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Instrument Technician Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Instrument Technician information

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How much do instrument technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 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.

What is an instrument technician?

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 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?

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 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 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.

Are instrument technicians in demand?

Instrument technicians are in demand in industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, and power generation, where they install, maintain, and repair control systems and instrumentation. The job outlook is positive due to ongoing infrastructure upgrades and technological advancements, with opportunities often requiring technical certifications and familiarity with calibration tools. Employment growth varies by region but generally remains steady in sectors reliant on automation and process control.

How much do instrument technicians make in the US?

Instrument technicians in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $85,000 depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled technicians with certifications and experience in calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenance tend to earn higher wages.

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 specialized training or an associate degree in instrumentation, electronics, or a related field. Certification or licensing may be required depending on the industry or location, and strong technical skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with control systems and calibration tools are important for the role.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,458 per year, or $31.5 per hour.

Electrical & Instrumentation Technician I-III (DOQ)

Chino, CA

Inland Empire Utilities Agency
Utilities • 201 - 500 employees

$94K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

THE POSITION: THE OPPORTUNITY: Are you interested in a meaningful career performing a wide range of electrical and instrumentation maintenance. Do you have a passion for supporting essential public services and enhancing the quality of life throughout the Inland Empire. The Inland Empire Utilities Agency is seeking a dedicated Electrical & Instrumentation Technician to help ensure the reliable operation of the Agency's water, wastewater, recycled water, and composting facilities.

As an Electrical & Instrumentation Technician, you'll work with advanced electrical, instrumentation, and process control systems that are critical to the Agency's operations. Working alongside a collaborative team of skilled professionals, you'll install, troubleshoot, maintain, calibrate, and repair a variety of equipment, including motors, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), variable frequency drives (VFDs), instrumentation, and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems. Whether you're beginning your career in the electrical and instrumentation trade or are an experienced technician looking to expand your expertise, this position offers hands-on technical experience, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a lasting impact by supporting the reliable delivery of essential services to the communities we serve.

Successful candidates may be assigned to work at any of the Agency's facilities and/or multiple locations. This position performs electrical and process control instrumentation work in support of the Agency's water, wastewater, recycled water, and composting facilities. Duties may include assisting with or independently performing the construction, installation, testing, calibration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of electrical systems, process control instrumentation systems, motors, machinery, communication systems, computerized control systems, and related equipment.

Depending on the classification and experience level, incumbents may work under direct or general supervision, receive on-the-job training, utilize predictive maintenance tools, and provide technical guidance to lower-level staff. 4/10 work schedule; w/ability to work varying shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, on-call duty and respond to call backs, and may be required to work alone. EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Electrical & Instrumentation Technician I: Graduation from high school or GED equivalent and enrolled in an accredited vocational trade school.

An Electrical & Instrument Technician I may be considered for advancement to Electrical & Instrument Technician II after demonstrating proficiency to perform the full range of duties of the latter class, which includes competency in the maintenance/repair of either electrical or process control systems and obtain an International Society of Automation (ISA) Control Systems Technician Associate or an approved alternative. Proficiency criteria and the process for demonstrating performance at the levels established in the criteria are established jointly by the hiring authority and the Manager of Human Resources and are described in a separate document. Typically, an Electrical & Instrument Technician I is expected to be capable of meeting the proficiency criteria within a 12 to 24-month period, depending on an individual's prior experience and progression in performing the full range of Electrical & Instrument Technician II duties as described in the established performance criteria.

Electrical & Instrumentation Technician II-III: A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is: Electrical & Instrumentation Technician II - Graduation from an accredited vocational trade school, and two years of sub-journey to journey-level experience in the design, installation, maintenance, and repair of complex electrical systems and/or process control instrumentation and related equipment and devices common to a large water works system; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. An Electrical & Instrumentation Technician II may be considered for advancement to Electrical & Instrument Technician III after demonstrating proficiency to perform the full range of duties of the latter class, obtaining the specified licenses, certificates and special requirements of the Electrical & Instrumentation Technician II class as described in the General Unit Memorandum of Understanding. LICENSES; CERTIFICATES; SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: A valid California Class C driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Agency's vehicle insurance program.

Electrical & Instrumentation Technician I Within six (6) months of appointment and during the course of employment obtain and maintain the following: CPR and First Aid Certification Confined Space Certification Approved and qualified use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Forklift Certification In some assignments, the incumbent must possess and maintain one or a combination of the following: California Class A or B driver's license Boom Truck Fixed Cab Operator Certification from the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators Weight Master Certification Within twelve (12) months of hire or promotion obtain: California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Electrical and Instrumentation Technologist Grade 1 Certification. Electrical & Instrumentation Technician II and III Within twelve (12) months of hire, promotion, or advancement and during the course of employment obtain and maintain the following: CPR and First Aid Certification Confined Space Certification Approved and qualified use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Forklift Certification In some assignments, the incumbent must possess and maintain one or a combination of the following: California Class A or B driver's license Boom Truck Fixed Cab Operator Certification from the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators Weight Master Certificate Electrical & Instrumentation Technician II California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Electrical and Instrumentation Technologist Grade 1 Certification required at hire, promotion, or advancement. Within twenty-four (24) months of hire, promotion, or advancement and during the course of employment obtain and maintain: California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Electrical and Instrumentation Technologist Grade 2 Certification Within twelve (12) months of hire, promotion, or advancement and during the course of employment obtain and maintain one of the following: Ultrasound Level 1 Certification Infrared Thermography I Certification International Society of Automation (ISA) Certified Control Systems Technician Associate Certification Electrical & Instrumentation Technician III California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Electrical and Instrumentation Technologist Grade 2 Certification required at hire, promotion, or advancement.

