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Instrument Technician Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Instrument Technician information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$16

$31

$48

How much do instrument technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrument technician in Riverside, CA is $31.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.33 and $37.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does an instrument tech make?

The average salary for an instrument technician in Louisiana is approximately $50,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience, certifications, and the industry sector. Skilled technicians with certifications in calibration or instrumentation may earn higher wages, especially in industrial or manufacturing environments.

How much do musical technicians make?

Musical technicians, such as instrument technicians, typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Skilled technicians who work with high-end instruments or in professional settings may earn higher salaries and often require knowledge of instrument repair, maintenance, and calibration.

What does an instrumentation technician do?

An instrumentation technician installs, maintains, and repairs control systems and instruments used in industrial processes, such as sensors, gauges, and automation equipment. They interpret technical drawings, use testing tools, and ensure systems operate accurately and safely, often working in manufacturing, power plants, or oil and gas facilities. Certification and knowledge of electrical and electronic systems are typically required.

What do I need to become an Instrument Technician?

To become an Instrument Technician, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with post-secondary training such as an associate degree or technical certification in instrumentation, electronics, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of control systems, calibration, and troubleshooting, and some positions may require industry-specific certifications or apprenticeships.

What is the difference between Instrument Technician vs Instrument Mechanic?

AspectInstrument TechnicianInstrument Mechanic
CertificationsTypically requires technical diploma or certification in instrumentationOften requires similar certifications, sometimes with additional mechanical training
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing, oil & gas facilitiesRefineries, power plants, industrial maintenance
Job FocusInstallation, calibration, troubleshooting of instrumentsMaintenance, repair, and overhaul of instrumentation equipment

Both roles involve working with industrial instruments, but Instrument Technicians focus more on installation and calibration, while Instrument Mechanics emphasize maintenance and repair. They often work together in industrial settings, sharing similar certifications and environments.

What are some typical challenges Instrument Technicians face when working in industrial environments?

Instrument Technicians often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex control systems under time-sensitive conditions, working in environments with strict safety regulations, and adapting to rapidly evolving technology. They may need to coordinate closely with engineers, electricians, and operations teams to ensure accurate calibration and maintenance of instrumentation. Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail are key to efficiently resolving issues and minimizing equipment downtime.

What Does an Instrument Technician Do?

As an instrument technician, or instrumentation control technician, you monitor various mechanical systems, often in a manufacturing plant, and ensure necessary maintenance and repairs are performed on the equipment. Your responsibilities include overseeing the operation of automated industrial equipment and ensuring it is functioning properly. In this position, your job is to ensure maximum safety and productivity for your company through your training and expertise regarding the operating equipment used in your industry. Technicians will have tasks specific to the industry and setting in which they work.

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

To thrive as an Instrument Technician, you need solid knowledge of instrumentation, process control, and electronics, typically backed by a technical diploma or associate degree in instrumentation or a related field. Familiarity with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), calibration tools, and industry standards such as ISA or OSHA certifications is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help technicians excel in diagnosing and repairing complex systems. These skills ensure the safe and efficient operation of industrial equipment, minimizing downtime and supporting operational reliability.

What are Instrument Technicians?

Instrument Technicians are skilled professionals who install, maintain, calibrate, and repair instruments and control systems used in industrial and manufacturing settings. Their work ensures that equipment such as sensors, gauges, and control devices function correctly to maintain safe and efficient operations. Instrument Technicians often work with electronic, pneumatic, and computerized systems, troubleshooting any issues that arise. They play a crucial role in industries like oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, power generation, and manufacturing, where precise measurement and control are essential.
What job categories do people searching Instrument Technician jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Instrument Technician jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Instrument Technician jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Instrument Technician job openings:
Infographic showing various Instrument Technician job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,458 per year, or $31.5 per hour.

WASTEWATER PLANT ELECTRICAL & INSTRUMENT TECHNICIAN I or II

City of Riverside

Riverside, CA • On-site

$57K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 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

13th of 841 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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