonly employed in process control, automation, and manufacturingUsed across construction, maintenance, and electrical installation
Work FocusMaintaining and repairing control instruments and automation systemsInstalling, repairing, and maintaining electrical wiring and systems

While both roles involve technical skills and work in industrial settings, Instrument Mechanics focus on control instruments and automation systems, whereas Electricians handle electrical wiring and systems. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What cities are hiring for Instrument Mechanic jobs? Cities with the most Instrument Mechanic job openings:
What states have the most Instrument Mechanic jobs? States with the most job openings for Instrument Mechanic jobs include:
Infographic showing various Instrument Mechanic job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,059 per year, or $34.2 per hour.
Instrument Mechanic

Instrument Mechanic

City of Los Angeles

New York, NY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


City Of Los Angeles rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 643 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

INSTRUMENT MECHANIC (3843)
Clean Water South Conveyance Division, Three (3) positions
Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant, Four (4) positions
Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant, Ten (10) positions
Los Angeles/Glendale Plant, One (1) position
Terminal Island Water Reclamation Plant, One (1) position
ALL QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION
An Instrument Mechanic performs highly skilled field and shop work in inspecting, troubleshooting, adjusting, calibrating, servicing, maintaining, overhauling, repairing, and testing various automatic controls and indicating and recording instruments and devices; analyzes instrumentation and related system malfunctions to determine necessary repairs; and adjusts programs on instrumentation and controls required to interface with process control computers.
REQUIREMENTS/MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Three years of full-time paid experience as a Steam Plant Assistant with the City of Los Angeles, one year of which shall be as a Steam Plant Assistant "A" in the Instrument Shop or Operations; or
2. Two years of full-time paid experience at the level of Building Operating Engineer with the City of Los Angeles, which provides experience in the operation or maintenance of high temperature boilers or refrigeration equipment with a total capacity of 3,000 tons or more; or
3. Two years of full-time paid experience as an Electrician or Electrical Test Technician (formerly Electrical Tester) with the City of Los Angeles; or
4. Two years of full-time paid instrument mechanic, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) mechanic, or elevator mechanic experience inspecting, adjusting, repairing and testing electronic and/or pneumatic control systems, including transmitting, indicating and recording instruments and controllers at oil refineries, chemical plants, utility or wastewater treatment facilities; or
5. Two years full-time paid experience in instrument mechanic or related fields troubleshooting instrumentation issues using piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), wiring diagrams, loop drawings, associated schematics, and vendor drawings, and working with process control to troubleshoot and/or repair instrument/analyzer control loops, Safety Instrument System inputs/outputs, HVAC & Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC's), and program, service, repair, and maintain instrumentation associated with process controls.
NOTE REGARDING EMERGENCY APPOINTMENT:
When a civil service eligible list does not exist for a class, a Department can fill the vacancy by "Emergency Appointment." A candidate selected for emergency appointment will not gain civil service status rights to the class or position. An emergency appointment is not a regular appointment. It is temporary appointment, which does not require that you successfully compete in the Civil Service examination process. Emergency appointments are subject to the approval of the Personnel Department. The length of an emergency appointment is a maximum of one year, or until the establishment of an eligible list, whichever comes first, and shall be terminated immediately when a regular appointment can be made (City Charter Section 1013). Once the civil service announcement is made, all employees interested in the position, including the individual selected for the emergency appointment, must compete for the position. An emergency appointment does not guarantee selection to fill a permanent/regular position.
METHOD OF EVALUATING CANDIDATES:
Depending on the number of candidates who apply, applications will be reviewed in order to identify candidates whose past and present work experience are most closely related to the position's duties and requirements. Final selection will be based on an oral interview assessing candidates' skills, knowledge, abilities, and personal qualifications. As part of the selection process, interviewers may also contact current and former supervisors and review candidates' personnel folders.
How to apply
HOW TO APPLY:
Candidates interested in applying for these positions must email a City of Los Angeles job application. You can download an application online at: http://per.ci.la.ca.us/Forms/Application.pdf. The application must be scanned and emailed by the application deadline date and time to:
EMAIL: san.jobapplications@lacity.org
The subject line should read:
Instrument Mechanic Emergency Appointment, ATTN: Evelyn
All application materials must be received by Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 4:00 PM
Emergency Appointment
An emergency appointment is not a regular appointment. It is a temporary appointment which does not require that you successfully compete in the Civil Service examination process. The appointment may not exceed one year and must be terminated immediately when a regular appointment can be made from an eligible list. No emergency appointment can exceed one year. (City Charter Section 1013).

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