Within twenty-four (24) months of hire, promotion, or advancement and during the course of employment obtain and maintain: California Water Environment Association Electrical and Instrumentation Technologist Grade 3 Certification Within twelve (12) months of hire, promotion, or advancement and during the course of employment obtain and maintain two of the following: Ultrasound Level 1 Certification Infrared Thermography I Certification International Society of Automation (ISA) Certified Control Systems Technician Level 1 Certification. Certified Maintenance Reliability Technician (CMRT) Certification. Certified Maintenance Reliability Professional (CMRP) Certification.

Certified Reliability Leader (CRL) Certification. Skills and Abilities Ability to safely perform electrical and instrumentation work while adhering to established safety policies and procedures, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), lockout/tagout, arc flash, and confined space entry practices. Knowledge of the principles, methods, tools, and equipment used to install, test, calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair electrical systems, process control instrumentation, motors, and related equipment.

Ability to inspect, diagnose, and resolve electrical, instrumentation, and control system malfunctions using diagnostic equipment, technical manuals, and established troubleshooting techniques. Knowledge of programmable logic controllers (PLCs), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, variable frequency drives (VFDs), communication systems, and process control instrumentation used in water, wastewater, recycled water, and composting facilities. Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, blueprints, instrumentation drawings, and technical manuals to perform maintenance, repairs, and equipment installations accurately.

Click the links below to view the full class specification for each position: Electrical & Instrumentation Technician I GU 176 ($45.3770 - $55.2880) Electrical & Instrumentation Technician II GU 179 ($52.5303 - $64.0029) Electrical & Instrumentation Technician III GU 181 ($57.9116 - $70.5597) About Us The Inland Empire Utilities Agency is a regional wastewater treatment agency and wholesale distributor of imported water to approximately 950,000 people across 242-square miles in western San Bernardino County. Under the leadership of a directly elected five-member Board of Directors, the Agency is committed to supporting the needs of its service area and safeguarding public health through significant investments in a diverse water supply portfolio, reliable municipal/industrial wastewater collection and treatment services, and other related utility services in a regionally planned and cost-effective manner. As a member agency of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan), IEUA provides supplemental water supplies, primarily via the State Water Project (SWP) for distribution among nine retail agencies

IEUA also replenishes local groundwater supplies with captured stormwater and recycled water produced by IEUA that is later extracted by local water agencies for use as a drinking water supply. At IEUA, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture that promotes growth, accountability, and collaboration. Our eight organizational attributes are the foundations of our success and guide us in our daily operations.

Safety- We are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for all employees. Continuous Learning and Improvement- Our commitment to professional development ensures that our team members are always equipped with the latest knowledge and skills. Efficiency- We strive to optimize our processes and resources to deliver the highest quality services in the most effective manner.

Collaboration- By leveraging diverse perspectives and expertise, we create innovative solutions and drive our mission forward. Accountability- By owning our responsibilities, following through on our commitments, and doing the right thing when no one is looking, we ensure that we meet our goals and uphold our standards of excellence. Coaching for Performance- Our leaders are committed to providing guidance and support to help team members reach their full potential.

Respect- We value each individual's contributions and treat everyone with dignity and consideration. Employee Engagement- By fostering a sense of belonging and purpose, we ensure that our employees are motivated and invested in our mission. Click the links to learn more about our Agency's Mission, Vision, and Values, including our Strategic Plan.

SELECTION PROCESS: This position is open until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is 11:59 PM on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Applicants that submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment.

This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline. There are multiple vacancies in the Operations & Maintenance Department. This recruitment is being conducted to fill multiple vacancies and will establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur during the active status of the eligibility list.

Salary Range: Electrical & Instrumentation Technician I GU 176 ($45.3770 - $55.2880) Electrical & Instrumentation Technician II GU 179 ($52.5303 - $64.0029) Electrical & Instrumentation Technician III GU 181 ($57.9116 - $70.5597) FLSA: Non-Exempt Probationary Period: 12 months All employment applications will be reviewed for accuracy, completion, relevant experience, education, training and other job-related qualifications. Applicants with the strongest background relating to the responsibilities of this position will be invited to participate in the testing process which may include one or more of the following: written test, oral interview, performance/practical examination. The successful candidate will be required to pass a background/reference check and pre-employment physical examination including a drug screen (for safety sensitive position) at no cost to the candidate

Please visit our website at www.ieua.org and select the Human Resources Department for additional information regarding the Agency, the hiring process and benefit information. Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (909) 993-1645 or hrdept@ieua.org at least 72 hours in advance of the need for accommodation. The Inland Empire Utilities Agency does not sponsor employment visas at the time of hire or during the course of employment

All applicants and employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE. "The Agency's success is obtained by creating a positive and diverse work environment which recognizes individual differences and experiences".